a one piece integral carrier tape is provided comprising an elongated plastic strip member divided longitudinally by a living hinge into first and second segments so that one segment may be folded over onto the other segment . component cavities extend along the tape and a plurality of sprocket holes is provided in one of the segments and tabs and tab engaging surfaces are provided on the segments to enable the one segment to be releasably secured to the other segment when the plastic strip is folded along the living hinge . a method of forming the carrier tape is also disclosed .