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  • Writer's pictureJack Martin

7 Reasons to use water activated tape

Water activated tape, also known as gummed tape, is a type of tape that requires water to activate the adhesive. Unlike traditional pressure-sensitive tape, which is sticky out of the box, water activated tape forms a strong, permanent bond when wet.


In this article, we will explore the benefits of using water activated tape and why it may be a better choice for your packaging needs.

  1. Superior strength and security: Water activated tape is known for its superior strength and security. The adhesive on water activated tape penetrates the fibers of the box, forming a strong, permanent bond. This bond is tamper-evident, making it more difficult for someone to tamper with your package without leaving obvious signs of damage. This can be especially important for businesses that ship high-value or sensitive items.

  2. More cost-effective: Water activated tape may be more cost-effective than other types of tape in the long run. While the initial cost of water activated tape may be higher than other types of tape, such as pressure-sensitive tape, the stronger bond means that you can use less tape to secure your packages. This can help reduce material costs and can also help speed up the packaging process, reducing labor costs.

  3. Customizable branding: Water activated tape can be customized with your branding, helping to increase brand awareness and make your packages stand out. Custom printed water activated tape can be a cost-effective way to promote your business and create a more professional appearance for your packages.

  4. Environmentally friendly: Water activated tape is also environmentally friendly. It is made from kraft paper, which is renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. This means that water activated tape is a more sustainable packaging solution than other types of tape, such as plastic tape, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.

  5. Easy to use: Water activated tape is also easy to use. Simply wet the tape with a sponge or tape dispenser, and it is ready to use. The adhesive on water activated tape is activated by water, so there is no need to apply pressure to create a bond. This can help reduce the risk of hand and wrist injuries associated with applying pressure-sensitive tape.

  6. Improved package appearance: Water activated tape can also help improve the appearance of your packages. The kraft paper material and customized branding can create a more professional look, which can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, water activated tape is less likely to wrinkle or bubble during application, which can help create a neater and more uniform appearance.

  7. Increased productivity: Using water activated tape can also increase productivity. Because water activated tape forms a strong, permanent bond with less tape, you can package items more quickly and with less effort. This can help increase the number of packages you can ship in a day, helping to boost your bottom line.

In conclusion, water activated tape offers a range of benefits over other types of tape, including superior strength and security, cost-effectiveness, customizable branding, sustainability, ease of use, improved package appearance, and increased productivity. If you are looking for a more reliable and cost-effective packaging solution, water activated tape may be the right choice for your business.

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