Recycled Corrugate Sealing Made Simple
Recycled corrugate is becoming the standard across packaging operations, driven by fiber supply constraints and cost pressures. 3M delivers a complete sealing approach designed to help manage that variability and support consistent performance.
Your Challenges
The reality of recycled corrugate
Recycled corrugate is now widely used across industries as manufacturers adapt to supply constraints and cost pressures. While it supports long-term material availability, it also introduces new operational realities.
Recycled materials may vary in surface texture, fiber composition and structural strength. These differences can affect how tape adheres, how boxes respond to pressure and how equipment performs during automated sealing.
For many operations, the focus is on maintaining productivity and reliability while managing this variability and helping prevent issues before they impact the line.
Where things can break down:
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Tape adhesion issuesRecycled corrugate often has a more porous and uneven surface. Shorter fibers, dust and variable coatings may reduce bonding strength, increasing the risk of tape lift or open boxes during handling and transit.
Impact: Product risk, customer complaints, increased material use and rework
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Box crushing under pressureShorter or weaker fibers in recycled corrugate may reduce structural rigidity and compression strength. During sealing or handling, uneven or excessive pressure can increase the likelihood of box deformation, especially with overfilled or underfilled cases.
Impact: Damaged packaging, increased risk of product damage, rework and higher operational cost
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System jams and alignmentDust, loose fibers and inconsistent box structure can interfere with tape application and automated case sealing equipment. This may lead to tape misapplication, jams or unplanned stops that interrupt production.
Frequent adjustments, cleaning and maintenance may increase labor time and can accelerate wear on equipment components over time.
Impact: Downtime, reduced throughput, increased maintenance and higher total cost of operation
The solution: A complete approach to sealing recycled corrugate
Addressing individual issues in isolation can create trade-offs across the line. Improving adhesion alone may require more pressure. Reducing pressure may affect seal integrity.
The 3M™ RC Plus+ Sealing System is designed as a complete, integrated solution that brings together packaging tapes, tape heads and case sealing equipment from a single source.
Each component is engineered to work together to help support consistent sealing performance, reduce variability and improve overall line efficiency when working with recycled corrugate.
This system-level approach not only helps address current challenges but may also help reduce the risk of issues developing over time.
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How the system works
Each stage of the sealing process plays a role in overall performance. When packaging tape, tape heads and case sealers are aligned, they help create a more stable and predictable operation.
- Packaging tapes are formulated to help bond to irregular and porous recycled surfaces
- Tape heads apply controlled, consistent pressure across the box
- Case sealers support smooth handling of variable box structures
This integrated approach helps reduce variability at key points in the process and supports more consistent sealing results.
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Choose the right configuration
Every operation has different requirements. Box type, recycled content, line speed and environmental conditions can all influence performance.
3M can help evaluate your current setup and identify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency and long-term performance.
Need help defining the right setup? Contact a 3M expert.
Components of the 3M™ RC Plus+ Sealing System
Engineered to perform as one system
The 3M™ RC Plus+ Sealing System is designed to help address adhesion, crushing and jams through a connected solution.
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Scotch® Plus+ TapesDesigned to help provide reliable adhesion on recycled corrugate, including porous or dusty surfaces where standard tapes may struggle.
- Engineered adhesive technology to help deliver high initial tack and holding power
- Designed to perform on uneven recycled surfaces
- Helps reduce rework and downtime associated with tape lift
- Optimized for performance within the 3M™ RC Plus+ Sealing System
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3M™ AccuGlide™ Tape HeadsThe tape head plays a central role in sealing performance. 3M™ AccuGlide™ tape heads with soft touch technology are designed to apply controlled, even pressure to support strong seals while helping reduce the risk of box damage.
- Soft touch wipe-down helps support strong adhesion
- Designed to help reduce jams and improve consistency
- Built to withstand high-speed packaging environments
- Engineered to integrate with other 3M sealing components
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3M-Matic™ Case SealersDesigned for durability and consistent operation, 3M-Matic™ case sealers help support automated sealing across a range of recycled corrugate conditions.
- Robust construction for long-term reliability
- Designed to accommodate box variability including different fill levels and flute grades
- Supports consistent material handling and reduced maintenance frequency
- Built for seamless integration with 3M sealing components
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is recycled corrugate more difficult to seal?
Recycled corrugate can have a more porous and uneven surface. Shorter fibers and variable coatings may reduce tape bonding strength, which can increase the risk of tape lift or open boxes during handling and transit.
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Can recycled corrugate affect automation performance?
Yes. Dust, loose fibers and inconsistent box structure may interfere with tape application and case sealing equipment. This can lead to jams, unplanned stops and increased maintenance.
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Why consider a complete system instead of individual components?
Recycled corrugate can introduce multiple challenges at once, including adhesion variability, reduced box strength and automation disruptions. A system designed to work together may help address these challenges more consistently.
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We are not experiencing issues today. Why consider a change?
Some challenges may not appear immediately. Issues such as adhesion loss or box crushing can develop over time or under certain conditions. Addressing these early may help maintain productivity and reduce the risk of disruption.
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How can I evaluate the solution for my operation?
3M can review your current setup and, where appropriate, arrange demonstrations using your own recycled corrugate to help assess performance under real operating conditions.
Get expert support for your operation
Connect with our team, access resources, or learn more about our recycled corrugate sealing solutions.
If recycled corrugate is affecting your packaging performance, 3M can help evaluate your process and identify opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency.
Our specialists can review your current operation, recommend potential improvements and support implementation.
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Contact a 3M expertRequest a demo, schedule a site visit or get technical guidance tailored to your operation.
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Stay connected with usGet updates, insights and practical guidance on sealing recycled corrugate.
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View the recycled corrugate challenges and solutions overviewAn overview of common issues and how the 3M™ RC Plus+ Sealing System is designed to help address them
When you think recycled corrugate, think 3M.
