Why Water-Activated Tape Outperforms Regular Packing Tape

When it comes to securing cartons, not all tape is created equal. Traditional plastic tapes can peel, split or lose tack, especially on recycled or dusty surfaces. For businesses that value consistency, presentation, and sustainability, water-activated tape (WAT) delivers a professional, tamper-evident seal every time.

What is Water-Activated Tape?

Water-activated Tape - also known as gummed paper tape - is a sustainable packaging solution made from renewable materials. Activated by water, its starch-based adhesive creates a strong, permanent bond with the carton, ensuring a secure seal. When moistened, the adhesive penetrates the fibres of the carton, creating a permanent bond that fuses the tape and box together. 

Unlike conventional plastic tape, which merely sticks to the surface, WAT becomes part of the box structure itself. The result? A stronger, more secure, and more sustainable seal. 

Explore FROMM's water-activated tape range.

How It Works Compared to Regular Packing Tape

Water-Activated Tape vs Regular Packing Tape

Water-Activated Tape (WAT) - When applied with a water-activated tape dispenser, the adhesive is evenly moistened before being pressed onto the box. This allows the tape to bond deep into the cardboard fibres forming a single, tamper-evident seal. Any attempt to remove it will damage the carton, providing immediate proof of interference. 

Regular Packing Tape - Standard plastic tapes rely on pressure sensitive adhesive that sits on top of the box surface. Over time, factors like humidity, temperature changes, or dusty recycled boxes cause that bond to weaken. The tape can lift, split or lose tack which requires reapplication and results in wasted materials, or the risk of cartons opening in transit.

Key Advantages of Water-Activated Tape over Regular Packing Tape

Stronger, More Secure Seals

As water-activated tape (WAT) fuses with the cardboard itself, it provides up to 10x the bond strength of standard plastic tape. Each seal is tamper-evident and resists lifting or peeling, even under pressure or temperature changes. This is especially valuable for e-commerce, export, and long-haul freight where carton integrity is critical. 

Works on All Box Surfaces

WAT maintains performance on recycled, dusty, or rough corrugated boxes that often cause plastic tape to fail. Whether sealing new stock or reused packaging, the water-activated adhesive consistently creates a uniform bond, reducing failed seals and returns. 

Eco-Friendly and Recyclable

Made from kraft paper and a plant based starch adhesive, WAT is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. It allows cartons to be recycled without separating tape from the box, preventing plastic contamination in recycling streams.  

For businesses committed to reducing waste and plastic use, it's a simple step toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

More Efficient for Shipping Large Volumes

One strip of water-activated tape can do the job of two or three strips of plastic tape. This means less tape per carton, faster sealing and cleaner workflow. Using a water-activated tape dispenser ensures consistent application, improved productivity, and reduced material waste, delivering measurable savings across operations. 

Quieter and Cleaner

Operators also benefit: WAT applies quietly, doesn't stick to fingers or itself, and leaves a cleaner finish on every box, creating a tidier packing environment. 

When to Choose Water-Activated Tape

WAT is ideal for:

• E-commerce fulfilment centres looking to improve package security and brand presentation
• Warehouses and logistics hubs sealing large volumes of cartons
• Exporters and manufacturers shipping heavy or high value goods
• Sustainability-focused brands aiming to remove plastics from their packaging processes

With its combination of strength, sustainability, and professional appearance, water-activated tape delivers performance and peace of mind in every shipment.

Sustainable Sealing Starts with FROMM

At FROMM Packaging Australia, we help businesses transition to packaging solutions that perform better and waste less. Our water-activated tape systems combine renewable materials, robust seal strength, and efficient dispenser technology, all backed by local service and support. 

By replacing plastic tape with WAT, your business can reduce waste, improve productivity and enhance the customer experience from unboxing to recycling. 

Explore our full range of protective packaging or contact us to discuss a tailored sealing solution.