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![How to Use Water Activated Tape [& 5 Reasons to Use It]](https://www.rocketindustrial.com/media/magefan_blog/water-activated-tape-blog.webp)
Water-activated tape (WAT), also known as gummed tape, has been around since 1912, when Thomas Edison developed it as a stronger alternative to twine. More than a century later, it remains one of the most secure and reliable methods for sealing boxes, especially in eCommerce, fulfillment centers, and operations that prioritize efficiency and tamper-evidence.
Unlike traditional plastic tape, water-activated tape uses a water-based adhesive that bonds directly to the fibers of a corrugated box. Once applied, the tape becomes part of the box itself, creating a strong, permanent, and tamper-evident seal.
1. Built-In Theft & Tamper Prevention
Water-activated tape forms a permanent bond with the carton, making it nearly impossible to remove without leaving clear signs of tampering. This makes it ideal for high-value items, e-commerce shipments, and operations that want added security during transit.
2. Strong, Consistent Seals With Less Tape
Water-activated tape creates a powerful bond that’s strong enough to secure heavy, overstuffed, or bulky cartons with a single strip, eliminating the need for multiple passes or H-pattern sealing used with plastic tape. Because water-activated tape adheres directly to the carton fibers, it delivers a reliable seal every time. Additionally, a dispenser ensures consistent tape lengths, cleaner application, and significantly less tape waste.
3. Better for Sustainability Goals
Traditional plastic tape is petroleum-based and difficult to recycle. Water-activated tape is made from kraft paper and a water-based adhesive, making it fully recyclable with corrugated boxes. It also reduces overall tape usage, helping companies support their sustainability commitments.
4. Customizable Branding
Water-activated tape creates a clean, professional seal on every box and can be custom-printed with logos, handling instructions, return messaging, or promotional designs. Customized tape enhances brand visibility and elevates the unboxing experience.
5. Improved Ergonomics for Workers
Handheld tape guns require repetitive wrist movements that can cause fatigue or injury. WAT dispensers eliminate that strain by automatically dispensing pre-measured lengths of tape, helping improve worker comfort, reduce injury risk, and increase throughput.
Water-activated tape comes in a few variations, each designed for different applications, box weights, and branding needs. It’s available in widths ranging from 1.5" for small boxes to 3"+ for large or heavy cartons, as well as in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty grades to match the right tape strength to your packaging needs for secure seals, consistent performance, and the best cost per carton.
Reinforced Water-Activated Tape
Reinforced WAT includes embedded fiberglass threads for extra strength. It is the strongest option and is ideal for operations that prioritize tamper resistance and durability. This tape is best for:
Non-Reinforced Water-Activated Tape
Non-reinforced WAT is made of kraft paper without fiberglass reinforcement. It offers clean, professional sealing at a lower price point while still outperforming plastic tape. This tape is best for:
While you can activate WAT with a sponge, most operations use a dispenser for consistency and speed. A dispenser wets the adhesive and cuts the tape to an exact length every time.
Carton Volume
Box Weight & Tape Type
Portability & Power Requirements
Curby Mini-Taper
The Curby Mini-Taper is a compact, manual water-activated tape dispenser designed for low-volume packing stations, small businesses, and operations sealing fewer than 50 cartons per day.
Better Pack 333 Plus
The Better Pack 333 Plus is the industry’s most widely used manual WAT dispenser. This dispenser is a great entry-level choice for companies transitioning from plastic tape to water-activated tape and sealing fewer than 50 cartons per day.
Better Pack 555eS
This Better Pack 555eS electric water-activated tape dispenser is for high-volume sealing of more than 50 cartons per day. This unit is built for busy operations that need fast, error-free tape application at scale.
Is water-activated tape recyclable?
Yes. WAT is made of kraft paper and a water-based adhesive, making it fully recyclable along with corrugated boxes. Reinforced tape with fiberglass filaments is also accepted by most recycling streams.
Does water-activated tape work on all corrugated boxes?
Yes. Because the adhesive penetrates the corrugated fibers, WAT forms a stronger bond than plastic tape and works on single-wall, double-wall, and recycled-content cartons.
Is water-activated tape good for heavy boxes?
Reinforced WAT is specifically designed for heavy, overstuffed, or irregularly shaped cartons. It maintains seal integrity better than plastic tape in high-stress applications.
Do I need a dispenser to use water-activated tape?
A dispenser is highly recommended for speed, application consistency, and worker ergonomics. It ensures the adhesive is properly activated and delivers precise lengths every time.
Can water-activated tape be used in cold or dusty environments?
Yes. WAT performs well on dusty, uncoated, recycled, or cold cartons where plastic tape often fails to stick.
Is water-activated tape more expensive?
The cost per roll may be higher, but most companies use significantly less tape. WAT often replaces 3–5 strips of plastic tape with a single strip. This results in a lower cost per sealed carton.
Does water-activated tape improve security?
Yes. Once bonded, WAT becomes part of the carton and cannot be removed without leaving visible tamper evidence.
Switching to WAT is one of the fastest ways to upgrade packaging efficiency, reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and improve shipment security. Contact our team to discuss how WAT can improve security, reduce waste, and streamline your shipping process.
