If you have ever received a parcel from a major global retailer and you have noticed that the tape does not look or feel like the usual shiny plastic tape, but is thick, matte, and seems almost welded to the box. This is water-activated tape (WAT), often known as gummed paper tape, and it is rapidly becoming the gold standard for eCommerce brands that want to balance security with sustainability.
Unlike standard pressure-sensitive tape which uses a chemical adhesive, WAT uses a starch-based glue that is completely dry to the touch until it is moistened. Once the tape is wet, usually by a machine like the grip® Turbo Taper dispenser, the adhesive penetrates the fibres of the cardboard box.
This creates a 'molecular bond' rather than just a surface stick. Once the tape has adhered, the tape and the box become a single piece of material. You cannot peel it off without leaving a visible scar on the box, which makes Boxbond™ paper tape an incredible deterrent for opportunistic theft during transit.
The different 'flavours' of paper tape
Kraft Paper Tape Semi-Crepe Paper Tape Reinforced Paper Tape
Not all paper tapes are created equal, and choosing the right one depends entirely on what you are shipping.
For heavy-duty industrial items, reinforced paper tape is the answer. It has cross-woven glass fibres inside that make it almost impossible to tear by hand.
If you are looking for something more flexible for smaller parcels, semi-crepe paper tapes offer a bit of stretch and give.
Many brands are also moving toward kraft paper machine tapes for their automated lines because they are reliable and 100% recyclable.
You can find a full range of these gummed paper tapes to suit different warehouse volumes and weight requirements.
Why the switch makes sense for the planet
The environmental argument is hard to ignore. Standard plastic tape is a long, thin strip of film that is difficult to separate from the cardboard during the recycling process. Most of it ends up as a 'reject' in the paper mill, eventually heading to landfill or incineration.
Because WAT is made from paper and natural starch, it can be left on the box and tossed straight into the recycling bin. It is a mono-material solution, which is a phrase sustainability managers love to hear. Beyond the materials, you also tend to use less of it. While a packer might use three or four strips of plastic tape to 'be safe', you only ever need one single strip of boxbond to secure a carton.
If you are reviewing your packaging setup this year, now is a sensible time to take a closer look at your material data sheets. A quick audit of your weights and recycled content percentages can often reveal a path to both lower taxes and better sustainability credentials. Send us a message, email sales@allpack.uk.com or phone us on 01543 396 700 to find out more. We are always happy to have a practical conversation about how this could work for your business and help you navigate these changes without the headache.