Alessandro Lambertini

Adhesive tape is a seemingly simple product, but its effectiveness depends on a combination of factors, including the adhesive quality and, above all, the type of substrate used.

The substrate, i.e. the material to which the adhesive is applied, determines the characteristics of the tape itself, by influencing its adhesiveness, resistance, flexibility and many other properties.
Plastics: polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester
Plastic substrates are among the most common in the adhesive tape industry for their versatility and excellent performance.

Among these, polypropylene (both in mono-oriented – MOPP – and biaxially-oriented – BOPP – versions) is particularly appreciated for its mechanical strength and flexibility. The polypropylene substrate, whether mono- or biaxially-oriented, can be further treated to improve or modify its performance for instance through impregnation with resins or other treatments that affect the material’s properties by increasing its resistance and tensile strength.

Polyethylene (PE) is known for its flexibility and mechanical strength and is ideal for applications requiring high surface adaptability. As a matter of fact, PE-made adhesive tapes do not break or deform even under stress, adapting and stretching to and with the application surface.

Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate – PET), on the other hand, offers excellent chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance, making it perfect for heavy-duty industrial applications. It is particularly suitable for adhesive tapes intended for packaging and strapping as it offers outstanding dimensional stability, high breaking load and high adhesion to the end product.

Paper substrate: natural and performing
Paper, whether saturated or impregnated or kraft, is an environmentally friendly and high-performance alternative to plastic substrates.

Saturated or impregnated paper is treated with resins or synthetic rubbers to improve its mechanical properties and make it suitable for adhesive coating. More commonly known as self-adhesive paper, it is processed by FABO with hot melt adhesive and can come in both smooth and reinforced versions.

Kraft paper, made from cellulose fibres, is known for its strength and resistance, as well as its ability to absorb moisture, thanks to its high breaking load and versatility in a variety of applications. It is a 100% ecological support, composed of natural substances and, consequently, totally disposable in paper. This type of substrate is associated with an adhesive of natural origin that activates when wet with water.

Both paper substrates can also be reinforced with textured and unidirectional processing, which give greater strength to the end product, thus making it ideal for both packaging and reinforcement solutions.

Non-woven fabrics: versatile and durable
Non-woven fabrics (Tessuto Non Tessuto – TNT) are made from woven or needle-punched fibres, without the use of spinning. This characteristic gives adhesive tapes with TNT substrate a high strength and tear resistance, making them more conformable to application surfaces and promoting good adhesion to many types of surfaces.
Choosing the right substrate
The substrate choice depends on several factors, including:

Application: packaging, masking, fixing, sealing, palletising, protection, reinforcement;
Environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, presence of chemicals;
Characteristics of the application surface: smooth, rough, porous;
Required performance: adhesiveness, resistance, flexibility.

FABO offers a wide range of adhesive tapes made with different types of substrates to meet every need. Thanks to our experience and customisation capabilities, we can advise you on the most suitable solution for your application, while guaranteeing maximum efficiency and quality in terms of adhesion, seal and use.

All substrates used for manufacturing FABO adhesive tapes can also be customised with flexographic printing. In fact, 30% of the adhesive tapes produced annually at FABO are tailor-made.

Contact us for more information on customising FABO products, click here: contact us

For us, customised tapes represent one of the strategic market segments where Fabo is continuing to grow and invest. But we want to explain even better, what lies behind the creation of a customised tape, starting with a fundamental element: colour.

Our colour kitchen is made up of a series of professional tools that together bring our colour printing world to life, such as:

colour construction software,
a tintometric dosing machine,
a spectrophotometer for colour control.

The colour-building software, combined with the experience of the operators, makes it possible to create the colour required by the customer with precision and high definition, on any backing. This passes the colour recipe to the tintometric dosing machine and through the spectrophotometer we proceed to quality control.

Spectrophotometer and tintometric machine for greater accuracy in colour formulation
The tintometric machine is the instrument used to accurately mix and dose pigments and paints used in the colouring of materials. In our case, these are the polypropylene or paper backings and the acrylic and hot melt adhesives that we use to make adhesive tapes.

This machine produces accurate and defined colours, reducing the margin of error in their preparation and output. Thanks to the tintometric machine, we are able to precisely mix the pigments required to obtain the desired colour for the adhesive tape backing, thus meeting specific customer requirements in terms of yield and accuracy.

At FABO, to control the tintometric dosing machine in the correct mixing of standard and non-standard shades, we use the spectrophotometer with digital library, a highly accurate and high-performance instrument that reliably detects the required colour within a tolerance delta. This, in short, measures the colour difference between what is requested by the customer and what is on the machine, through a digital library.

The use of the software, together with the photometer and the tintometric machine, makes it possible to achieve a defined reproduction of the desired colour, guaranteeing consistency and uniformity in colouring as well as an accurate pigment match. Thanks to the accuracy and precision of the tools, we can reduce set-up times, speeding up production.

Not only that: whenever a particular colour is requested, even after some time between jobs, we do not incur inconsistencies or variations of any kind thanks to the precision of software, digital library and low tolerance delta. The repeatability of a precise and particular colour (whether basic or customised), with no margin for error and without having to start from scratch each time in its creation, is fundamental to guaranteeing quality and reliability of output.

In order for each instrument to maintain its proper functioning at Fabo, we strive for constant maintenance as well as regular software updates both monthly and annually, thus renewing certification.

Thanks to our qualified staff and the combination of these tools, we are able to realise multiple solutions on brown, white and coloured backgrounds, as well as on polypropylene or paper backing, on both acrylic and hot melt adhesive, thus becoming a complete supplier for all our customers.

Masking tape is a versatile and indispensable tool in various sectors, from painting and decorating to automotive, construction and DIY. With a variety of types and features available, choosing the right tape can make all the difference in terms of efficiency and end results. This product always has a paper backing and an adhesive which may vary.

In this article, we will focus on the specific needs of the users and how the masking tape can meet them.

Precision and control:

Whether you are painting a wall or repairing a piece of furniture, precision is crucial. Masking tape offers the possibility of making clean, well-defined edges, avoiding smudges and imperfections. The difference lies in the choice of a tape with good adhesion to ensure its hold on smooth or rough surfaces.

Ease of use:

The masking tape should be easy to apply and remove, leaving no sticky residue. It is essential to assess the quality because it must be a product that does not flake off and tear easily, which could result in a poor paint job.

Resistance:

Depending on its use, the masking tape must be able to withstand solvents, paints and high temperatures. Depending on use, it must be a product that is resistant to water and heat, especially high temperatures.

Eco-sustainability:

For a greener future, the ideal is always a tape made from materials that are as environmentally friendly as possible and without the use of harmful solvents.

Within the Fabo range there are 3 products for professionals, dedicated to masking that guarantee the 4 points listed above:

Professional masking tape for outdoor use, made of semi-crepe paper with water-based acrylic adhesive. It is a product that can withstand outdoor paint work. Water and temperature resistant
Professional masking tape for delicate surfaces made of semi-crepe paper and water-based acrylic adhesive. High-quality product that leaves no residue when working and protects the surfaces to which it is applied. Fabo tape is particularly suitable for delicate and sensitive surfaces, which makes it a reliable, quality product.
Outdoor and indoor masking tape made of washi paper, which is a type of smooth Japanese rice paper with a water-based acrylic adhesive. The product is versatile because it can be used both indoors and outdoors, and thanks to its use, it definitely guarantees more precise edges during the work to be carried out

All 3 Fabo masking tapes are manufactured in Italy, are made of paper and have a water-based, absolutely solvent-free acrylic adhesive, making it a tape that moves towards a sustainable choice.

Masking tape is normally used by painters, body shops and construction companies for work involving painting, but it is certainly a versatile product that can be used to make drawings, stencils and decorations on walls or even furniture. It can also be a useful tool for securing a painter’s canvas, wallpapers and light materials. It is also useful for repairing small tears or holes that may occur on materials such as paper and cardboard.

The versatility and ease of use certainly make this product a useful adhesive tape in more contexts and more areas. Ease of use, however, must go hand in hand with application precision and on this point, the quality of the tape is crucial in choosing the best product.

In an increasingly competitive market, customer satisfaction is a key factor for the long-term success of any company. Companies that strive to create lasting relationships with their customers are usually recognised as those that are rewarded with increased loyalty, increased turnover, and a good reputation.

FABO firmly believes that customers are the engine of business growth, which is why we decided to understand their needs and demands even better through a customer satisfaction survey with a few simple questions. We opted for using this tool to understand opinions and feedback on products, services and support.
The results in the customer satisfaction
The results were very encouraging and positive. The data we collected helped us better analyse our strengths and understand how to exploit the opportunities the market offers us. It is essential to listen to the voices of those who buy and use our adhesive tapes on a daily basis and, above all, to welcome the insights they can provide, because some of them can be used in making decisions on aspects of the business, such as developing new products, improving customer service, or optimising marketing campaigns.

FABO has always been a “customer-centric” company, where the customer is a priority.

This is borne out by the results of the survey carried out, which confirm that this is the right direction to take, i.e. to offer a wider range of high-quality, tailor-made products with the aim of satisfying and meeting as many demands as possible. Further, we also prove our customer focus by simultaneously working on innovation and research, thanks to the insights from those who use our products every day.

How well do you know private label?
In today’s market, where competition is often harsh and standing out is important, the private label concept may be an avenue to pursue and to evaluate.

The term ‘private label’ refers to the practice whereby a manufacturer creates a product and markets it under the brand name of a retailer or private label, rather than under its own name. In essence, the brand becomes the emblem of a unique and personalised identity, even if production is managed by a third party.

 
The beating heart of customisation
At the heart of private labels is customisation. This practice offers customers and brands the opportunity to mould a product according to their needs and visions.

Fabo is one of the companies in Italy able to produce a customised PL line.

 
How does it usually work?
We work together with the customer, trying to choose the product range in line with our production requirements and the demands made on us. It is important to take many factors into account when developing a private label: the goal is always production efficiency, so it is important for us to properly evaluate the products we already have available to customise together with the packaging study. To do this we provide all our know-how gained over 50 years in the market.

Our support is provided from the choice of the range through to the final packaging and wrapping. We have an in-house graphics department that develops the graphics and packs according to brand input. We can advise which design may be most suitable for printing and which type of print and colours to use.

 
Private label packaging and wrapping
Packaging is also crucial when it comes to PL because depending on the delivery, the minimum pieces to be contained and also the labels to be affixed must be studied correctly. Finally, we can supply the product in counter and endcap pallet boxes to organise promotions or give your product special visibility.

In summary, private label development goes far beyond simply putting a brand name on a product. It is an experience, as we said, of personalisation and standing out.

Of course, for a product like ours, a preliminary feasibility study is essential, which places the required quantities, production efficiency and logistics at the centre of the analysis. These 3 factors strongly influence the production of a private label and make the difference for the choice of a product range.

Cutters are machines designed for the precise and automated cutting of semi-finished reels. These systems allow large reels of tape to be converted into specific sizes and formats required by customers for packaging purposes or other applications.

The cutting of the reels by the cutters is the final stage in the production of adhesive tape, before the product is packed into boxes for shipping.

 
How exactly does it work?
The raw materials are loaded into the machine: the reel of semi-finished product and the sleeves. The latter are the central support normally made of cardboard onto which the tape is wound to form the roll.

The cutter has a dual function: it cuts the reel into strips of tape of different widths and simultaneously winds them onto the single sleeve for a set length.

When requested by the customer, a tab can be applied to the tape, i.e. that mark at the start of the roll that provides easy access to open the product. The tab is usually made of white plastic, or sometimes paper, measures 19 mm and is applied before the cutting stage.

 
How many types of cutting can there be?
Depending on the possibilities and equipment, the cutters can guarantee 3 types of cut: pressure, blade, scissor.

Let us go into more detail about the individual cuts.

Pressure cutting or ‘easy tear’ allows the ‘easy cut’ effect to be applied to the tape. The cut is not neat and leaves an edge that is slightly frayed, not perceptible to the human eye. These are micro-cuts that do not weaken the tape but create points that facilitate the onset of manual tearing

The blade cut is the most common cut. Thin blades are inserted into the machines, allowing the material to be split. It is a precise cut but not always perfectly linear like a scissor cut because the blades can have micro vibrations. Moreover, it is not able to cut less standard materials.

The scissor cut (used for adhesive tapes and masking tape) is the best cut in terms of precision because it is made by a rotating metal blade against a counter-blade. This ensures an extremely straight cut and allows any type of material to be cut.

 
The packroll effect
Also inside the cutters, a pressure effect can be applied to the product, making the roll more compact and silent. This process is called ‘packroll’.

The packroll technique involves inserting presses inside the cutter that compress the roll in a radial direction during winding. The pressure that is applied to the product can be variable, so that the tape can be more or less compact.

The packroll accelerates the elimination of air between the tape coils: the roll looks better and unwinding is even quieter. This is useful in those contexts where reduced unwinding noise, when using the tape, is even more important.

 
Safety and cutting, issues that go hand in hand
Of course, the issue of cutting machine safety is a priority. The cutters are equipped with the latest active and passive safety systems such as protective covers, sensors and emergency stop systems, both in the event of faults and malfunctioning, to ensure maximum protection of the people working on these machines.

Once the product has been cut to the desired size and length, the rolls come out of the cutter on a conveyor belt to the packaging system.

The adhesive tape cutting phase is a crucial stage in our production process where attention, precision, detail, and technology are crucial to the success of the end result and the specific request of the individual customer.

How and where does tamper evident tape fit into the market?

Security is a crucial element in an increasingly interconnected world, where goods travel through global transport networks to reach destinations all over the world. This importance extends far beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations. This is precisely why we believe it is increasingly crucial to ensure the integrity of assets and, consequently, the trust of our customers.

One of the tools for ensuring that packaging arrives intact is the FABO tamper-evident tape with which we can ship goods and objects.

This is a security device specially designed to seal packages and shipments so that they cannot be opened or tampered with without leaving obvious marks. This product is a security solution that serves to protect the integrity of the contents of parcels and to immediately highlight any attempt at unauthorised access.

The product we are talking about is a biaxially oriented polyester tape (PET), with an acrylic-based adhesive, thus completely solvent-free, with silent unrolling (useful for limiting acoustic annoyance caused by long-term use).

But compared to a normal tape there is more, because it can contain a tamper-evident message that works as a kind of anti-theft device in the event of opening.

 
How exactly does it work?
Operation is very simple and straightforward, making it a quick and cost-effective security solution.

The tamper-proof alert is applied to the substrate by means of flexographic printing, which imprints itself on the application surface via a release system. If the package or wrapping is tampered with, an alert message will appear on their surface, testifying to an attempted break-in.

Normally this ribbon is recognisable precisely by its colour, usually red or in strong colours, that means that its function can be visually understood.

In our product range, in addition to tamper evident tape, we also offer labels with the exact same function, but for small packages and parcels.

 
What are the main features of this product?
Thanks to our customisation capabilities, we can print this ribbon in several colours, while our in-house graphics department can also customise the message to be written inside.

What’s more, thanks to our in-house production, we can also supply different sizes, lengths and dimensions according to our customer’s requirements.

This product could also have an important communicative function, if we think for instance of the e-commerce market, where a customer might find a nice message once he opens the package of his or her favourite brand.

But wait, there’s more: the tamper-evident labels we mentioned above can also become a unique and personal protective seal with printed logos and images, QR codes, web addresses and social channels, bar codes, progressive serial numbers.

 
Which markets is it targeting?
Tamper-evident tape is a tape that can be used in several markets, depending on the importance of the goods being shipped. Certainly the e-commerce market is one of the most involved at this juncture, considering the importance of the goods being shipped, with the luxury market in particular in mind. But the pharmaceutical market is also a market of interest for this product, often taking into account the importance and rarity of certain medicines that are shipped. Not least is the food market where packaging is often tampered with and where safety must be maximised considering people’s health.

On a more smaller scale, tamper-evident tape is a very useful product in the dispatch of documents of a certain importance and confidentiality, where labels are often used in addition to tape, which perhaps represent a smarter and faster product.

Labels could also be a valuable tool for the entire catering industry using home delivery services, as they would be a seal of assurance that the food being brought home is delivered in perfect condition.

In conclusion, for us, tamper-evident tape is an essential tool for improving security, protecting assets and products, preventing unauthorised access, and detecting tampering attempts at an early stage.

This tool is versatile and can be adapted to a wide range of business applications to ensure that company assets are protected and that customers can trust the security of products and shipments.

Sustainability in the adhesive tape market
For several years now, one of the issues most frequently addressed by companies, citizens and institutions has been sustainability.

Etymologically deriving from the Latin verb ‘sustĭneo, sustinēre’, meaning to resist, to last but also to sustain, to support, to bear, to protect and to nourish, today it has taken on an even stronger and broader meaning, embracing every aspect of everyone’s life: from the environmental to the political sphere, from the productive to the social, the concept of sustainability is approached with the common goal of improving existing conditions.

Due to the constant focus on the topic, the world is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, and companies are looking for innovative ways to reduce their environmental and social impact.

Perhaps not everyone knows, but 50 years ago our company was founded by launching a completely sustainable product: gummed paper. It was a paper product with a (non-food) maize starch adhesive that is activated by contact with water. Do you remember the concept of the old stamps? It worked exactly the same way.

This choice of ours, innovative and futuristic at the time, and our desire to create products that are sustainable in both production and environmental terms, have always been rooted in our culture.

However, there are still many solvent-based products on the market today. These are adhesive tapes where the adhesive that is smeared on the product is processed through the use of solvents. Let’s try to better understand what it is and what the impacts are.
What are the risks in the production of solvent-based adhesive tapes?
The first adhesive tapes produced were on PVC backing and with solvent adhesive. This procedure, however, has always been quite risky.

The production of solvent-based adhesive tapes can involve various forms of hazards due to the use of hazardous chemicals and the industrial processes involved both for companies and workers, and for the environment.

Firstly, because the plants have a certain degree of danger as the solvent is a flammable material, but not only that. Furthermore, to process the solvent, there must be very good residue recovery facilities, because the risk is that small traces of solvent remain on the adhesive tape. It goes without saying that this represents a risk for the end user. (Let us not forget that we very often use our mouths to cut tape quickly).

Working with solvent-based adhesives today is a double risk for the manufacturer and the consumer, because this process requires considerable safety controls (often absent) and because the materials used can be very harmful to health and the environment.
The transition from solvent to solvent-free
The transition to safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives, through solvent-free technologies, can actually help to significantly reduce the hazardousness associated with adhesive tape production, as well as significantly limit the overall environmental impact of manufacturing operations.

But how can a high quality standard be guaranteed while replacing a basic element in the production process?

We did this by supporting and implementing production through two solvent-free technologies, the water-based acrylic to which we added hot melt.

In the first one, it is being used an acrylic polymer in water dispersion, while for the second one solid raw materials (synthetic rubbers and hydrocarbon resins) are melted together at very high temperatures without using any solvents. Both technologies meet the request to find a valid and efficient alternative to the traditional solvent-based tapes.

What must be clear is that acrylic and hot melt technology have qualitatively the same results as solvent technology. There are no differences in product quality, there are differences in sustainable choices between those who, like us, choose not to use solvents in production and those who choose otherwise.

The solvent-free choice is one we have made for many years now with the desire to differentiate ourselves in the market and to create a sustainable line in both environmental and production terms. For over 40 years, we have invested in this choice with awareness, security and innovation.

We believe this is a step in the right direction towards a more environmentally conscious world, where technology and ecology come together for the good of the planet and all of us.