Water activated tape use has become the gold standard for businesses that want secure, professional, and eco-friendly packaging. If you’ve been dealing with messy plastic tapes, inconsistent adhesion, or boxes that pop open during transit, switching to water activated tape (WAT) is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make.
This guide walks you through everything: how water activated tape works, its advantages, proper techniques, and why so many logistics, eCommerce, retail, and manufacturing companies are adopting it as their primary packaging seal.
Whether you’re shipping lightweight eCommerce parcels or heavy industrial cartons, mastering water activated tape use helps you pack faster, cleaner, and stronger.
What Is Water Activated Tape?
Water activated tape often called gummed tape or WAT is a kraft paper-based tape coated with a water-activated starch adhesive. When moistened, it forms a permanent bond with the carton fibres.
It’s commonly available in:
- Standard kraft WAT
- Reinforced WAT with fibreglass threads
- Custom-printed WAT
- Heavy-duty industrial WAT
If sustainability matters, kraft gummed tape is fully recyclable with the carton, making it an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tape.
Explore eco solutions: https://carewellgroup.com.au/sustainability/
Why Water Activated Tape Use Is So Effective
Water activated tape has become a favourite across packaging facilities because it solves problems that PP (polypropylene) and PVC tapes simply can’t.
Permanent Fiber-Bond Seal
Once activated, the adhesive sinks into carton fibres and creates a seal that can’t be peeled off cleanly.
Tamper-Evident Protection
Any attempt to open the box leaves visible damage an essential feature for high-value items.
Clean, Professional Appearance
One strip is enough. No stretched film, wrinkles, or loud unboxing noise.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
WAT is biodegradable and can be recycled with the cardboard.
Works in Cold or Humid Conditions
Unlike plastic tape, WAT performs consistently across different environments.
Learn more about packaging products:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/packaging/
How to Use Water Activated Tape (Step-by-Step)
Mastering water activated tape use is simple, and once your team gets familiar with the workflow, it often becomes faster than applying plastic tape.
Step 1: Choose Your Equipment
You can activate the tape using:
- A manual water activated tape dispenser
- An electric WAT machine
- A brush or sponge (for very low-volume packing)
Explore equipment here:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/product-category/tools-equipments/
Step 2: Moisten the Adhesive
The adhesive activates once wet.
Automated machines will moisturize and cut the tape for you.
Step 3: Apply Firmly Across the Seam
Center the tape over the box seam, apply, and smooth it down with light pressure.
Step 4: Seal Bottom & Top
A secure seal requires WAT applied to both sides of the carton.
Step 5: Reinforce Edges (Optional)
For heavy cartons, apply “H-seal” reinforcement on the edges.
This routine is especially useful in eCommerce fulfilment, where speed and consistency matter every second.
Water Activated Tape Use for Different Industries
eCommerce
WAT elevates the unboxing experience while reducing tape usage.
3PL & Warehousing
Consistent adhesion means fewer returns due to packaging failure.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Reinforced WAT holds up under heavy loads.
Food & Fresh Goods
Ideal for sealing cartons stored in cold or humid environments.
Explore Carewell’s premium packaging solutions:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though water activated tape is simple to use, a few common mistakes can reduce its effectiveness.
Not Moistening the Tape Enough
Dry patches lead to weak spots.
Using a Dull Dispenser Blade
This causes uneven tearing.
Applying to Dusty or Oily Cartons
Always keep box surfaces clean for the strongest bond.
Using the Wrong Tape Width
For most cartons, 70mm WAT is ideal.
Water Activated Tape Use vs Plastic Tape Use
| Feature | Water Activated Tape | Plastic Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Strength | Permanent | Surface-level |
| Sustainability | High | Low |
| Tamper Evidence | Excellent | Weak |
| Efficiency | One strip | Multiple strips |
| Aesthetic | Premium | Messy |
| Climate Performance | Strong | Temperature-sensitive |
If your packaging process still relies on layers of PP tape, water activated tape use is the upgrade your operation is waiting for.
When to Use Reinforced Water Activated Tape
Reinforced WAT is perfect for:
- Heavy industrial cartons
- Multi-layer corrugated boxes
- Long-haul freight
- Cross-border shipping
- Fragile items with high transit risk
If you frequently ship machinery parts, electronics, or stacked pallets, reinforcement becomes essential.
Explore packaging solutions:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/category/packaging/
Water Activated Tape Use in High-Volume Operations
Using WAT with electric tape machines:
- speeds up workflow
- provides consistent length
- reduces waste
- improves operator safety
- lowers total packaging cost
Many businesses integrate WAT machines into their packing benches to improve efficiency and reduce labour time.
If you need tailored solutions, Carewell provides custom packaging systems:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/custom-solutions/
Why Businesses Are Switching to Water Activated Tape Use
Businesses love WAT because it:
- strengthens carton security
- improves brand perception
- reduces materials cost
- supports sustainability goals
- eliminates tape failure
- looks premium
- cuts down packing time
With eCommerce and logistics becoming more competitive, packaging isn’t just functional it’s part of the customer experience.
Upgrade Your Packaging with Expert Support
If you’re ready to improve your packaging through stronger, sustainable and more efficient water activated tape use, Carewell has everything you need from tape to dispensers to fully tailored solutions.
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
Contact Carewell for your packaging upgrade:
https://carewellgroup.com.au/contact-us/
