Water activated gummed warning tape
Fragile gum tape delivers a permanent tamper-evident bond from its water-activated seal and a highly visible FRAGILE pre-printed message. The 70gsm Kraft paper backing is moistened by a WAT dispenser to activate the starch-based adhesive, which penetrates the board fibres and bonds permanently into the carton surface. Any attempt to remove the sealed tape causes visible surface damage, combining FRAGILE handling instruction with tamper evidence all in one. Operating between -10°C and 40°C, it handles cartons weighing up to 30kg and is 100% recyclable with the corrugated carton. Available in brown, 72mm wide on 200m rolls, with a 38mm core.
A water-activated tape dispenser is required; this tape cannot be applied dry. Sold in packs of 16, priced per roll.
Where does this FRAGILE gummed paper tape work best?
It suits operations where a pressure-sensitive paper tape isn't enough: where high-recycled-content board requires a strong and reliable seal, or where the FRAGILE instruction needs to double as tamper evidence.
- E-commerce and retail despatch of fragile ceramics, glass, electronics or homewares where the tamper-evident fibre-bond provides additional confidence alongside the FRAGILE message.
- Operations sealing on high-recycled-content or uncoated board where pressure-sensitive adhesives may underperform on the rough surface and a penetrating starch bond is more reliable.
- Cold-chain despatch from -10°C; the starch adhesive activates correctly at room temperature, and the sealed bond maintains integrity at temperatures that cause rubber adhesives on pressure-sensitive tape to lose tack.
- Export and long-distance freight where the printed FRAGILE message must remain visible and the fibre-bond seal must survive multiple handling stages.
Not for
- Above 40°C: starch adhesive softens in heat; do not use in heated drying areas or high-temperature storage environments.
- Application without a water-activated dispenser: the starch adhesive must be evenly and fully moistened before application.
- Cartons over 30kg: weight capacity maxes out at 30kg; for heavier cartons requiring a paper-backed seal use the reinforced WAT grade.
- Operations needing only a sealing tape without a handling instruction: use RAJA gummed paper tape where the FRAGILE print isn't needed.
How to use
The 38mm core on this fragile gum tape requires a WAT dispenser fitted for that core size, as it is not compatible with standard 76mm dispensers. Curby Mini-Taper BP222 Manual Tape Machine is great choice, providing even moistening of the adhesive face, which creates a strong bond.
- Load the correct dispenser: Fit the 200m roll into a WAT dispenser with a 38mm core holder; check the water reservoir level before each packing run.
- Moisten evenly: The dispenser applies water uniformly across the adhesive face; under-moistened tape produces a weak seal that may lift at the flap edge.
- Apply immediately: Place the moistened tape onto the carton flap within a few seconds; the starch adhesive begins penetrating the board fibres on contact and sets as it dries.
- Press along the full width: Run a hand or roller firmly along the 72mm tape from end to end; partial contact at the flap edges is the most common cause of seal failure on heavier cartons.
- Store carefully: Store cool, dry and out of direct sunlight at 15–25°C below 65% humidity; shelf life is 6 months from manufacture, and damp conditions degrade the starch adhesive before use.
Specifications
- Backing: 70gsm Kraft paper, printed FRAGILE messaging in red
- Adhesive: Starch-based (vegetable-derived), water-activated
- Total thickness: 92 micron
- Width: 72mm
- Length per roll: 200m
- Core size: 38mm (not compatible with 76mm dispensers)
- Min application temperature: -10°C
- Max application temperature: 40°C
- Weight capacity: <30kg
- 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 choice when the FRAGILE message needs a tamper-evident, fibre-bonding seal and the operation has a water-activated dispenser.
- Choose this fragile gummed tape when a tamper-evident, fibre-bonding FRAGILE seal on recyclable packaging is required and a WAT dispenser is available.
- Choose RAJA pre-printed FRAGILE self-adhesive paper tape when pressure-sensitive application without a WAT dispenser is needed on cartons under 20kg.
- Choose RAJA tamper evident tape when proof of interference is the primary requirement rather than a FRAGILE handling instruction.
Frequently asked questions
Is this fragile gum tape recyclable with the carton?
Yes, the Kraft paper and starch-based adhesive are both paper-fibre compatible, so the sealed carton goes directly into the kerbside paper and cardboard stream without removing the tape.
Will I need a special dispenser for the 38mm core?
Yes, this tape uses a 38mm core and requires a water-activated dispenser matched to that core size. Standard 76mm dispensers designed for polypropylene or paper tape won't accept this roll.
Is this printed fragile gummed paper tape tamper evident?
Yes, the starch adhesive penetrates the board fibres as it dries, creating a permanent bond. Any attempt to open or reposition the sealed tape tears the carton surface, leaving visible damage that cannot be concealed.
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