Conclusion: Yes. When BOPP colored tape is stored for a long time, the color may fade, yellow, or become mottled, and its adhesive strength will also decrease over time; however, the extent of this decline depends primarily on the storage environment, the adhesive type, and the printing process.
Shelf Life and Common Changes
Standard BOPP colored tape can typically be stored for 6 to 12 months in a cool, dry place away from light, while higher-quality colored tape can last for 1 to 2 years.
Common issues that arise after the expiration date include: discoloration, loss of color saturation, the adhesive layer drying out and hardening, difficulty unrolling the film, or the edges peeling up easily after application.
Fading is primarily caused by exposure to light and ink.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a key factor causing BOPP colored tape to fade, and direct sunlight accelerates the aging of both the pigments and the substrate.
If this type of tape is left for long periods near windows, in open-air warehouses, or on shelves exposed to strong light, the colored side is more likely to turn white or gray; when stored in its original, sealed packaging away from light, the color stability is significantly better.
The decrease in tack is related to the aging of the adhesive layer.
BOPP tape typically uses an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive; the longer it is stored, the more likely the adhesive layer is to oxidize, harden, or crystallize.
Under certain conditions, colored adhesive tape may appear to have adhesive but fail to stick properly, a problem that is particularly noticeable in high-temperature, high-humidity environments or when the tape is stored under prolonged pressure.
The data and test results are provided for reference.
According to the aging resistance test method for adhesive tapes, after 72 hours of aging at 70°C, the peel strength retention rate is typically required to be no less than 85% of the initial value; this can be used to roughly evaluate long-term stability.
However, in actual storage conditions, if the temperature exceeds 35°C, the relative humidity is higher than 70%, or the product is exposed to sunlight for an extended period, the rate of adhesive strength decline will be faster than under standard test conditions.
Adhesive quantity and recommended shelf life.
Inventory management should follow the “first-in, first-out” principle. At room temperature, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 15–25°C and a relative humidity of 40%–60%. Store the product upright in its original packaging, away from light.
If used for box sealing, labeling, or printing on outer packaging, batches that have been in storage for more than 6 months should first undergo a small-scale test application to confirm that the color and adhesion meet the application requirements before being put into mass production.
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?
