Water-activated tape (WAT), often referred to as gummed tape, is a robust and efficient solution for carton sealing. Unlike traditional pressure-sensitive tapes, WAT is activated by water, creating a highly secure bond with cardboard surfaces. Here’s a breakdown of how water-activated tape works and why it’s essential for shipping and packaging.
How Water-Activated Tape Works
Water-activated tape consists of a starch-based adhesive that, when moistened, forms a strong bond with the surface of corrugated cardboard. This bond is so secure that the tape essentially fuses with the carton, creating a tamper-evident seal. Here's the step-by-step process:
- Activation: The adhesive on the tape is dry and dormant when on the roll. To activate it, the tape must pass through a heated water dispenser. A consistent layer of water moistens the adhesive, triggering its bonding properties.
- Application: Once the tape is moistened, it is applied to the carton. Since the adhesive interacts directly with the cardboard fibers, it quickly forms a stronger seal than most pressure-sensitive tapes.
- Bonding: The moistened starch adhesive penetrates the fibers of the carton material. As the tape dries, it creates a permanent bond that is difficult to tear or peel off without visible damage to the packaging.
- Tamper-Evident Security: One of the significant advantages of water-activated tape is that it offers enhanced security. If someone attempts to open the box, the tape cannot be removed without destroying the carton, making tampering immediately evident.
Why Water-Activated Tape is Ideal for Packaging
Water-activated tape is particularly popular in the e-commerce and shipping industries for several key reasons:
- Strength and Durability: WAT provides a secure seal that withstands the stresses of shipping, rough handling, and environmental conditions. Its strength makes it a go-to solution for heavier or bulkier packages.
- Tamper-Evident Properties: Since the tape permanently bonds to the box, any attempt to open the package leaves visible damage. This added layer of security helps protect products from tampering during transit.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial cost of water-activated tape might be slightly higher than pressure-sensitive alternatives, its ability to seal with a single strip (instead of multiple layers) can ultimately reduce material waste and costs.
- Sustainability: All of our water-activated tapes are made from renewable materials, making them an eco-friendly option for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. They can be easily recycled.
Conclusion
Water-activated tape is an innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly solution for carton sealing. Its ability to form a strong, tamper-evident seal ensures that packages arrive securely, making it an excellent choice for businesses to use for their packaging solutions.
For more information about the water-activated tapes offered by IPG, check out their product page here.