The Best Types of Tapes and Labels for the Food Industry: A Complete Guide

In food production, packaging, and distribution, the right tape and label solutions aren’t just about sticking things together, they enable traceability, protect products, and communicate critical handling information. Below, we explore some of the best types of tapes and labels, inspired by real-world product lines, suited for diverse food-industry applications.

1. Polypropylene (BOPP) Packaging Tape

Why it matters:
Polypropylene tape is a workhorse in packaging: it's strong, cost-efficient, and offers reliable adhesion. In food logistics, it’s ideal for sealing corrugated cases, shipping boxes, and storage containers.

Key Variants & Features:

• Standard-grade Poly Tape (e.g., “650X”):

  • Economical choice with good shear strength.

  • Abrasion-, moisture-, and chemical-resistant.

  • Roughly 30 µm thickness.

• Cold-Temperature Poly Tape (e.g., “660X”):

  • Maintains tackiness at low temperatures, making it suitable for refrigerated or frozen storage.

  • Excellent for produce, dairy, meat, or other cold-chain applications.

• Higher-Strength Poly Tape (e.g., “750X”):

  • Heavier film, more durable, and better tear resistance.

  • Useful when sealing heavier or more valuable packages.

• Colored BOPP Tape (e.g., black):

  • Useful for color-coding in a warehouse or production line.

  • Has strong adhesion and clean finish.

2. Acrylic Tape

Why it matters:
Acrylic-based tape is particularly well-suited for long-term, secure sealing, especially when clarity matters (e.g., over labels or barcodes). It’s stable in a wide temperature range and chemically resistant.

Key Uses & Strengths:

• Crystal-clear appearance helps when covering printed labels.

• Performs well under both cold and warm conditions.

• Some variants can be directly printed with alcohol-based inks for barcodes or batch codes (without pre-treatment).

In a food context, this is ideal for long-term storage boxes or containers where traceability labels must remain visible.

3. Tamper-Evident / Security Tape

Why it matters:
Tamper-evident tape is a powerful way to ensure package integrity. If someone tries to open a sealed container, the tape clearly indicates it’s been tampered with.

Features to Look For:

• “Void / Opened” messaging appears when the tape is peeled off.

• Residue is left behind and very difficult to remove, making tampering obvious.

• Resistant to extreme temperatures, so it can be used on refrigerated or room-temperature shipments.

• Custom visible and hidden messages may be added (e.g., serial numbers or company branding) for additional security.

In food distribution, this helps secure sealed food packs, meal kits, or compliance-sensitive orders.

4. Safety / Handling Labels

Labels that clearly communicate handling instructions help maintain product safety, reduce waste, and prevent damage. Here are a few label types that are especially valuable in food operations:

• “Heavy – Lifting Box” Labels:
  These warn handlers that a package is heavy, reducing risk of injury or damage. 

  • Adhesive is rated for very low and high temperatures (e.g., from –54 °C to 93 °C).

  • Large-format labels (e.g., 4″ x 6″) ensure visibility.

• “Do Not Fold” Labels:
  These are useful for items that must stay flat (like recipe cards, menus, laminated inserts, or packaging).

  • Also built with all-temperature adhesive.

  • Helps avoid creasing or damage in storage or transit.

• “Made in Canada / Fabriqué au Canada” Bilingual Labels:
  These can be especially relevant for food brands that want to highlight their origin or satisfy bilingual labeling compliance.

  • Semi-gloss finish.

  • Adhesive works down to –29 °C and up to high service temps.

5. Equipment: Tape Dispensers

Efficiency on the production or packaging line matters. One example of a tool that streamlines tape use is a multi-track tape dispenser:

• A 3″-wide metal base dispenser can hold either one wide roll or three narrower ones.

• Designed for high-volume application, helping packaging teams move fast and reduce waste.

How to Match These Products to Food-Industry Needs

When selecting tape and label solutions for food operations, consider:

Final Thoughts

In food packaging and processing, choosing the right combination of tapes and labels can make a big difference, not only in ensuring safety and compliance but also in streamlining operations and reducing waste. By leveraging specialized tape types (such as cold-temperature polypropylene or acrylic) and clearly visible, durable labels (for weight, handling, origin), food businesses can strengthen their traceability, brand image, and operational resilience.

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