Water-activated paper tape (WAT), also called gummed paper tape, is an all-paper tape coated with a starch-based adhesive that activates when moistened with water. The adhesive soaks into the carton fibres and, as it dries, forms a durable, uniform bond – far stronger than conventional PP (polypropylene) tape with acrylic adhesive. Businesses choose it for three benefits at once: high strength, a tamper-evident seal and genuine recyclability (it recycles together with the cardboard).
How does water-activated tape work?
The plant-based, starch adhesive is non-sticky while dry, so the tape stores easily. Water triggers activation: inside a dispenser (moistener), the adhesive swells and becomes active at the moment of application.
When the tape is pressed onto the box, the adhesive penetrates the cardboard fibres. As it dries, the tape and carton effectively become one – a bond that resists moisture, dust and the rough handling of transit, where self-adhesive tapes often lift at the corners.
Hence the tamper-evident effect: any attempt to peel the tape off tears the top layer of the carton. The recipient can immediately see whether a parcel has been opened – real theft protection and proof the package is intact.
Standard or reinforced?
DOLPAP produces its kraft-paper tape in two grammages, 82 gsm and 92 gsm, in both standard and reinforced variants.
- Standard – for typical e-commerce parcels and light to medium cartons; secure closure and a clear tamper-evident seal.
- Reinforced – with extra fibres embedded in the structure; for heavier, demanding shipments, bulk dispatches and light palletisation, where maximum tear resistance matters most.
The heavier and more valuable the shipment, the more you should lean towards the reinforced version and the higher grammage.
Printing, branding and security in one
Tape is not just a closure – it is also a branding surface. DOLPAP offers custom printing with your logo, name or slogan. A branded carton builds a professional image and strengthens the all-important unboxing experience.
Branded, tamper-evident tape is also harder to swap out, and any interference leaves a visible mark. Two base colours are available – white (for a crisp, high-contrast print) and brown (a natural, eco-minded look).
DOLPAP paper tape specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Kraft paper |
| Grammages | 82 gsm and 92 gsm |
| Versions | Standard and reinforced (fibre-reinforced) |
| Adhesive | Plant-based, starch, water-activated |
| Standard widths | 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm |
| Custom widths | From 15 mm to 1000 mm |
| Colours | White and brown |
| Printing | Custom: logo, slogans |
| Tamper-evident | Yes – peeling damages the carton |
| Dispensers | Manual and automatic (moisteners) |
Manual or automatic dispenser?
Water-activated tape is applied with a moistener that dispenses water and cuts a measured length. The right device depends on your shipping volume:
- Manual dispensers – an economical choice for small and medium volumes and for getting started.
- Automatic dispensers – speed up packing at high, repetitive volumes; they measure and moisten a pre-set tape length automatically.
DOLPAP supplies tape dispensers and winds its rolls to fit both manual and automatic applicators.
Sustainability and regulatory direction
An all-paper tape with starch adhesive is one of the simplest ways to cut plastic out of your packaging. Because it is made from the same material as the box, it recycles together with the cardboard – no peeling off or separate sorting. The material is biodegradable, and switching away from PP tape reduces the plastic in the waste stream.
This aligns with the EU direction on packaging (including the PPWR regulation), which promotes recyclable packaging and less plastic – with no compromise on strength.
Why DOLPAP?
DOLPAP is a Polish manufacturer of paper products in Chojnów, Lower Silesia, with a heritage reaching back to the 1950s. It siliconises papers and films, manufactures tapes, cuts, prints, converts to size and runs its own laboratory testing.
- Cut to size – widths from 15 to 1000 mm, rolls matched to your applicators.
- Printing and advice – help choosing the grammage, version and dispenser.
- Samples – test the tape before you commit.
- Quality – ISO 9001 and ISO 45001,
- Sustainability in practice – photovoltaics and heat pumps on site.
Explore our paper tapes, tape dispensers and gummed papers.
FAQ
How is paper tape different from PP tape?
PP (polypropylene) tape is plastic and bonds to the surface with acrylic adhesive. Water-activated paper tape drives a starch adhesive into the carton, forming a stronger bond and a tamper-evident seal, and it recycles together with the box.
Is the tape recyclable?
Yes – it is all paper and the starch adhesive is biodegradable, so it recycles together with cardboard, with no separation required.
Which grammage and version should I choose?
For light and medium parcels the standard 82 gsm is enough. For heavier or high-value parcels, choose the reinforced version and/or 92 gsm.
How is the tape applied – do I need a dispenser?
Yes, a moistener activates the adhesive – a manual dispenser for smaller volumes, an automatic one for high volumes.
Can you print our logo?
Yes – custom printing of logos or slogans on white or brown tape combines branding with parcel security.
Get in touch
Want to match the right tape and dispenser to your shipments, or order a sample? Contact DOLPAP – we will advise on grammage, version, printing and cut-to-size converting.
