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Have you ever tried to seal a parcel with weak tape and watched it peel away an hour later? Choosing the right office tape is one of those behind-the-scenes decisions that keeps your desk neat, your parcels intact, and your projects on track. Whether you’re sealing shipping boxes, bundling cables, or mending a torn page, the right tape saves time, money, and a little bit of dignity. In the UK market there’s a huge range of tape types and brands, and once you learn the basics, shopping becomes fast and surprisingly satisfying.
Tape is not one-size-fits-all. Different tasks call for different tapes: some prioritize strength, others flexibility or low visibility. Below I break down the common types so you can reach for the right roll without trial and error.
Packing tape is the workhorse for shipping and storage. Typical rolls are about 2 inches wide and come in lengths of 25 to 100 yards, making them ideal for sealing boxes. Look for high-tack adhesive and a thickness that resists splitting when stretched; that prevents your parcels from coming undone on the way to their destination.
Masking tape is a paper-based tape used for painting, light bundling, and temporary fixes. It tears easily by hand and peels off without leaving a mess when used correctly. If you’re doing quick office renovations or labeling, masking tape is your friend.
Want something invisible that holds things together? Double-sided tape bonds without the mess of glue. It’s perfect for lightweight mounting, scrapbooking, and sticking flyers to boards. For heavier items, choose a heavy-duty double-sided tape designed for higher load.
Gaffer tape is popular in studios and event setups because it’s strong but removes cleanly from most surfaces. It’s cloth-backed, which makes it flexible around corners and easy to tear by hand. Use it for cable management, securing mats, or temporary signage.
If sustainability matters, consider paper parcel tape with water-activated adhesive. It’s recyclable with cardboard and often compostable, so it’s a better match for green-minded businesses and home offices that send packages regularly.
So where should you shop? The UK has a healthy mix of high-street and online suppliers. Each store tends to specialize in certain strengths — some are brilliant for low-cost basics, others for bulk business orders or specialist tapes. Here’s a practical guide to the best places to check.
Ryman is a classic go-to for office staples. With physical stores across the UK and a decent online shop, you can pick up clear tape, masking tape, and small dispensers quickly. If you like seeing and feeling products before you buy, Ryman’s branches are handy for last-minute purchases.
Viking caters to businesses that need consistent supplies. Expect bulk packs of packing tape, specialist adhesive tapes, and value pricing for larger orders. If you run an office and want predictable pricing and regular deliveries, Viking’s business accounts are worth exploring.
Staples has traditionally focused on offices and offers both consumer-friendly and commercial tape ranges. You’ll find everything from small transparent rolls to large packing tape and industrial dispensers. Their selection is convenient for offices stocking up on both everyday and heavy-duty options.
Lyreco is designed for professional procurement. If you manage facilities or a busy office, Lyreco provides a wide choice of adhesive solutions, eco-friendly options, and single-supplier convenience for ordering multiple stationery lines in one go.
WHSmith is great for quick purchases and easy access, particularly if you’re on the move. Their stores carry essential tapes and small dispensers, making them ideal for students, commuters, and small business owners who need a fast solution.
Amazon offers an enormous range of tape from budget rolls to premium brands, often in multi-roll packs that work out cheaper per yard. The user reviews help you pick based on real-world experience, and options like Subscribe & Save can reduce costs for recurring orders.
Argos and Robert Dyas stock practical tape choices and are often more focused on household and garden-related needs, which includes packaging and masking tape. Their click-and-collect services are handy if you want to secure an item online and pick it up quickly.
When you’re comparing rolls, don’t just look at price. Pay attention to width (commonly 2 inches for packing tape), length (yards), adhesive strength, and backing material. Think of tape like the shoe for a job: you wouldn’t wear flip-flops to a hike, and you shouldn’t use low-tack tape to seal a heavy box.
Adhesion determines how well tape sticks to surfaces immediately and over time. High-tack tapes will cling to corrugated cardboard and resist peeling. For delicate surfaces, choose a tape with lower tack to avoid damage on removal.
Tape thickness affects tear-resistance and holding strength; thicker tapes resist splitting during application and transport. For shipping, a thicker tape reduces the chance of tape tearing under strain.
PVC and polypropylene are common for clear packing tape, while cloth-based tapes like gaffer are flexible and tear-resistant. Paper-backed tapes are more eco-friendly and pair well with recycled cardboard for a greener footprint.
Here’s a quick pick-list for common office activities so you can grab the right roll without a second thought.
Choose 2-inch clear packing tape with strong tack and a length of 50 to 100 yards for frequent shipping. A tape gun dispenser makes application fast and tidy — especially when you’re sealing many boxes back-to-back.
Masking tape or low-tack transparent tape is ideal for temporary labels and light repairs. It peels off cleanly and can be written on, making it practical for short-term organisation.
Gaffer tape is the professional choice here. It holds heavy cables in place, secures floor mats, and can be removed without leaving nasty residue — perfect for temporary setups and venues.
Double-sided tape and low-visibility clear tape work wonderfully for displays and mounting. Double-sided gives a neat finish for posters and point-of-sale materials without visible tape lines.
Are you trying to reduce landfill? The tape industry has responded with more recyclable and compostable options. Paper tape with water-activated adhesive bonds to cardboard and can be recycled with the box itself, making it a strong choice for eco-focused businesses.
Look for cellulose or paper-backed tape that carries clear recycling claims. These tapes often provide decent strength for normal parcels and avoid plastic waste when paired with cardboard recycling streams.
Some tapes use natural rubber or starch-based adhesives. They can offer good performance while aligning with sustainability goals. If you ship a lot of parcels, switching to eco-friendly tape can significantly lower your environmental impact over time.
Good tape is only half the battle — the right dispenser makes life easier. A sturdy desktop dispenser is perfect for everyday office use, while a handheld tape gun speeds up parcel sealing and reduces wrist strain during repetitive tasks.
These are great for low-volume use. Look for weighted bases and easy blade access for quick cutting. For desks that see frequent tape usage, a metal dispenser will last longer than plastic.
If you’re sealing many boxes, a tape gun is a smart buy. It applies tape smoothly and cuts it cleanly in one motion, saving time and eliminating the need to search for scissors.
For occasional personal use, mini dispensers and small rolls are handy. They tuck into drawers and bags easily and are perfect for students or mobile workers who need a quick fix on the go.
Want to stretch your budget without compromising quality? Small changes make a big difference. Compare unit prices, consider bulk-buying for frequently used tapes, and pick dispensers that reduce waste and speed up application.
Price per roll can be misleading. Compare the cost per yard to find the true value, especially when retailers offer packs of multiple rolls at a discount. Bigger rolls often give better value but can be awkward to handle without the right dispenser.
If your office ships packages regularly, vendor accounts at suppliers like Viking or Lyreco often unlock trade discounts and lower unit prices. Even small offices can benefit when they buy in larger quantities.
Keep tape away from extreme heat and direct sunlight; cool, dry storage prevents adhesive degradation. A well-stored roll will perform reliably, whereas a poorly stored roll can lose stickiness and become brittle.
Hunting for the best price? Start online but don’t forget the high street. Retailers often run seasonal promotions and business suppliers offer volume discounts. Mix and match buying channels to suit how often you use tape and how quickly you need it.
Online marketplaces are excellent for comparing multiple brands and reading reviews. Look for multi-roll packs from trusted manufacturers to cut the per-yard price, and watch for free delivery thresholds to save even more.
If you spend a lot on office supplies, set up a business account with a trade supplier. Those accounts often come with negotiated prices, scheduled deliveries, and consolidated billing — a neat shortcut for busy procurement managers.
Buying the right office tape in the UK doesn’t have to be a chore. Start by identifying the primary use — shipping, repairs, mounting, or events — and then choose a tape type that fits the job. Compare unit prices, consider eco-friendly paper tape if sustainability matters, and invest in the right dispenser to save time. Whether you pick up a roll at a high-street shop like Ryman, order in bulk from Viking or Lyreco, or browse countless options on Amazon UK, a little knowledge goes a long way. With the right tape on your shelf, you’ll be ready for whatever the day throws at you — packaged, labelled, and stuck together in all the right ways.
| Office Tape | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 151 Adhesives Double Sided Tape 3pk | £ 4,49 | |
| Bostik Miracle Mounting Tape 1.5m | £ 7,49 |
