Recyclable tape is packaging tape designed to be disposed of through standard recycling streams, usually alongside cardboard boxes. Unlike traditional plastic tapes (PVC or polypropylene), which are difficult to recycle, recyclable tape is made from kraft paper with an eco-friendly adhesive.
At The Printed Tape Co., we manufacture recyclable self-adhesive paper tape and gummed paper tape, both of which can be customised with your brand while still being kerbside recyclable.
For decades, plastic parcel tapes have been the go-to option. They’re cheap and effective, but they come at an environmental cost:
Contamination – plastic tape left on boxes can disrupt the paper recycling process.
Waste – in many facilities, plastic tape is incinerated rather than recycled.
Microplastics – over time, plastic breaks down into fragments that persist in the environment.
By contrast, paper-based recyclable tapes are:
Made from renewable kraft paper.
Kerbside recyclable with cardboard, reducing sorting effort.
More in line with the sustainability goals of businesses and consumers.
Kraft paper with a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Works like plastic tape — tear, stick and seal with no extra tools.
Available in natural brown or white, with the option of custom printing for branding.
It’s increasingly popular thanks to its strength, ease of use, and eco-friendly profile.
Kraft paper with an adhesive that activates when moistened.
Applied using a dispenser for a secure bond.
Creates a tamper-evident, highly durable seal — ideal for heavy parcels.
It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to plastic tape.
Both types are available from The Printed Tape Co., giving businesses flexibility to choose based on packaging needs.
Paper tapes are made from renewable resources and have a lower carbon footprint than plastic alternatives. Self-adhesive paper tapes are recyclable and compostable, making them a straightforward eco-friendly choice.
Plastic parcel tape eventually breaks down into microplastics, which spread through soil and water systems. Paper tape biodegrades naturally, avoiding this problem altogether.
Shoppers across the UK and Europe increasingly favour eco-friendly packaging. Research shows that many consumers are willing to switch brands, or pay slightly more, for sustainable options. Using recyclable tape is a small change that signals big values.
Many recycling plants simply burn off plastic tape attached to cardboard. While this avoids contaminating the paper pulp, it still creates waste and emissions. Paper tapes, however, are compatible with recycling streams — so boxes can go straight into kerbside collections without stripping off the tape. For accurate guidance, check your local council’s recycling scheme on gov.uk.
It’s worth remembering that recycling standards vary between facilities across Europe. In some cases, even recyclable paper tape may be filtered out or incinerated during the recycling process.
That said, the recommendation remains clear: leave recyclable paper tape on boxes when recycling. It streamlines the process and avoids unnecessary plastic contamination.
Moving to recyclable tape isn’t just about the environment — it makes commercial sense too:
Efficiency – gummed tape reduces the amount of material needed per seal.
Brand image – recyclable custom-printed tape combines professional presentation with eco-credentials.
Future-proofing – sustainability regulations are tightening in the UK and EU, making early adoption a smart move.
More and more businesses — from independent e-commerce brands to larger retailers — are already making recyclable tape their standard.
Switching from plastic parcel tape to recyclable paper tape may seem like a small step, but it contributes to a much larger sustainability effort. By reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and aligning with customer expectations, recyclable tape helps businesses across the UK and Europe package responsibly without sacrificing performance.
If you’re ready to take the next step in sustainable packaging, explore our range of recyclable paper tapes at The Printed Tape Co. today.
