Stock Print Tapes
50mm x 66m “This Way Up” Low Noise Packing Tape — Overview
This printed “This Way Up” low-noise packing tape is designed to help communicate correct carton orientation during handling, storage and transit. It combines a clear, easy-to-read directional message with a low-noise unwind, making it a practical choice for busy packing benches where reducing the harsh “screech” of standard tapes can improve comfort and workflow.
On Sapphire this product is supplied as a stock printed message tape ("This Way Up") in a low-noise format, suitable for sealing cartons and parcels while adding a clear handling instruction. Because this is a configurable listing, the exact pack quantity and pricing may vary by option—please select the variant that matches your required pack size.
Key Features
Printed “This Way Up” message:
Helps indicate the intended upright orientation of cartons and packages, supporting clearer handling instructions through the distribution chain.
Low-noise unwind:
Designed to unwind more quietly than standard polypropylene tapes, helping reduce noise at the packing station—particularly useful in offices, retail backrooms and shared warehouse environments.
General-purpose carton sealing:
Suitable for everyday sealing of cartons and parcels where a printed handling message is beneficial.
Convenient roll format:
Supplied on standard tape rolls intended for use with common hand dispensers (where compatible) or for manual application.
Stock print availability:
A ready-to-use, standard message tape option when you need a clear instruction without the lead time of bespoke printing.
- Message: “THIS WAY UP” (stock print)
- Format: Low-noise packing tape
- Typical use: Carton sealing + orientation guidance
Typical Uses
- Shipping cartons containing fragile or orientation-sensitive items
- Warehouse picking and packing where clear handling cues help reduce errors
- Retail dispatch, e-commerce fulfilment and returns processing
- Internal transfers between sites where cartons may be handled multiple times
- Lab, medical, electronics and parts distribution where “upright” matters
This Way Up Low Noise Tape — Full Product Guide
Printed message tapes are a simple, highly visible way to add handling instructions directly to the outside of a carton. “This Way Up” tape is commonly used when the contents should remain upright—whether due to fragile components, liquids, calibrated devices, or packaging that performs best in a specific orientation. Choosing a low-noise version can also make a noticeable difference in day-to-day packing comfort, especially where many cartons are sealed each shift.
How It Works
This tape functions as a standard carton sealing tape while also displaying a repeated “This Way Up” message along the roll. When applied across carton seams (typically the top closure, and optionally the bottom closure), the printed instruction remains visible during handling. The low-noise characteristic relates to how the tape unwinds from the roll, helping reduce the sharp sound often associated with conventional packing tapes.
For best visibility, apply the tape so the message reads correctly when the carton is in its intended upright position. Many packers place the tape centrally across the main seam and extend it down the sides to improve security and keep the message visible from multiple angles.
Materials and Construction
Suppliers commonly describe “This Way Up” low-noise message tapes as polypropylene packing tapes with a low-noise unwind. Comparable products on the market are sold as low-noise polypropylene printed tapes in this size class. The printed message is typically applied in a contrasting colour to improve readability against the tape background.
Because packaging tapes can vary by adhesive type and film grade across suppliers and ranges, if you need a specific adhesive (e.g., acrylic, hot melt, solvent) or performance requirement (e.g., cold-store use, high dust environments, recycled carton board), please check the selected variant details or contact Sapphire for confirmation.
Floor Type Compatibility
This product is a packing tape intended for cartons and parcels rather than a floor-applied tape. If you are looking for floor marking or safety line tape, Sapphire offers separate ranges designed for floor adhesion, abrasion resistance and pedestrian/vehicle traffic.
Health and Safety
- Cutting: Use a suitable tape dispenser with a guarded blade where possible. Take care when tearing or cutting tape manually.
- Manual handling: When sealing heavier cartons, ensure the carton is correctly packed and not overfilled before taping.
- Workplace comfort: Low-noise unwind can help reduce repetitive high-frequency noise at the packing bench, supporting a more comfortable working environment.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
Fragile and orientation-sensitive goods:
Use “This Way Up” tape to reinforce the intended orientation for items that may be affected by tipping or inversion.
Multi-handler distribution chains:
When cartons pass through multiple hands—pickers, couriers, cross-docks and receiving teams—clear external instructions can help reduce avoidable mishandling.
Busy packing stations:
Low-noise tape is often chosen for environments where many cartons are sealed daily and noise reduction is valued.
Returns and re-shipments:
Repacked items may not have original orientation markings; printed tape provides a quick, consistent instruction.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
- Storage: Store tape in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to help maintain adhesive performance.
- Dispensers: Keep dispenser rollers and blades clean and free of adhesive build-up for smoother application.
- Carton surfaces: For best adhesion, apply to clean, dry carton board. Dusty or damp surfaces can reduce bond strength.
Case Study (Example Workflow)
A small e-commerce fulfilment team shipping mixed product types (including items that must remain upright) standardised on “This Way Up” printed tape for those orders. Packers applied the tape across the top seam and down the sides, ensuring the message was visible from multiple angles. The team also preferred the low-noise unwind because packing took place adjacent to office space. The result was a clearer handling cue on outbound cartons and a more comfortable packing environment during peak periods.
Note: This is a general example of how printed message tape is commonly used; outcomes depend on carrier handling practices and overall packaging design.
Who Is It For?
- Warehouses and fulfilment centres shipping orientation-sensitive goods
- Retail dispatch teams and back-of-house packing benches
- Manufacturers shipping parts, assemblies or calibrated equipment
- Offices and shared workspaces where quieter packing is preferred
- Any shipper wanting a stock printed “This Way Up” instruction without bespoke print lead times
Colours / Features Available
Comparable products are commonly supplied as a white low-noise tape printed “THIS WAY UP” in a contrasting colour (often red) for visibility. Availability can vary by supplier and range; please refer to the variant options on this page for the exact tape colour/print style supplied by Sapphire.
Sizes Available
This listing is for a roll size in the 50mm x 66m class. As Sapphire product pages can represent multiple pack options, please select the variant that matches your required quantity. If you need alternative widths, lengths, or a bespoke printed tape, contact Sapphire to discuss options.
Helpful Buying Tips
- Use with a dispenser: A compatible hand dispenser can improve application speed and help achieve consistent tension and adhesion.
- Reinforce where needed: For heavier cartons, consider an “H-tape” method (sealing the centre seam plus the two edge seams) to improve closure security.
- Combine with labels: For critical shipments, pair “This Way Up” tape with “Fragile” labels and appropriate internal void fill for best protection.
References used for general product matching and wording:
Printed “This Way Up” low-noise polypropylene packing tape listings from Fosseway Tapes, Packaging4U, Bonus Trading, and Sapphire’s own low-noise tape category page.