The Ultimate Guide to Water Activated Tape: Benefits, Applications, and Why It's Revolutionizing Packaging

• Introduction to Water Activated Tape (WAT)
• Definition: A paper-based tape with a dry adhesive that activates with water, becoming sticky to seal corrugated boxes.
• Purpose: Specifically designed for securing the closure of corrugated boxes.

Types of Water Activated Tape

Reinforced WAT: Contains reinforcement fibers (fiberglass or polyester), offering enhanced durability for parcel shipping.

Non-Reinforced WAT: Lacks reinforcement fibers, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, suitable for lightweight boxes or palletized units.

Unique Characteristics of Water Activated Tape

Adhesive bonding: The adhesive fuses with the box fibers after activation, creating a tamper-evident seal.

Time to bond: The adhesive sets in 5-7 seconds, making the tape and box inseparable once applied.

Roll Specifications

Available in various sizes: Common size is 72mm (2.83 IN) wide and 137m (450 FT) long. Higher-volume options include 500 FT, 600 FT, and 1000 FT rolls.

Packaging: Sold in boxes with multiple rolls, for ease of handling and efficient shipping.

Why Water Activated Tape is Popular

Security: Tamper-evident closure for sensitive shipments (e.g., pharmaceuticals, electronics).

Branding: Customizable tape for eCommerce packaging that enhances brand visibility.

Environmental Benefits: Made from renewable resources, eco-friendly, and recyclable (non-reinforced type is curbside recyclable).

Ease of Use: Simple, consistent application using water-activated tape dispensers, which is more efficient than pressure-sensitive tapes.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Reinforced Tape: Contains small amounts of non-recyclable components (fiberglass and laminate adhesive), but overall, it is eco-friendly in its application.

Non-Reinforced Tape: Entirely recyclable, biodegradable, and repulpable, making it the most environmentally friendly option.

Sustainable Sourcing: Paper used in WAT is made from virgin fibers, compliant with Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standards.

Branding Opportunities with Water Activated Tape

Custom printed tape is an effective, cost-efficient way for eCommerce businesses to engage customers and advertise brand messages.

Design Tips: Simpler designs tend to work best, as the printed tape area is limited by the roll size and repeat printing method.