While OPP printed tape is a very basic yet highly effective tool for both branding and security in today’s pack & ship operations, OPP (BOPP) printed tape is widely used throughout Malaysia by big and small companies alike for securing their parcels/cartons, while at the same time displaying their brand logos, handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile” or “This side up”) and/or tamper evident messages (all in one roll).
What is OPP printed tape?
The term OPP represents Oriented Polypropylene (most of the time referred to as BOPP when referring to the biaxial orientation of the polypropylene film) and the film used for the backing of the OPP tape is a glossy, flexible polypropylene film that has been coated with an acrylic adhesive. This combination results in the OPP tape having high tensile strength, high tear resistance and a high level of resistance against moisture; all of which contribute to its suitability for carton sealing and long distance transportation.
Why OPP printed tape is beneficial to Malaysian businesses
- Branding and Professionalism — The ability to customize the printed tape with your business’ logo or colored background creates an opportunity to turn every parcel into a point of contact with your brand. A roll of OPP tape with your company’s logo or color scheme appears much more professionally than plain brown or clear tape.
2. Security / Tamper Evidence — Messages printed onto the OPP tape such as “VOID” or “DO NOT ACCEPT IF SEAL IS BROKEN”, serve as a deterrent and assist in identifying if someone has attempted to break the seal.
3. Resistance to Humidity — OPP tape contains a polypropylene film and acrylic adhesive which have performed well in Malaysia’s humid environment versus cheaper water based adhesives.
4. Low Cost Marketing — Printing your business’ name and message onto every shipment adds a low cost marketing element that assists in building brand recognition in customers who receive the shipments.
Common Specifications to Consider
When purchasing OPP printed tape, you’ll typically select parameters that affect the performance and cost of the tape.
- Micron Thickness: The most common micron values for OPP films in Malaysia range from approximately 43-90 μm (microns) for the film and total tape constructions; thicker microns result in a stronger tensile strength and greater holding power for heavy cartons.
- Width and Length: The standard widths for OPP tapes include 18mm, 24mm, 48mm and 72mm; the standard lengths vary between 40-100 meters or longer for industrial jumbo rolls. 48mm is the most popular width for parcel sealing.
- Type of Adhesive: Acrylic adhesives are the most commonly found type of adhesive in OPP printed tapes due to their durability over time and resistance to yellowing; they also have a reliable bond to corrugated cartons.
- Printing Method and Colors: Single-color printing is the most common printing method offered by suppliers for OPP printed tapes; however, multi-color printing options or full-color gravure/flexographic printing may require higher minimum orders and longer delivery times.
Expectations for Custom Printing in Malaysia
Most of the packaging manufacturers and suppliers in Malaysia provide custom printing services for businesses looking to add logos or instructional information to their OPP printed tape. Typical requirements for custom printing include providing artwork in vector format, choosing a base tape color and determining whether the print will be a single color or multiple colors. The minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies greatly depending on the specific supplier — smaller businesses can usually purchase pre-printed “Thank You/Paid” or “Fragile” rolls directly off the shelf, while larger businesses may require a MOQ of hundreds or thousands for customized multi-colored prints.
How to Choose a Supplier in Malaysia
- Verify Technical Specs: Request the exact micron rating, type of adhesive and tensile strength of the product from the potential vendor. Reputable vendors will provide this information clearly.
2. Ask for Samples: Sampling the product will allow you to see the quality of the adhesive on your chosen carton stock and the quality of the printed image in person.
3. Compare MOQs and Lead Times: If you require small batches for seasonal campaigns, choose a supplier with low MOQs or pre-printed stock. Large corporations may prefer bulk (and therefore lower per-roll) pricing.
4. Post Sales Support: Good vendors should provide guidance regarding storage, shelf life, and the best methods for utilizing tape dispensers and other automated case sealers.
Fial Notes
OPP printed tape is a low risk and simple solution to both enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your packaging in Malaysia. By selecting the correct thickness, adhesive and printing method for your needs, and by finding a local supplier that displays clear specifications and samples, you will achieve reliable seals, enhanced handling instructions and additional brand exposure with each shipment. If you would like, I can create a quick supplier comparison guide (MOQ, price per roll, microns, average lead time) tailored to your expected monthly roll consumption — please let me know your estimated monthly roll usage and I will create it.
