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Water-Activated (Gummed) Tape

Water-activated tape is kraft paper with a starch-based adhesive that bonds into the box fibers when wet. This sheet compares reinforced and non-reinforced tape, explains dispensers and lists when gummed tape is worth choosing.

Ref PK-0115

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Water-activated tape (WAT), also called gummed tape, has no tack until water activates the adhesive. Once applied, the starch adhesive soaks into the corrugated surface and bonds with the paper fibers, so the tape becomes part of the box. It cannot be peeled off cleanly, which shows tampering. Non-reinforced tape is a single layer of kraft paper for lighter boxes. Reinforced tape has fiberglass strands laid between two paper layers, often in a cross or diamond pattern, for heavier and larger boxes.

How to identify

The tape is paper on both sides with a dry, smooth adhesive face. Reinforced tape shows strands through the paper. Rolls are marked with width, length, basis weight or grade and reinforcement type. Natural kraft, white and printed rolls are common.

Tape types

Type	Construction	Best for
Non-reinforced, light grade	Single kraft layer	Small, light boxes
Non-reinforced, heavy grade	Heavier kraft layer	Medium boxes
Reinforced	Two kraft layers with fiberglass strands	Heavy, large or high-value boxes
Printed	Either type with print	Branding and tamper evidence

Dispensers

Dispenser	How it works	Best for
Manual table-top	Brush or roller wets tape as it is pulled; lever cuts	Low volume
Electric	Sets tape length, wets and cuts at a button press	Medium to high volume
Heated water electric	Warms the water for faster tack	Cold rooms, recycled board

Key points

Keep the water tank filled and the brushes clean. Too little water gives a weak bond; too much washes the adhesive off.
Rub the tape down after applying so the adhesive contacts the board.
Gummed tape works well on recycled and dusty board, where pressure-sensitive tape can lift.
The bond holds in a wide range of temperatures once set.
The tape is paper and generally goes into corrugated recycling with the box.
Store rolls in a dry place. Humidity can pre-activate the adhesive.

Common mistakes

Using a dispenser with a dry or dirty brush.
Applying tape to a wet or frozen box surface.
Choosing non-reinforced tape for heavy boxes.
Expecting gummed tape to stick to plastic or coated surfaces.

Governing standards: No single consensus standard is widely cited for water-activated tape. Tape and dispenser maker data.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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