When it comes to packaging, the right tape can make all the difference. Whether you’re shipping products across the country or sealing boxes for storage, water activated tape (WAT) stands out as a reliable and effective choice. Also known as gummed tape, water activated tape offers unique benefits that traditional packaging tapes, like packing tape or clear tape, often can’t match. In this article, we’ll explore eight key insights about water activated tape that you should know.
What is Water Activated Tape?
Water activated tape is a type of packaging tape that requires moisture to activate its adhesive properties. Unlike regular packing tape, it sticks securely to cardboard when water is applied to the tape’s adhesive side. This strong bond is created because the adhesive seeps into the fibers of the box, creating a tamper-evident seal.
Many businesses prefer WAT because of its reliability and security. Whether you’re packaging products for customers or moving personal items, this tape can ensure everything stays secure.
1. Superior Bonding Strength
One of the main advantages of water activated tape is its superior bonding strength. Unlike clear packing tape, which sticks to the surface of the box, WAT creates a permanent bond with the box itself. The adhesive literally becomes part of the cardboard, making it much harder for the seal to break.
This makes WAT an excellent choice for heavy or valuable packages. It ensures that the box stays sealed, even during rough handling or long-distance shipping.
2. Tamper-Evident Seal
When it comes to security, water activated tape is hard to beat. Once the tape is applied, it is very difficult to remove without leaving obvious signs of tampering. If someone tries to open a box sealed with WAT, they’ll leave visible damage on the tape and the box.
This feature makes WAT ideal for shipping high-value or sensitive items. Businesses that care about protecting their products during transit often choose water activated tape for its ability to deter theft or tampering.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging Solution
As more businesses move toward sustainable practices, water activated tape has become a popular eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packing tape. WAT is typically made from kraft paper, which is biodegradable and recyclable. Additionally, the adhesive used on water activated tape is often plant-based, making it safer for the environment.
If you’re looking for ways to make your packaging more sustainable, switching to WAT is a simple yet effective step. Not only does it reduce your plastic usage, but it also aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly business practices.
4. Cost-Effective for High-Volume Packaging
At first glance, water activated tape may seem more expensive than traditional packaging tape. However, it’s actually a cost-effective choice for high-volume packaging. This is because you typically need less WAT to seal a box compared to plastic tape.
A single strip of WAT is usually enough to secure a package, while traditional packing tape often requires multiple layers to achieve the same level of security. This reduces waste and cuts down on overall tape usage, saving both materials and money over time.
5. Works Well in Extreme Conditions
One challenge with traditional packing tape is that it can lose its adhesive properties in extreme temperatures or humid conditions. Water activated tape, on the other hand, maintains its strong bond regardless of the environment.
This makes WAT a great option for shipping in hot, cold, or damp conditions. Whether your package is headed to a cold storage facility or a tropical climate, water activated tape will keep the box securely sealed.
6. Customisable for Branding
Another advantage of water activated tape is that it can be customised with your branding. Many businesses print their logos, taglines, or designs directly onto the tape. This not only enhances the look of your packages but also helps to promote your brand.
Customised water activated tape creates a professional and memorable unboxing experience for customers. It also serves as free advertising when packages are seen during shipping or at delivery. Adding your branding to WAT is an easy way to make your business stand out.
7. Easy to Use with the Right Tools
Using water activated tape is simple, but it does require a dispenser to apply the right amount of water to the adhesive. There are manual and automatic dispensers available, depending on the volume of your packaging needs.
Once you have the dispenser set up, applying the tape is quick and easy. A single strip of WAT is usually enough to seal a box, reducing the time and effort spent on packaging. For businesses that handle large-scale shipping, this can improve efficiency and productivity.
8. Reduces Warehouse Noise
Unlike traditional packing tape, which often makes loud ripping sounds during application, water activated tape is much quieter to use. This can make a big difference in busy packaging facilities or warehouses where employees are sealing hundreds of boxes daily.
The reduced noise creates a more comfortable working environment and minimises distractions. This benefit might seem small, but for businesses handling high-volume packaging, quieter operations contribute to better employee satisfaction and productivity.
If you want to make your packaging process smoother, consider the added comfort water activated tape provides while still delivering top-notch performance and security.
Water activated tape offers several benefits over traditional packing tape. From its superior bonding strength and tamper-evident seal to its eco-friendly design and cost-effectiveness, WAT is a smart choice for businesses and individuals alike. Its ability to perform well in extreme conditions, combined with its potential for customisation, makes it an all-in-one solution for modern packaging needs.
If you’re looking for a better way to package your products, consider switching to water activated tape. It’s secure, sustainable, and perfect for professional packaging.
For high-quality packaging solutions, trust Carewell Group. We provide reliable packaging materials to meet your business needs. Reach out to us today!
