If you’re looking for a stronger, more sustainable alternative to plastic parcel tape, gummed paper tape (also known as water activated tape or WAT tape) is one of the best upgrades you can make in your packing operation.
Used by warehouses, fulfilment centres, and e-commerce businesses worldwide, water activated gummed tape creates a secure, professional seal that’s designed to protect cartons during storage and transit — while also supporting eco-friendly packaging goals.
In this guide, we’ll explain what gummed paper tape is, how it works, and why more businesses are switching from standard packing tape to water activated carton sealing tape.
What is Gummed Paper Tape?
Gummed paper tape is a kraft paper packaging tape with a starch-based adhesive on one side. Unlike standard polypropylene parcel tape, gummed tape needs moisture to activate the adhesive.
When water is applied, the adhesive becomes tacky and bonds directly to the cardboard fibres, creating a strong, permanent seal.
That’s why gummed tape is commonly called:
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Water activated tape
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WAT tape
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Gummed kraft tape
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Gummed paper packaging tape
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Water activated carton sealing tape
How Does Water Activated Tape Work?
The key difference with gummed paper tape is the bond it creates.
When the adhesive is activated with water, it penetrates the carton surface and forms a fibre-to-fibre bond. Once dry, the tape becomes part of the box — rather than simply sticking on top like plastic tape.
This is why gummed paper tape is known for:
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Excellent adhesion to cardboard
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Strong carton sealing performance
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Improved tamper evidence
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Reliable results on recycled cartons
Why Use Gummed Paper Tape for Carton Sealing?
If your business ships parcels daily, tape is one of the most important parts of your packaging process.
Here are the main benefits of switching to water activated gummed paper tape.
1) Stronger Seal Than Standard Packing Tape
Many businesses struggle with plastic parcel tape lifting at the edges, especially on:
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Dusty cartons
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Recycled cardboard
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Cold storage packaging
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Heavy boxes
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Export cartons
Because gummed kraft tape bonds into the carton fibres, it provides a more secure seal than traditional pressure sensitive tape.
For many packing operations, that means:
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Fewer returns due to damaged goods
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Less risk of cartons opening in transit
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Reduced need for double taping
Eco-Friendly and Recyclable With Cardboard
With increasing demand for sustainable packaging, many businesses are moving away from plastic tape.
Gummed paper tape is widely considered an eco-friendly packaging tape because:
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It uses a paper backing (kraft paper)
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The adhesive is starch-based
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It can often be recycled with cardboard
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It supports plastic-free packaging goals
For brands that want a greener packing operation, switching to paper tape for sealing boxes is a simple but impactful change.