Detach tape from paper and cardboard carefully

When opening a package or reusing a gift box, adhesive strips can interfere. However, paper and cardboard are sensitive substrates: fibres, printing inks or a coating can be dissolved during extraction. A completely invisible distance is therefore not always possible. First, check that the packaging can be opened in a different way before working on a visible surface.

Open the seam instead of pulling off large areas

With a shipping box, it is often more gentle to carefully cut the tape on the flap seams instead of tearing it completely off. Keep your distance from the content and use a suitable tool according to its instructions. A deeply guided knife can damage the goods. Open the box in a controlled manner and keep your fingers out of the cut area.

If you want to keep the surface of a gift box, first raise a small corner of the ribbon. Test at an inconspicuous place whether paper fibers stick to the adhesive. As soon as the surface detachs, stop trying. A small remaining strip can be less annoying for further use than a large-scale damaged cardboard.

Slowly pull and protect sensitive surfaces

Pull a detachable strip evenly and as flat as possible over the surface. Support the paper right next to the release point without strongly bending it. Rucklike movements increase the risk of fibers tearing down. With thin paper, old prints or strongly adherent ribbons, a careful method can also leave visible traces.

Water, oil and solvents are not a general solution for paper packaging. They can cause stains, change printing inks or affect the shape of the cardboard. Heat can also change sensitive materials and adhesives. Do not use such methods without appropriate material advice. For valuable documents or sensitive printing works, a professional assessment is more meaningful than an improvised cleaning test.

Re-use packaging and prepare new labels

For a re-used shipping carton, stability is more important than a flawless surface. After opening, check edges, walls and floor. Old shipping labels and barcodes must be removed or made completely unreadable so that only the new marking remains recognizable. Damaged exterior walls must not be covered only with a wide label.

For gift packaging, a new banderole or a clean paper strip can cover small traces of usage. If possible, choose well-resolvable closures and stick only where it is necessary. The right band type depends on the material and the desired task. A secure shipping closure and an easy to reopen decorative finish make different requirements.