OPP colored tape is made of biaxially oriented polypropylene film, which does not “tear easily” when pulled normally. However, if the tape is of poor quality, too thin, has knife marks along the edges, or has become brittle due to aging, it can easily tear along the edges with a quick pull.
Let's first look at tensile strength and elongation at break
To assess toughness, the two key parameters to consider are tensile strength and elongation at break. The tensile strength of standard BOPP/OPP packaging tape typically ranges from 30 to 50 N/cm; if it falls below this range, the tape is more likely to break.
The elongation at break generally ranges from 130% to 180%; if it is too low, the film is too brittle, while if it is too high, the film may be too soft. For example, the 0.10 mm-thick Jinshijin colored OPP tape has a tensile strength of 166.7 N/25 mm and an elongation at break of approximately 160%, making it significantly more durable than standard thin varieties.
Thickness determines tensile strength
The thicker the OPP tape, the better its tensile strength and tear resistance tend to be. Standard packaging tapes typically have a total thickness of 45–55 μm, with the base film commonly ranging from 38 to 50 μm. For lightweight boxes used in office settings, 40–45 μm is generally sufficient; for e-commerce shipments and heavier cardboard boxes, we recommend choosing 50 μm or thicker; for extra-heavy boxes, long-distance transport, or machine sealing, opt for the thicker 55 μm or higher variants.
Inspect the adhesive layer and the quality of the winding
Toughness depends not only on the film itself, but also on whether the adhesive is applied evenly and whether the roll is tightly wound. If the adhesive layer is too thin, the tape is likely to curl up at the edges when applied; if the roll is loosely wound, the tape is more likely to break when pulled.
You can compare the weight of a full roll with the same specifications; if it is too light, it may indicate insufficient length or a thinner film. When purchasing in bulk, we recommend asking the manufacturer to provide data on the base film thickness, adhesive application amount, and tensile strength, and to first obtain a sample for a tensile test.
Simple Self-Test: Pull, Stick, Tear
After receiving the sample, first gently stretch a small section to see if it stretches evenly rather than snapping suddenly. Then, attach it to a cardboard box or glass and pull gently to see whether the adhesive layer peels off first or the substrate cracks first.
Neat edges with no fraying or thread pulling indicate that the base material and slitting quality are relatively consistent. If the material tears along the teeth when pulled, it is most likely due to scratches from a sharp object or insufficient tensile strength.
Here's How to Make Safer Choices When Purchasing
For everyday box sealing, choose colored OPP tape measuring 48 mm × 100 m with a total thickness of at least 50 μm, which balances durability and cost. For heavy cargo or long-distance shipping, we recommend increasing the thickness to at least 55 μm and requesting test data showing a tensile strength of ≥30 N/cm.
Before placing a bulk order, it is recommended that you confirm technical specifications such as width, film thickness, and adhesive thickness to avoid focusing solely on color or unit price. This will ensure that the colored OPP tape you select is less likely to tear during application or when sealing boxes.
relative product infomation
- Does the color of OPP colored tape fade, and how long does it retain its color when used outdoors?
- Does ordinary colored tape leave adhesive residue on the surface of an object when it is removed?
- Can you write on BOPP colored tape by hand? Will the writing come off easily?
- Do OPP colored tapes of different colors vary in terms of adhesive strength and tensile strength?
- How do I choose a type of OPP colored tape that is tough and resistant to breaking?
