Water activated cardboard tape is quickly becoming the go-to choice for eCommerce brands, warehouses, and product manufacturers that want stronger seals, cleaner packaging, and a more sustainable approach to carton sealing. Instead of struggling with plastic tapes that peel, split, and require multiple wraps, businesses are shifting to a tape that bonds directly to the carton fibres, delivering a tamper-proof, professional finish that actually enhances brand trust.
What Is Water Activated Cardboard Tape?
Water activated cardboard tape also called gummed paper tape is a kraft-based packaging tape that uses a starch adhesive. Once activated with water, it chemically bonds with the carton surface, creating a secure, permanent seal.
Unlike plastic tapes, this bond cannot be removed without tearing the cardboard itself, making it ideal for secure shipping.
Key characteristics include:
• fully paper-based
• biodegradable
• recyclable with the box
• high tensile strength
• consistent, clean sealing
Why Businesses Are Switching to Water Activated Cardboard Tape
Here’s why this tape has become the top choice for packaging-driven brands:
1. Stronger, Tamper-Evident Seals
Once the tape is activated and applied, it becomes part of the box.
It can’t be peeled off. It can’t be lifted. It can’t be tampered with unnoticed.
2. You Use Less Tape
One strip is enough.
No more over-taping.
No more multiple wraps around the carton.
Internal tape category:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/tapes/
3. Clean, Professional Packaging
Plastic tape looks messy.
Cardboard tape blends beautifully with kraft boxes, giving parcels a uniform, premium look.
Great for unboxing experiences.
4. Eco-Friendly and Fully Recyclable
The tape is paper + starch adhesive.
No plastic sorting.
No contamination issues.
Internal sustainability link:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/sustainability/
5. Works on Recycled and Low-Quality Cartons
Plastic tape often fails on rough surfaces.
Water activated cardboard tape excels even on:
• dusty boxes
• humid cartons
• recycled cardboard
• uneven surfaces
6. Custom Printing Options
You can print logos, handling icons, warnings, QR codes, or branding messages directly on the tape.
Internal customisation:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/custom-solutions/
Types of Water Activated Cardboard Tape
Different applications call for different strengths:
1. Non-Reinforced Kraft Tape
Best for:
• lightweight to medium goods
• eCommerce and subscription boxes
• eco-centric branding
2. Reinforced Cardboard Tape
Contains fibreglass threads for added strength.
Best for:
• heavy cartons
• export packaging
• industrial shipments
• long-distance freight
Internal reinforced options:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/tapes/
How to Use Water Activated Cardboard Tape
Using this tape is simple even easier than plastic tape once you’re set up.
Step 1 – Feed the Tape Through a WAT Dispenser
A dispenser wets and cuts the tape for consistent lengths.
Tools & equipment available here:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/product-category/tools-equipments/
Step 2 – Apply to the Carton
Place the tape onto the seam and press gently.
Step 3 – Let It Bond
Within seconds, the adhesive fuses with the carton fibres.
That’s it.
No constant pulling.
No tangled rolls.
No struggling with cheap tape guns.
Ideal Applications
Water activated cardboard tape is used widely across industries:
• food packaging
• industrial assembly lines
• eCommerce brands
• subscription boxes
• 3PL warehouses
• exporters
• craft and handmade product sellers
• FMCG packaging
• logistics and distribution centres
Internal logistics link:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/storage-solution/
Wherever durability matters, this tape delivers.
Why It’s Better Than Plastic Tape
Here’s the reality:
Plastic Tape
• needs multiple layers
• loses adhesion in heat & humidity
• looks messy
• contributes to landfill waste
• easy to tamper with
• requires tape guns that jam
Water Activated Cardboard Tape
• one strip is enough
• airtight seal
• strengthens carton rigidity
• premium presentation
• fully recyclable
• tamper-proof
• less labour time
When doing high-volume shipping, the cost savings quickly add up.
External Resource
Industry packaging trends and insights:
https://share.google/lgtCmZysrDNTmlqtf
Why Carewell Group Is a Trusted Australian Supplier
Carewell provides high-strength, professional-grade water activated cardboard tape designed for industrial and commercial performance.
Why choose Carewell:
• fast shipping across Australia
• bulk and wholesale pricing
• high-grade kraft & reinforced options
• compatible dispensers
• custom printing available
• reliable supply for warehouses and 3PLs
• expert packaging support
Explore Carewell product range:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/
Carewell Group Pty Ltd
Unit 27/191, Mccredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Phone
+61 0477 123 699
Email
sales@carewellgroup.com.au
info@carewellgroup.com.au
logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
