If you have searched for paper tape “nearby”, it helps to know that “paper tape” covers two quite different products. One is self-adhesive and sticks straight from the roll; the other is water activated and needs wetting. Local suppliers often stock only the first. This guide explains what you will find and how to ask for the right one.
Key points
- Self-adhesive kraft paper tape is tacky from the roll and applies like plastic tape. It is what most local suppliers stock as “paper tape”.
- Water activated (gummed) paper tape is dry until a dispenser wets it, bonds into the carton fibres, and is tamper-evident.
- Only water activated (and reinforced) gummed tape reliably recycles with the carton; self-adhesive kraft carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
- Ask for “water activated” or “gummed” if that is what you need, so you are not sold the self-adhesive type by mistake.
The two “paper tapes”
Self-adhesive kraft paper tape. A kraft paper backing with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, often natural rubber. Pull, stick, press, like clear packing tape but with a paper look. It tears by hand and takes pen. Fine for light carton sealing and bundling where you want a paper appearance without a dispenser.
Water activated (gummed) paper tape. A kraft backing with a dry starch adhesive. A dispenser wets it; the starch penetrates the carton liner and bonds to the fibres, drying rigid. Pulling it off tears the board, which makes it tamper-evident, and the whole carton recycles together. This is the tape covered in the water activated tape guide.
What you will find locally
General hardware and stationery retailers that stock any paper tape usually carry the self-adhesive kraft type, in one or two widths, with no dispenser support. Packaging suppliers carry both types, plus reinforced gummed tape, dispensers, spares and print options, in trade quantities. If you need the water activated type, a packaging supplier is the right channel.
How to ask for the right one
- Say “water activated” or “gummed” paper tape if you want the type that bonds into the board and recycles with the carton.
- Say “self-adhesive kraft” or “paper packing tape” if you want the peel-and-stick type.
- Specify reinforced or non-reinforced, and the width (48, 70, 72 or 76 mm).
See the kraft tape family guide for how the paper tapes differ, and the naming guide for the other terms in use.
Carewell across Australia
Carewell Group supplies both self-adhesive kraft and water activated (gummed) paper tape, reinforced and non-reinforced, with dispensers, distributed nationally from NSW warehousing. Carewell can meet all your packaging needs in one place. Talk to our team about what you are sealing and we will point you to the right tape and work to your required minimum order quantity. See also how sourcing water activated tape works across Australia.
Carewell is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, and is an APCO member. Request a quote and samples or call +61 (02) 8760 1491.
Frequently asked questions
Is paper tape the same as water activated tape?
Not always. “Paper tape” also means self-adhesive kraft tape, which is tacky from the roll. Water activated (gummed) tape is dry until wetted.
Which paper tape recycles with the box?
Water activated (gummed) kraft tape and its reinforced version. Self-adhesive kraft tape carries a pressure-sensitive adhesive and is a less clean recycling story.
Does self-adhesive kraft tape need a dispenser?
No, it works with a normal hand gun. Only water activated tape needs a wetting dispenser.
Where can I buy water activated paper tape?
From a packaging supplier, which carries the full range plus dispensers. General retailers rarely stock it.
What should I ask for?
“Water activated” or “gummed” paper tape, plus reinforced or non-reinforced and the width.
Written by Alif Vasaya, digital and content strategy, Carewell Group. Carewell Group is an Australian packaging, food packaging, tape, industrial safety and 3PL supplier serving all of Australia. Last updated 10 September 2026.