Why use Water Activated Tape instead of traditional Packaging Tape?

676

Why is water activated tape better than traditional packaging tape?

Traditional Packaging Tape

Commonly, traditional packaging tape is a clear or brown plastic based tape that is around 48mm in width. It is generally applied using a hand held tape dispenser and the application involves simply sticking the beginning of the tape onto one end of the box, then pulling the tape over the joins in the lid and over to the opposite side of the box with the expectation that this will stick and hold the contents in place.

Standard packaging tape applied in this manner has its place – it’s inexpensive, it’s quick and it’s efficient and generally does the job.

The two most basic expectations of packaging tape are: keep the box closed so things can’t be taken; keep the box closed so things don’t fall out.
However, sometimes it simply can’t meet these expectations:

• Depending on the grade of the cardboard the box is made of, and/or the type of packaging tape, or even the temperatures in which the box is kept  -  sometimes the tape simply doesn’t stick and stay.
• If you want to get to the contents of the box without it showing, this can be extremely easy to do. (see video below).

With water activated tape you can be quick and efficient and cheap too as not only is the price comparable, you don’t lose items from the box because the tape doesn’t stick, and you won’t lose items from the box from light fingers either, and it assists with providing stability to the box.
 

Water Activated Tape

Water Activated Tape is a paper tape that has a starch based adhesive applied to one side, so that when moisture is applied the adhesive becomes ‘activated’ and ready for application.

What makes this superior to traditional packaging tape?

As the moistened starch dries after being applied to a box, the tape and adhesive adhere to the fibres of the box. This means the tape won’t come off – it WILL stick and stay. This also means that light fingers can’t get to the contents of the box without tearing the tape as well as the box its adhered to, not to mention it will actually increase the stability of the box, so the box itself is less likely to come apart due to rough handling.
 

Can it be quick considering you have to apply water?

Yes.
There are a number of water activated tape dispensers available that make this very easy, from manual dispensers through to self-dispensing electric water activated tape dispensers that dispense pre-determined lengths for quick work (see our article – Water Activated Tape Dispensers – what are the choices?).

Is it efficient?

Yes – particularly if it’s an electronic tape dispenser, then you simply press a button and apply (as it automatically applies the moisture to the adhesive). Even with a manual tape dispenser you simply pull your length, tear and apply. Just as quick as a hand held packaging tape dispenser.
 

Is it inexpensive?

The water activated paper tape is absolutely comparable in price with the added benefit of superior adhesion. Plus it is also available in reinforced (filament) styles and can be custom printed with your logo too.

Talk to Get Packed today about the different types of dispensers available and what may suit you as well as custom branding.