Everything You Need to Know About Water-Activated Tape

With the rapid growth of the e-commerce and logistics industries, the demand for packaging tape has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, traditional plastic-based tapes contribute significantly to environmental pollution, as they are difficult to degrade and harmful to ecosystems. In response, Kingnode has developed a 100% biodegradable tape. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique features and benefits of Kingnode’s water-activated tape.

What is Water active degradation tape?


Water-Activated Tape (WAT), also known as wet tape, is a packaging tape that uses water to activate its adhesive properties. Unlike conventional plastic tapes, WAT is made from paper-based materials and is coated with a water-soluble adhesive, often derived from natural starch. Once the tape is moistened, the adhesive is activated, bonding securely to the surface of cartons or other packaging materials.

Advantages of Water-Activated Tape

Environmentally Friendly and Recyclable

  • Since WAT is made primarily from biodegradable paper and natural starch-based adhesives, it can be recycled along with the carton, significantly reducing plastic waste and its environmental impact.
  • It offers a sustainable packaging solution that aligns with modern eco-friendly standards.

Tamper-Proof

  • Once applied, WAT becomes difficult to remove without leaving visible signs of tampering. To open a package sealed with WAT, one must tear the tape, making it ideal for tamper-evident packaging. This is why it’s widely used in the logistics and e-commerce industries to ensure the secure transportation of goods.

Durability Across Various Environments

  • When activated with water, WAT creates a strong bond that protects products and prevents damage during transit. It also performs well under extreme temperature conditions, maintaining its adhesive strength in both high and low temperatures. In fact, it can withstand temperatures as high as 150°C without losing its effectiveness.

Customizable Printing Options

  • Because WAT is made from kraft paper, it is highly customizable. Businesses can print logos, brand information, or other details directly onto the tape, enhancing brand visibility and making packaging more personalized.

Applications of Water-Activated Tape

E-commerce Packaging: WAT is commonly used in the e-commerce industry for sealing cartons, especially for large shipments and heavy packages. It ensures that goods remain secure and intact during transportation.

Logistics and Warehousing: Large logistics companies prefer WAT for sealing cartons, particularly for long-distance or international shipping.

Food and Pharmaceutical Packaging: Due to its environmentally friendly and non-toxic nature, WAT is often used in the packaging of food and pharmaceuticals.

How Water-Activated Tape Differs from Regular Tape

1.Adhesive Activation: WAT requires water to activate the adhesive, while regular tape uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

2.Material Composition: WAT is typically paper-based, whereas standard tapes are often made from plastic.

3.Environmental Impact: WAT is recyclable and biodegradable, while traditional plastic tapes contribute to pollution due to their non-recyclable nature.

How Does Water-Activated Tape Work?

Using WAT requires specialized equipment to wet and cut the tape. Here are the typical steps involved:

1.Wet the Tape: A wetting device (manual or automatic) applies water to the adhesive side of the tape.

2.Apply to the Carton: The tape is placed onto the carton, and pressure is applied to secure it.

3.Bonding: The adhesive bonds with the carton in seconds, creating a strong seal. 

Conclusion

Water-Activated Tape offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and secure packaging solution. It is highly regarded across industries like e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing due to its benefits—environmental sustainability, tamper resistance, strength, and customizability. Kingnode is proud to offer high-quality, custom-designed water-activated tape at competitive prices, helping businesses enhance their packaging operations while minimizing environmental impact.