What Is Water Activated Tape?
Water Activated Tape (WAT) is a paper-based tape with an adhesive that is dry to the touch until activated by water. Water turns the dried adhesive into a tacky, fluidic adhesive that is designed to adhere to corrugated boxes. Unlike some other tapes in the packaging market, water activated tape has a singular focus – secure closure of corrugated boxes.
Water Activated Tape is available in reinforced and non-reinforced varieties. The reinforced product is strengthened by reinforcement fibers traditionally made of fiberglass or polyester. The addition of reinforcement enhances the durability of the tape closure and is ideal for boxes bound for parcel shipping. The reinforcement is sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper along with a laminate adhesive, thus fully encapsulating the reinforcing filament.
Non-reinforced water activated tape does not have any reinforcement fibers and therefore does not have the same level of durability as reinforced tape. However, non-reinforced tape has some advantages including cost and environmental benefits. The most common applications for non-reinforced tape are lightweight boxes and packages that are unitized on pallets, not bound for individual parcel shipping.
What separates Water Activated Tape from other packaging tapes, both the non-reinforced and reinforced grades, is the adhesive migrates into the fibers of the corrugated box. Once the adhesive dries – within 5-7 seconds – the adhesive has fused the tape and box together. The only way to remove the tape is to destroy the seal; leaving behind a tamper evident footprint that the box has been intentionally opened.
Why is water activated tape used? Who uses it?
There are many reasons why water activated tape has seen a resurgence in popularity. The driving force of the popularity is the growing demand for parcel shipping. The eCommerce revolution has made it easier for customers to order the goods they desire and receive the items directly to their front door. For the vendors, the eCommerce model has allowed for a cost-effective sales model without the expenses of store fronts and other associated overhead costs.
Water activated tape is ideal for eCommerce shippers. Here are the reasons why:
Security – no shipper wants their package to be tampered with. Today, shippers are sending all types of items including foods, pharmaceuticals, valuable electronics, and many other sensitive items. The tamper evident closure of water activated tape assures the box stays closed until intentionally opened. Security of closure is the #1 reason why water activated tape is used today for eCommerce packages.
Branding – The appearance of your eCommerce packaging is statement about your brand. Do you value your customer’s experience when they receive your package? The majority of eCommerce shippers are turning to branded water activated tape to seal packages. The paper based, water activated tape prints well and is easy to apply to the box without folding or creasing the tape – a major problem for plastic pressure sensitive tape.
Environmental – there is a growing war against plastic packaging. Paper based packaging is trending due to its recyclability and sustainability given current forestry regulation and recycling practices within the paper making industry. Corrugated boxes, paper void fill, and water activated tape create a secure, protective, and an environmental responsible package. Consumers are pushing vendors to be environmentally conscious.
Ease of Application – Ecommerce shippers are under pressure to deliver products quickly and maximize the output of their labor force. Packing and carton closure needs to be efficient. Water Activated Tape, when dispensed from a quality water activated tape dispenser, is presented to the packer at the correct length and is ready to be applied to the box. This presentation of a finite length of tape is much different than using a pressure sensitive tape gun to apply carton closure. Closing with a pressure sensitive tape gun depends on the skill, speed, and endurance of the packer, these variables, while still important, vary less with water activated tape. This consistency is a key advantage of water activated tape carton closure.
If you have any questions on any of our products or services, one of our branded packaging advisors is standing by to assist, with decades of experience behind them. Want to know more about custom packaging options? Please call us at 020-3482-0056 or contact us via email [email protected]