Water activated sealing tape
Water activated paper tape is the sealing choice for carton operations where tamper evidence, recyclability or cold-chain performance are all required. The 70gsm Kraft paper backing is moistened by a WAT dispenser to activate the starch-based adhesive, which penetrates the board fibres and creates a permanent bond so any attempt to remove or reopen the sealed carton causes visible damage to the surface. RAJA gummed brown paper tape is available in 48mm and 70mm widths on 200m rolls, it performs from -10°C to 40°C and handles cartons under 20kg.
A dispenser is required as this brown gummed paper tape cannot be applied dry. The water activated paper tape features a brown Kraft finish and is 100% recyclable with the corrugated carton.
What is RAJA gummed paper tape best for?
It's the right choice when your operation requires tamper-evident sealing, kerbside recyclability and reliable bonding from sub-zero to warm warehouse conditions all from a single tape.
- E-commerce, fulfilment and despatch where tamper-evident closure is required.
- Cold-chain and refrigerated despatch. The -10°C minimum allows application on chilled cartons.
- Operations with a kerbside recyclability requirement. The starch adhesive and Kraft paper backing recycle with the corrugated carton.
- Export and long-distance shipments where the permanent bond must hold through multiple handling stages.
- High-speed automated lines. Pair with an electronic water activated tape dispenser for higher throughput.
Not for
- Cartons over 20kg: use Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape 125 gsm for heavier loads.
- Above 40°C: the starch adhesive softens in high heat; do not use in high-temperature environments.
- Application without a WAT dispenser: the adhesive must be fully and evenly moistened before application; dry application produces a weak or failed bond.
How to use
Full moistening of the adhesive face is what determines bond strength. Under-moistened tape produces a weak seal that can fail at the flap edge.
- Load the correct dispenser: Fit the roll into a dispenser suited to the roll's core size (76mm for 48mm-wide tape; 38mm for 70mm-wide tape). The dispenser moistens, measures and cuts the tape in one action.
- Moisten evenly: The dispenser applies water uniformly across the full adhesive face. Check the water level in the dispenser reservoir before starting a packing run.
- Apply immediately after moistening: Place the moistened tape onto the carton flap within a few seconds. The starch adhesive begins bonding on contact and penetrates the board fibres as it dries.
- Press firmly across the full length: Run a hand or roller along the tape to ensure full contact with the carton surface. Partial contact, especially at flap edges, is a common cause of seal failure.
- Store correctly: Keep rolls cool, dry and out of direct sunlight at 15–25°C below 65% humidity. Shelf life is 6 months from manufacture; starch adhesive degrades if rolls are stored in damp conditions.
Specifications
- Backing: 70gsm Kraft paper
- Adhesive: Starch-based (plant-derived), water-activated
- Width options: 48mm, 70mm
- Length per roll: 200m
- Core size: 76mm (48mm width); 38mm (70mm width)
- Min application temperature: -10°C
- Max application temperature: 40°C
- Weight capacity: <20kg
- UV resistance: No
- Shelf life: 6 months from manufacture
- Storage: Cool, dry, out of direct sunlight. 15–25°C, max 65% relative humidity
- Colour: Brown
- Tearability: Dispenser required
- Recyclability: 100% recyclable with corrugated carton in kerbside paper stream
Choose the right tape
Right for standard carton sealing under 20kg where tamper evidence and kerbside recyclability matter. If cartons are heavier, or the application demands glass fibre reinforcement, step up to the 125gsm grade.
- Choose this water activated paper tape when sealing cartons under 20kg and kerbside recyclability and tamper evidence are required.
- Choose RAJA FRAGILE gummed paper tape 70 gsm when pre-printed messaging is required for safe guarding goods in transit.
- Choose self-adhesive paper tape when tamper evidence is not a requirement.
FAQs
What makes gummed brown paper tape tamper-evident?
The starch adhesive penetrates the board fibres as it dries, creating a bond with the carton surface rather than just adhering to it. Any attempt to open the seal tears the surface of the board, making interference immediately visible.
Is this gummed packing tape recyclable at kerbside?
Yes, the 70gsm Kraft paper backing and starch-based adhesive are both paper-fibre compatible, so the sealed carton can go directly into the kerbside paper and cardboard stream without removing the tape.
What dispenser does this tape need?
A water-activated tape dispenser is required, such as manual gummed paper tape dispenser or an electronic dispenser. It moistens, measures and cuts the tape in a single operation.
Can this gummed kraft paper tape be used in cold storage or refrigerated despatch?
Yes, the minimum is -10°C, which covers most refrigerated and chilled despatch environments where standard acrylic or rubber adhesive tapes lose tack.
What is the difference between this tape and polypropylene offerings?
Polypropylene has a pressure-sensitive adhesive and needs no water activation, but it's not recyclable and doesn't provide a tamper-evident seal; this gummed tape bonds permanently into the board and the sealed carton is fully recyclable.
How long is the shelf life and how should rolls be stored?
6 months from manufacture. Store cool, dry and out of direct sunlight at 15–25°C below 65% humidity, as damp conditions degrade the starch adhesive before use.
Also useful
- Gummed paper tape range: all gummed tape grades and dispensers.
- Paper void fill: paper-based inner protection that recycles alongside this tape and the carton.
- Cardboard boxes: robust corrugated cardboard, available in all grades, providing reliable protection across a variety of goods.
Our product advice
The most effective tape on pure Kraft and recycled cardboard: the adhesive penetrates instantly into the cardboard fibres and ensures optimal and very-long lasting adhesion.
RESISTANT: in all conditions of transport and storage it is sensitive to variations in temperature and humidity.
VERSATILE: suitable for all types of packaging (single, double, or triple flute, overlapping or joined flaps.
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING: it blends with the cardboard for a natural look and feel.
RECYCLABLE: the standard gummed tape can be recycled with the cardboard box. Paper backing coated with a water and starch based vegetable glue.
SECURE AND TAMPER-PROOF: tearing off the tape results in the visible destruction of the cardboard.
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