Building on the success of Rippatape – the original market-leading tape-based opening device for board and paper-based packaging – Essentra Tear Tapes has launched Rippatape X. The new tape delivers improved cross-tear performance for the easy opening of paper sacks within the food and industrial sectors and mailers and large cartons used in e-commerce and retail packaging applications.

Manufactured using a specialised 75micron Monoaxially Orientated Polypropylene (MOPP) film, Rippatape X provides fast, safe and easy access to a pack’s contents. Importantly, its water-based adhesive solution does not impede the recycling of materials that it is applied to, ensuring both the tape and board can be processed through established recycling facilities.

Rippatape X removes the need for knives or any other sharp implements in the opening of packaging, reducing the risk of product damage or possible personal injury. Providing a clean and safe opening also ensures the product pack remains intact for any potential returns, avoiding the costs and impact on the environment from needing to supply extra packaging.

In addition, the tamper-evident nature of Rippatape X gives a clear indication if a package has been opened previously, providing brand and product protection for increased customer confidence.

Rippatape X has been designed to be easily applied to new and existing production lines at speeds of up to 450 metres a minute at the point of manufacture by using Essentra's custom build applicators.

“As the demand from consumers for easy opening increases, we wanted to create a product that had the same popular qualities of Rippatape, yet could also withstand the more durable retail and e-commerce packaging formats now available,” comments Ian Beresford, Head of Marketing and Development at Essentra Tear Tapes.

“The addition of Rippatape X delivers easy opening across the latest paper, corrugated and fibreboard packaging, protecting goods from damage while also providing evidence of tampering or packs being previously opened,” continues Ian. “This combination of consumer benefits, together with the ease of application for manufacturers, is ensuring Rippatape continues to deliver exceptional value to packaging.”