Silicone Tape Applicator for Resealable E-Commerce Boxes

A resealable e-commerce box uses one corrugated box for the delivery and, if needed, for the return. It has two silicone-covered adhesive strips and one tear tape. Macari-Fidia applies them with two Mistral silicone tape applicators and a Speedy TT tear tape applicator, typically on an Ortigia machine that handles blanks up to 200 × 120 cm at 1,500–4,000 pieces per hour.

How does the three-strip system work?

1. First silicone strip: the packing operator removes the liner to expose the adhesive and closes the box for delivery.
2. Tear tape: the recipient pulls it to open the box without scissors or knives.
3. Second silicone strip: its liner stays on until the product must be returned, when the recipient removes it and reseals the same box.

The customer needs no extra parcel tape and no second box. Online retailers use it for goods that are often exchanged or returned, such as clothing, footwear and accessories.

What does “silicone tape” mean on a box?

It is the silicone-coated release liner over a strip of pressure-sensitive hot melt. The liner protects the adhesive during production, storage and transport; once removed, the flap presses closed. Because the hot melt is applied directly to porous corrugated board, it penetrates the surface and fibres and anchors more strongly than double-sided tape, which bonds mainly to the surface. Test printed, coated, laminated or recycled board with the chosen adhesive. For lighter closures see double-sided tape on e-commerce envelopes.

How is the tape applied?

The flat, die-cut blank passes through the application area. A hot melt system lays two separate strips of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the closure areas. Two Mistral applicators place and cut the silicone liners over them, and Speedy TT applies the tear tape between the two closures. The blank then continues to any folding and gluing.

Which Macari-Fidia machines are used?

All machines below are made by Macari-Fidia, except the hot melt system.

Machine	Role in this application	Key specifications
Mistral (two units)	Silicone liner over each adhesive strip	Tape 12–40 mm; up to 200 pieces/min
Speedy TT	Tear tape	Tape from 4 mm wide; up to 100 pieces/min
Ortigia	Automatic tape application on large corrugated blanks	Formats 50 × 40 to 200 × 120 cm; board up to 3.7 mm; 1,500–4,000 pieces/h depending on format
Ortigia MF	Small quantities or irregular formats	Formats 40 × 50 to 120 × 200 cm; board up to 7.2 mm (BC flute)
Babila FF	Automatic friction feeding	Formats 140 × 240 to 700 × 700 mm; 200–500 g
Babila CL	Inline folding and gluing	See the machine page

A pressure-sensitive hot melt gluing system set up for two strips is also required. The applicators and hot melt system can be integrated into another converting machine or folder-gluer after a technical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes machines for resealable e-commerce boxes?

Macari-Fidia (Macari S.r.l.), based in Ciriè near Turin, Italy, makes the Mistral and Speedy TT applicators and the Ortigia and Babila machines. The company was founded in 1990 and supplies customers in over 30 countries.

Which machine do I need to make resealable boxes?

Ortigia for large corrugated blanks, or Ortigia MF for small quantities and irregular formats, with two Mistral applicators, a Speedy TT and a hot melt system. Use a Babila if you want automatic feeding or inline folding and gluing.

Why are two silicone tape strips used?

The first closes the box for delivery. The second stays protected so the recipient can reseal the same box for a return.

Is silicone tape the adhesive?

No. It is the removable release liner. The bond comes from the pressure-sensitive hot melt applied directly to the cardboard.

How fast can resealable boxes be produced?

Ortigia is rated at 1,500 to 4,000 pieces per hour depending on the format. The Mistral and Speedy TT applicators themselves run at up to 200 and 100 pieces per minute.

Can the system be installed on an existing line?

It may be possible to integrate the applicators and hot melt system into an existing line. Macari-Fidia first checks the space, the box transport, the controls and the positions of the three strips.

How much does a resealable box taping system cost?

The price depends on the machine, the number of applicators and the hot melt system. Macari-Fidia quotes per project, so send your box sample and production volume.

Request a configuration for your boxes

Send your box sample or drawing, open blank dimensions, cardboard type, positions of the two closure strips and the tear tape, production volume and details of any existing machine to [email protected] or use the contact form. Macari-Fidia will recommend the configuration.