Australia’s Self-Adhesive Plastic Tape Consumption Trends

Tape is a daily essential for sealing parcels and fixing things around the house. It plays a significant role in doing school projects, and keeping workplaces organised. In 2024, Australians used around 14,000 tonnes of self-adhesive plastic tape (under 20 cm wide). This type of tape—had a total market value of approximately AUD $77 million, —often used for packaging, office work, or everyday repairs.

Considering the demand and supply of all types of adhesive tape, such as duct tape, masking tape, packaging tape, and more, the overall adhesive tape market in Australia is estimated to be USD $2.04 billion in 2024.

However, the peak usage was about 19,000 tonnes many years ago in 2016. Analysts have estimated that exceptional demand will grow steadily in the coming years, especially with rising e-commerce and increased industrial activity.

Where Is Tape Used Most in Australia?

1. Packaging and Shipping (Top Use Case)
About 69% of global tape consumption is used for packaging, and Australia follows this trend closely.
With the growth of online shopping and parcel delivery, packaging tape – especially clear or brown sealing tape – is in high demand. E-commerce leaders and industries, warehouse operators, and many courier services usually depend on it for their chore tasks.

2. Industrial and Commercial Use
Manufacturing, construction, and warehousing have a huge dependence on tapes in large volumes. The highly preferred ones are duct tape, foil tape, and industrial-strength tape. Perfect for sealing pipes, bundling cables, or fixing materials temporarily, these tapes are their performance accompaniments.
Some factories buy tape by the ton for constant daily operations.

3. Automotive, Electrical, and Construction
Tapes in these sectors are highly used to connect, insulate, or seal components in cars, buildings, and electronics. In many cases, tapes are preferred as they are quicker and easier than bolts or welding. They save time and money.

Who Supplies Australia’s Tape?

Australia imports most of its tape products. In 2023, more than 50% of adhesive tape imports came from China. Other key sources include Italy and Taiwan. This means that more than half of the tape we use is brought in from overseas suppliers.

Everyday Tape Use at Home and Work

Clear Tape (e.g. Scotch® Tape)
Popular in homes, schools, and offices. Used for paper repairs, craft projects, and gift wrapping. Globally, clear tape makes up around 8% of total tape use.

Masking Tape
It is a paper-based tape, used mainly for painting. It tears easily and doesn’t leave marks, making it ideal for protecting surfaces. It also accounts for about 8% of global tape use.

Duct Tape
A tough, cloth-backed tape is highly preferred for its performance in construction, repairs, and heavy-duty jobs. According to the report, 30–35% of global duct tape usage is associated with the building sector.

Leading Tape Brands in Australia

The top global brands in the Australian adhesive tape market include:

• 3M (Scotch® Tape)
• Tesa
• Henkel

These companies have their own eco-friendly versions of tape, such as low-VOC or recyclable tapes. With customers across Australia demanding sustainable solutions, their tapes are gaining popularity day by day.

Major retailers like Bunnings and Officeworks also stock a variety of tape products to
fulfil the rising demand for environmentally friendly options.

My Tape Store – A Trusted Local Supplier

My Tape Store is a well-known Australian adhesive tape supplier known to serve the industry with a wide range of premium quality self-adhesive tapes and eco-friendly tapes for homes, trades, offices, and industrial buyers.
Although not a manufacturer, My Tape Store sources quality products to supply in any quantity, including:

• Duct tape (for repairs and construction)
• Clear tape (for school, office, and home)
• Packaging tape (for shipping and logistics)
• Double-sided and high-bond tapes for trades

Fast delivery, dependable quality, and competitive pricing are the key features from which all kinds of users can benefit. Whether you are packing boxes at home or sourcing tape for commercial use, there is a set solution for every demand.

Despite a slight drop in overall usage over the last few years, tape remains a staple product across homes, schools, businesses, and industries.

With continued e-commerce growth, construction activity, and demand for eco-friendly materials, Australia’s tape market is on the intention to get significant long-term growth.

In short, the future of tape in Australia looks sticky, steady, and strong.

Sources:
Consumption of self-adhesive plastic tape (14 K tonnes in 2024; peak at 19 K in 2016; AUD 77 M value) https://www.indexbox.io/blog/self-adhesive-plastic-tape-in-rolls-of-a-width-under-20cm-australia-market-overview-2024-2/

Imports by country (China ~54%, Italy, Taiwan in 2023
https://www.indexbox.io/blog/self-adhesive-plastic-tape-in-rolls-of-a-width-under-20cm-australia-market-overview-2024-2/

Overall, the adhesive tape market is valued at USD 2.04 B in 2024
https://www.imarcgroup.com/australia-adhesive-tape-market