Gummed Paper Tape (Water-Activated Tape)

When it comes to sealing cartons securely and sustainably, gummed paper tape — also known as water-activated tape (WAT) or kraft paper tape — remains one of the strongest and most reliable options on the market. Unlike standard plastic packing tape, which simply sticks to the surface of a box, gummed tape uses a starch-based adhesive that’s activated with water and bonds directly with the fibres of the cardboard itself. The result is a permanent, fibre-to-fibre seal that becomes part of the box, offering far greater holding strength than pressure-sensitive tapes and making it virtually impossible to remove or tamper with the pack without leaving obvious signs of damage.

Why Choose Gummed Paper Tape?

• Tamper-evident security — Once applied, the tape cannot be peeled back and reapplied, giving full visibility if a parcel has been opened in transit. This makes it a preferred choice for retailers, e-commerce businesses and logistics operations shipping high-value or sensitive goods.
• Superior holding strength — Because the adhesive bonds with the cardboard rather than sitting on top of it, gummed tape creates a stronger seal than plastic tape, especially on recycled or lower-quality cardboard where standard tape often fails to adhere properly.
• Eco-friendly and fully recyclable — Made from kraft paper and a plant-starch adhesive, gummed tape is biodegradable and doesn’t contaminate the cardboard recycling stream the way plastic tape can. It’s an ideal choice for businesses looking to reduce single-use plastic and meet sustainability or EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) packaging commitments.
• Cost-effective for high-volume use — While it requires a tape dispenser (manual or electric) to activate the adhesive, gummed tape typically uses less material per seal than plastic tape and reduces the need for excessive over-taping.

Plain vs Reinforced Gummed Tape

We stock both plain and reinforced gummed paper tape to suit different applications:

• Plain gummed tape is ideal for general carton sealing, retail packaging and everyday despatch, offering a strong, tidy seal at a lower cost.
• Reinforced gummed tape features embedded fibreglass filaments running through the kraft paper, dramatically increasing tensile and tear strength. This makes it the preferred option for heavier cartons, export shipments, palletised loads, and any application where boxes may be subject to rough handling, stacking pressure, or long-distance freight.

Sizes and Specifications

Our range is available in 48mm and 70mm widths, in a variety of roll lengths and paper weights (gsm), so you can match the tape to the weight and value of what you’re shipping — from lightweight parcels to heavy-duty industrial cartons. All rolls are supplied in multipacks for cost-effective bulk buying.

Using Gummed Paper Tape

Gummed tape needs to be moistened — either by hand-held water brush dispensers or electric tape machines — before application. Electric dispensers are recommended for high-volume packing environments, as they apply a consistent, even level of moisture and speed up the sealing process considerably. We also stock a range of tape dispensers and tools to suit different order volumes.

Who Uses Gummed Paper Tape?

Gummed paper tape is widely used across e-commerce fulfilment, manufacturing, export and freight, retail distribution, and any industry where tamper evidence, load security or plastic reduction is a priority — including businesses working towards ISO, BRCGS or sustainability accreditations.

Browse our full range of plain and reinforced gummed paper tape below, or get in touch with our team for advice on choosing the right tape width, weight, and dispenser for your operation. Trade accounts and bulk pricing available.