Low Noise Packing Tape: Colours, Sizes & Best Options

Why Noisy Packing Tape Hurts Office Productivity

The high-pitched screech of traditional packing tape is more than just an annoyance-it's a documented productivity killer. The impact goes beyond momentary distraction. Each noise interruption takes approximately 23 minutes for workers to regain full concentration on complex tasks. 

In shipping departments or mailrooms processing dozens of packages daily, traditional noisy tape can cause cumulative productivity losses of hours across teams. This is particularly problematic during busy shipping periods when package volume increases.

Additionally, constant exposure to jarring noises contributes to workplace stress and fatigue. Employees working in consistently noisy environments report higher levels of irritability, headaches, and decreased job satisfaction. 

By simply switching to low-noise alternatives, companies can create more comfortable work environments while maintaining packaging efficiency. 

What Makes Low-Noise Packing Tape Different

The Science Behind Noise Reduction

The science of noise reduction in packing tape centres around managing friction and adhesion at a molecular level. Traditional packing tape creates noise when the adhesive microscopically tears away from the backing film during unwinding-each tiny separation creates vibration that collectively produces the characteristic screech. 

Low-noise formulations modify the adhesive's polymer chains, enabling cleaner, more uniform separation. Manufacturers achieve this by adjusting the adhesive's viscoelastic properties. By carefully balancing the adhesive's cohesion (internal strength) and adhesion (sticking power), they create a formula that maintains strong sealing capability while releasing more gradually from the roll. 

The polymer molecular weight and cross-linking density are precisely calibrated to achieve this balance. 

Acrylic vs. Hot Melt Adhesive

Acrylic adhesives represent the gold standard for low-noise tape applications, offering significantly quieter operation than traditional hot melt alternatives. Unlike hot-melt adhesives, which form a solid bond through cooling, acrylics form a bond through gentle pressure and surface contact. 

This fundamental difference in adhesion mechanism results in much smoother unwinding characteristics and dramatically reduced noise levels. The performance advantages of acrylic adhesives extend beyond noise reduction. 

They offer superior ageing resistance, maintaining their properties for years without yellowing or becoming brittle. Acrylic formulations also perform consistently across a wider temperature range, making them ideal for packages that might encounter variable storage conditions.

Film Thickness & Noise Level Correlation

The thickness of the polypropylene film plays a crucial role in determining how quiet the packing tape is during application. Generally, thicker tapes (45–50 μm) tend to produce more noise than thinner ones (30–35 μm) because they require more force to separate from the roll. 

However, this relationship isn't entirely linear-tape engineered for low-noise operation can overcome some of these thickness-related challenges. Engineers have discovered that controlling the crystalline structure of the polypropylene film can significantly impact noise generation.

By manipulating polymer orientation during manufacturing, some premium 35 μm tapes achieve noise levels comparable to those of much thinner films while maintaining the necessary tensile strength. This specialised manufacturing process creates a more uniform unwinding experience with minimal acoustic disruption.

Top 3 Low-Noise Packing Tapes for Office Use

1. ProLoc Low Noise Brown Tape (48mm x 66M) 

The ProLoc Low Noise Brown Tape 45mu thickness is significantly thicker than standard polypropylene tape (38-40mu), providing superior durability while maintaining low noise operation. Manufactured with additional glue, this tape offers excellent adhesion on various cardboard qualities, including recycled materials that often challenge lesser tapes.

The 66-metre length offers excellent value for high-volume operations, requiring fewer roll changes than standard 50-metre alternatives. ProLoc branded tape is specifically designed for industrial and e-commerce use, making it ideal for larger users and fast-paced environments. 

2. ProLoc Low Noise Clear Packaging Tape (48mm x 66M) 

Available in standard 48mm x 66M rolls, the ProLoc Low Noise Clear Tape has a crystal-clear finish that makes it ideal for retail operations where package appearance matters as much as secure sealing. The tape's premium 45mu thickness, combined with additional glue, ensures packages remain sealed throughout shipping while allowing for clean removal when customers open their deliveries.

This clear variant maintains the same excellent noise reduction characteristics as its brown counterpart, with specialised unwinding properties that eliminate the disruptive screech familiar to standard clear tapes. 

For businesses requiring wider coverage, Globe Packaging also offers a 72mm x 66M (3" wide) version to ensure more secure sealing, covering a wider area of the package being sealed. 

3. Tesapack 64014 PP Low Noise Packing Tape

Tesapack 64014 PP low-noise tape features a unique unwinding mechanism that reduces noise to barely audible levels, making it one of the quietest options on the market. Its specialised acrylic formulation delivers exceptional initial tack, ensuring packages seal securely even with minimal pressure application-a valuable feature for high-volume operations where efficiency matters.

While commanding a higher price point than competitors, Tesa's superior performance justifies the investment for environments where an absolute minimum noise disruption is essential. The tape's 50mm width provides standard coverage, and its enhanced adhesive properties ensure secure closure even with this minor width difference. 

For office environments or for those with strict noise-control requirements, this represents a gold standard in low-noise packaging solutions.

Available Colours & When to Use Each

Brown Tape Benefits & Applications

Brown packing tape offers exceptional security and discretion for standard shipping operations. Its opacity conceals the contents of the package, providing an additional layer of privacy during transit. 

The colour blends seamlessly with corrugated cardboard, creating a uniform appearance that looks professional while discouraging tampering. Many shipping departments standardise on brown tape for its practical benefits and cost-effectiveness compared to other colour options.

Clear Tape Advantages for Retail Packaging

Clear, low-noise packing tape plays an essential role in retail-oriented shipping, where package presentation significantly impacts the customer experience. The transparent nature allows product packaging to remain visible, showcasing branding elements and product information without obstruction. 

For businesses that invest heavily in attractive product boxes or packaging with distinctive designs, clear tape preserves these visual elements through to final delivery.

White Tape for Branding Opportunities

White low-noise packing tape offers unique branding possibilities that brown and clear variants cannot match. Its bright, uniform surface serves as an excellent backdrop for custom printing-including logos, company names, handling instructions, or promotional messages. 

This effectively transforms a functional sealing tool into a powerful brand touchpoint that reinforces company identity throughout the shipping journey. For packages that require special handling or contain fragile items, this attention-grabbing quality can improve compliance with shipping instructions. 

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

Standard Width Options (48mm vs. 50mm vs. 75mm)

The most common width options for low noise packing tape include 48mm, 50mm, and 75mm, each serving different packaging requirements. The 50mm width represents the industry standard for most office and warehouse shipping applications, providing sufficient coverage to seal standard corrugated boxes while minimising waste securely. 

Narrower 48mm tape offers a slight cost advantage while providing nearly equivalent sealing performance for lightweight packages. This subtle difference (approximately 4% less material) can generate meaningful savings for high-volume shipping operations without significantly compromising package security. 

For heavy packages or those with irregular sealing surfaces, wider 75mm tape provides superior security through increased adhesive contact area. 

Tape Thickness Considerations (25μm to 40μm)

The thickness of packing tape, measured in microns (μm), directly affects both its durability and noise level during application. Standard low-noise tapes range from 35 μm to 50 μm, with thinner options generally producing less noise but offering reduced tensile strength. 

For most office shipping applications, 45μm tape provides the optimal balance between noise reduction and package security. Thicker 50 μm tape delivers enhanced puncture resistance and tensile strength, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications or for packages exposed to challenging environmental conditions. 

However, this increased thickness typically generates slightly more noise during unwinding, even with specialised low-noise formulations. Reserve this premium thickness for valuable items or shipments likely to encounter rough handling.

Why Choose Globe Packaging for Your Low-Noise Packing Tape

At Globe Packaging, we understand that finding the right low-noise packing tape means balancing quality, performance, and value. Our ProLoc-branded low-noise tape has become the best-selling tape for businesses across all industries for good reason. It's a premium, well-proven solution designed specifically for fast-paced industrial and e-commerce environments.

Unlike standard polypropylene tape measuring 25–40 µm, our ProLoc low-noise tape features a robust 45 µm thickness with additional glue for superior adhesion. Available in brown (48mm x 66M), clear (48mm x 66M), and wide clear (72mm x 66M), this tape sticks better and lasts longer, so you'll use less product per package.

Whether you need discreet brown tape for secure shipping or crystal-clear tape for professional retail presentation, Globe Packaging offers competitive bulk pricing starting from just £6.95 for six rolls. As the UK's leading packaging distributor, we provide next-day dispatch and exceptional customer service. 

Trust Globe Packaging for all your low-noise packing tape needs-quality products, honest pricing, and reliable delivery every time.

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*Note: Product listings, prices, and delivery times shown are approximate and subject to change. Contact Globe Packaging for the latest information.