The paper tape that a dispenser wets before you stick it to a carton goes by a confusing number of names: water activated tape, gummed tape, gummed paper tape, kraft tape, paper tape, remoistenable tape, and “tape activated by water”. They mostly mean the same product. This guide sorts out the terms, and separates them from other things that are also activated by water but are not carton sealing tape.
Key points
- The most precise term is “water activated tape” (often abbreviated WAT); “gummed paper tape” is the older name for the same thing.
- Terms like “kraft tape”, “paper tape” and “brown tape” are ambiguous, because they also describe self-adhesive paper tapes that do not need water.
- “Activated by water”, “water-remoistenable” and “remoistenable” are descriptive terms for how the adhesive works.
- Several unrelated products are also water-activated: envelope and stamp gum, fibreglass pipe-repair tape, and bookbinding tapes. None are for sealing cartons.
- When specifying, use “water activated” or “gummed” plus “reinforced” or “non-reinforced”.
The product, in one description
A strip of kraft paper coated with a dry, starch-based adhesive. It is not tacky on the roll. A dispenser (or a damp sponge) wets the coating, the starch turns sticky and bonds into the fibres of a corrugated carton, and it dries to a rigid, tamper-evident seal. That single product is what all the names below refer to.
The names, and where they come from
- Water activated tape / WAT. The current industry-standard term. Describes the mechanism: water activates the adhesive. Best term to search and specify with.
- Gummed paper tape / gummed tape / gummed kraft tape. The older name, from the days when the adhesive was called “gum” (originally animal glue, later starch). Still widely used, especially by long-established suppliers.
- Kraft tape / kraft paper tape. Names it by the backing material. Ambiguous: also used for self-adhesive kraft paper tape, which is tacky out of the box and needs no water. See the kraft tape family guide.
- Paper tape / paper packing tape. Broad and ambiguous for the same reason.
- Tape activated by water / water-activated / water-remoistenable / remoistenable. Descriptive variants. “Remoistenable” is common in the label and stationery trades.
- Starch tape / glue tape. Names it by the adhesive. “Glue tape” is loose usage; see how carton seals bond.
- Brown tape / brown paper tape. Names it by colour. Ambiguous, and natural kraft is not the only colour available.
Grade and brand shorthand
You will also see numbers and brand names used as shorthand. Grade numbers like 240, 250, 260, 270 or “280 natural” indicate the tape’s weight and strength (higher is stronger), and are used mainly for reinforced tape. Some buyers refer to tape by a dispenser brand. These are not different products, just different ways of pointing at a strength or a format. The grade detail is in reinforced vs non-reinforced.
Also “activated by water”, but not carton tape
Plenty of other adhesives are water-activated. If a search led you here for one of these, this is not the product:
- Envelope gum and postage-stamp gum. The original water-activated adhesive, a thin remoistenable gum on paper. Same principle, different job.
- Water-activated fibreglass tape for pipe repair and casting. A resin-impregnated wrap that hardens when wetted. A structural repair product, not a seal.
- Bookbinding, hinging, linen and veneer tapes. Gummed paper or cloth tapes for conservation, framing and joinery. Narrow, specialist, not for shipping.
- Water-activated wallpaper and pre-pasted papers. A wall covering, not a tape.
All of these are “activated by water”. Only the kraft-and-starch carton tape described above is a shipping seal.
Which term to use
To search or to specify, use “water activated tape” or “gummed paper tape”, and add “reinforced” or “non-reinforced” and the width you need (48, 70, 72 or 76 mm). That combination is unambiguous. Avoid “kraft tape” or “paper tape” on their own, since a supplier may send self-adhesive tape instead.
Where Carewell fits
Carewell Group is an Australian packaging supplier. Whatever you call it, we supply water activated (gummed) paper tape, reinforced and non-reinforced, plain or printed, with dispensers to match. Start with the water activated tape guide or browse the range. Ask for samples or call +61 (02) 8760 1491.
Frequently asked questions
Is “gummed tape” the same as “water activated tape”?
Yes. “Gummed paper tape” is the older name and “water activated tape” (WAT) is the current one for the same kraft-and-starch carton sealing tape.
Is kraft tape water activated?
Sometimes. “Kraft tape” describes the paper backing, and it is used for both water activated (gummed) tape and self-adhesive kraft tape, which needs no water. Check for “gummed” or “water activated” versus “self-adhesive”.
What does “remoistenable” mean?
That the adhesive is dry until water is applied, then becomes sticky. It is another term for water activated, common in the label and stationery trades.
Is water-activated fibreglass tape the same product?
No. That is a resin-impregnated wrap for pipe repair that hardens when wetted. It is not a carton seal.
What should I ask for when ordering?
“Water activated tape” or “gummed paper tape”, plus “reinforced” or “non-reinforced” and the width. That avoids being sent a self-adhesive paper tape by mistake.
Sources
- Jota Machinery and Holland Manufacturing, water activated / gummed paper tape terminology and history: jotamachinery.com
- Industry product references distinguishing water activated (gummed) tape from self-adhesive kraft tape
- General references on water-activated adhesives (envelope and stamp gum, fibreglass repair tape, bookbinding tapes)
Written by Alif Vasaya, digital and content strategy, Carewell Group. Carewell Group is an Australian packaging, food packaging, tape, industrial safety and 3PL supplier. Last updated 10 September 2026.