Tear tape

Tear tape, also known as tearstrip or tear-off ribbon is a narrow adhesive tape used to open packaging. The backing is often a narrow oriented polymer such as polypropylene but other polymers, yarns, and filaments are also used. Many tear tapes use a pressure sensitive adhesive but others have a heat-activated adhesive system.

Tear tape is attached to the inner surface of packaging: paper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or plastic film. It is used on common non-durable fast-moving consumer goods such as soft drinks, groceries or toiletries, as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars, to aid the opening of the packaging It is also used courier envelopes and corrugated boxes. Irrespective of the medium it is used on, tear tape serves as an easy opening device for the consumer, where it prevents the need for additional opening tools such as scissors or knives, or the use of excessive force and avoid wrap rage. Tear tape provides a guide on the tear area, thereby allowing for more precise opening which minimises product spillage

References

• Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6