In today’s competitive shipping and eCommerce landscape, how you seal your boxes matters more than ever , not just for protection, but for security, sustainability, and brand presentation. That’s where Water Activated Tape (WAT) shines. Unlike traditional pressure-sensitive tape, water activated tape forms a permanent, tamper-evident bond with corrugated cardboard, creating a stronger connection between your box and its contents, every time.
What Is Water Activated Tape?
Water activated tape (also called gummed tape) is a paper-based carton sealing solution with a dry adhesive that only becomes tacky when moistened by water. Once applied, the adhesive penetrates into the fibers of corrugated cardboard, forming a bond so strong it becomes part of the box itself, not just stuck to it.
WAT is available in:
- Plain Paper Tape – ideal for general sealing needs
- Reinforced tape – with embedded fibers for heavy-duty security
- Printed/custom tape – perfect for branding & professional presentation
- Water activated tape dispensers – for ease of use and consistency
5 Reasons Businesses Are Switching to Water Activated Tape
1.) Superior Strength & Security
Water activated tape bonds directly with the box fibers rather than sticking on the surface. This creates a higher tensile strength seal and makes it nearly impossible to remove the tape without damaging the carton, greatly increasing tamper resistance.
2.) Tamper Evidence You Can Rely On
Any attempt to open a properly sealed box leaves visible damage to the tape and corrugated carton. This makes WAT a trusted choice for shipping high-value, sensitive, or regulated products.
3.) More Sustainable Packaging
Water activated tape is made from biodegradable kraft paper and water-based adhesive, helping reduce plastic waste and align your packaging with eco-friendly practices. Many WAT options can be recycled with the box.
Any attempt to open a properly sealed box leaves visible damage to the tape and corrugated carton. This makes WAT a trusted choice for shipping high-value, sensitive, or regulated products.
4.) Cleaner, Professional Look
Printed or branded water-activated tape adds an upgrade to your packaging experience, reinforcing your brand while delivering a polished, uniform look on every box you seal.
5.) Cost-effective Performance
Although WAT rolls may cost more per roll than basic plastic tape, they typically use less material and reduce waste, while offering a more secure seal. A single strip often replaces multiple strips of traditional tape.
How It Works – A Quick Overview
1.) Activation: Water is applied to the dry adhesive — usually via a dispenser that wets and cuts the tape automatically.
2.) Application: The moistened tape is pressed onto the carton’s seams.
3.) Bonding: As the adhesive dries, it fuses with the fibers of the cardboard for a permanent, tamper-evident seal.
Reinforced vs. Non-Reinforced Water-Activated Tape
- Non-Reinforced WAT: Great for light-to-medium weight boxes, usually fully recyclable.
- Reinforced WAT: Features embedded fibers (like fiberglass or polyester) for maximum strength, ideal for heavy loads and high-stress transit.
No matter which option you choose, WAT provides superior performance compared to traditional plastic tape, especially when sealing cartons for eCommerce, warehousing, distribution, or export.
Is Water Activated Tape Right for Your Business?
If you ship products regularly, want to improve packaging security, strengthen box seals, and support sustainable practices, water activated tape is a smart upgrade. Its strength, eco-friendliness, and professional presentation make it a preferred choice for modern packaging operations of all sizes.
Explore our Water Activated Tape collection and find the right solution for your business.