29 February, 2024

Best Practice: How to Store your Tape

In the world of manufacturing and packaging, adhesive tapes play a crucial role. However, to maintain their effectiveness over time, proper storage is key. At Plustar, we commonly get asked how best to store your tape and we want to share some essential tips to ensure your tapes perform optimally, every time.  

  1. Keep it Cool and Dry:  Adhesive tapes should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent the adhesive from degrading prematurely. Ideal storage temperatures typically range from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), and humidity levels should be maintained below 50% to avoid any moisture-related deterioration.  Avoid temperature extremes where possible, too much heat or cold will impact how your tape performs. 
  2. Avoid Direct Sunlight:  UV light can be detrimental to the adhesives used on tapes, leading to the breakdown of the adhesive and backing material. Store your tapes away from direct sunlight to extend their shelf life.
  3. Keep Them Vertical: Storing larger rolls of tape vertically (standing on their edges) is preferable. This position prevents the weight of the roll from disfuguring the tape at the bottom, which can distort the shape and potentiallly impact the tape’s performance.
  4. Stay Dust-Free:  Dust and dirt can contaminate the adhesive layer of the tape, introducing FOD and impacting performance.  Ensure that the storage area is clean and dust-free. If possible, keep the tapes in their original packaging or closed containers until used.
  5. Rotate Stock:  Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to ensure older stock is used before newer. Regularly check the condition of the tapes in storage and rotate them to avoid any single roll being stored for too long, which might compromise its quality.
  6. Check the Shelf Life:  Different types of adhesive tapes can have different shelf lives.  Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for shelf life and ensure that tapes are used within this period for best results.  While tape doesn't spoil like milk, tapes outside of their shelf life will see their published performance values and physical properties be negatively impacted.

Please keep in mind that the above are general guidelines that apply to most products, but each tape is different depending on the adhesive sytem, backing, liner and other unique characteristics.  Make sure to review the Spec Sheet or Certificate of Conformance for the recommended storage for each of your tapes.   Need more advice on the best tape solutions for your needs? Contact Plustar today to learn how our products and services can boost your manufacturing efficiency.