Water-activated tape is made primarily of white or natural color (Kraft) paper and starch-based adhesive. It’s usually available in various widths and thicknesses and when reinforced, contains multiple layers of fiberglass reinforcement. When the adhesive is activated with water, it penetrates the carton material and the tape forms a permanent bond with the carton.

Common Terms
WAT, water-activated tape, paper tape, reinforced tape, gum tape, gummed tape, reinforced gummed tape , non-asphaltic tape, Kraft (non-reinforced) tape, brown paper tape.

Advantages
• Provides tamper-evident seal
• Difficult to remove without leaving obvious signs of tampering
• One strip produces a sturdy seal
• Easy to print on
• Retains integrity if punctured
• Can be used in dusty or dirty environments
• Maintains seal in extremes of cold, heat, light, humidity
• Carton can be reused or recycled
• Made from paper and is a more sustainable option

Disadvantages
• Requires water to activate
• Requires dispensing machine for application

Best Uses
• Cartons containing heavy items
• Individual or different sized cartons
• Contents requiring protection from tampering or pilferage
• Automated or semi-automated case sealing

Adhesives that use polypropylene, which is flexible, soft but not pressure sensitive.  Formulated to bond to a variety of substrates.

Common Terms
Hot, cold, and natural glues

Advantages
• Generally unaffected by cold, light or humidity extremes
• Adapts well to high-speed production packaging lines

Disadvantages
• Messy, high heat, fumes potentially harmful
• Leaking glue or high temperature may cause damage to product being packaged
• High cost of equipment purchase
• Significant equipment maintenance

Best Uses
• Heavy products on high-speed packaging lines where all cartons are of uniform size, such as canned goods or paint