Seven at once 

• tesa’s range of products with more sustainable content contributes to the global drive towards greater sustainability 
• The tapes can help industrial customers achieve their sustainability goals and create new opportunities for distributors 
• All tapes that are part of the upcoming initiative serve different uses. Performance levels are equal to more established tape solutions 
• Five paper-based and two filmic tapes support customers with a wide range of packaging needs

Norderstedt – tesa, the international manufacturer of innovative adhesive tapes and self-adhesive product solutions, has developed a range of seven film-based and paper-based packaging tapes with more sustainable content. The products support growing customer and consumer requirements for solutions that contribute to sustainability and comply with increasing environmental legislation. tesa is now launching a dedicated campaign to support these tapes. With this initiative, tesa wants to raise awareness of the benefits small parts in the value chain such as tape can deliver. “We want to take the next step for a more sustainable future with our new campaign ‘Makes sense’ highlighting our more sustainable packaging tapes. We are offering distributors and industrial end-users more sustainable options for their packaging to support their sustainability agendas. All tapes that are part of the campaign prove how packaging can be more sustainable in the future,” says Andreas Walkembach, Head of Industrial Trade & Converting Europe at tesa. 

Sustainability combined with high performance 

Matching the performance of the new more sustainable carton sealing tapes to established products was the primary requirement within product development. All the tapes were run through a series of dynamic drop tests using cartons made from single and double corrugated cardboard at varying heights to ensure the protective performance and primary purpose of the packaging. Customers do not have to separate the more sustainable paper packaging tapes from cardboard at the ‘end of life’. They can be disposed of along with cardboard without compromising the recycling process according to INGEDE Method 12.  

“There is a large and growing need in the industry for more sustainable solutions. For a more sustainable future we need to find solutions that can be part of the sustainability journey,” says Walkembach. “Adhesive tapes might not be the first things you think of for your packaging to become more sustainable, but every step can take us further towards a more sustainable future. So why wouldn’t you choose a more sustainable solution if there was the option?”  

Broad portfolio meets all requirements 

The broad product portfolio offers the right tape for different packaging applications and occasions. All products are produced within a solvent-free coating process and come with a recycled paper product core. 

Five paper-based tapes support a broad application field with manual or automatic applications. For several different weight categories, these tapes offer not only reliable closure but also different colors and printability for brand showcase purposes.  

tesa® 60408, a brand-new tape in the paper-based portfolio, is a strong and robust tape marking the perfect solution for light- and medium-weight packaging applications where premium performance is required. The paper used for its backing comes from certified well-managed forests or other controlled sources. Thanks to its specific product design, tesa® 60408 includes 92% content made from bio-based carbon certified by, and achieving the highest-ranking status from, DIN CERTCO.  

Two film-based packaging tapes support tesa’s range of paper-based carton sealing tapes. The film-based packaging tapes use two innovative backing materials taking the next step towards more sustainability. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET and PLA form solid and more sustainable solutions, providing additional transparent options for medium- to heavyweight packaging.  

One example of the film-based range is tesa® 60412 Recycled PET packaging tape, the first carton sealing tape from tesa using 70% PCR PET in its backing. This tape is printable with most types of ink systems - an additional asset for customers in branding their packaging. This filmic-based tape is tested against INGEDE Method 12, ensuring its recycling-friendliness. 

tesa’s range of products with sustainable content is now available from professional retailers. Full details about the complete range can be found here (link to the landing page).