WATS VS. TRADITIONAL TAPE: WHY WATER ACTIVATED TAPES REIGN SUPREME

The type of tape you use can significantly affect your operations’ efficiency, security, and environmental impact. Water Activated Tapes (WATs) and traditional tapes each have their own benefits, but WATs often come out on top. This article explores why WATs are often the better choice, especially for businesses looking to enhance their packaging processes and sustainability efforts.

What is Water Activated Tape?

Water Activated Tape (WAT), also known as gummed tape, is a special packaging type that requires water to activate its adhesive properties. This type of tape usually consists of a starch-based adhesive applied to a kraft paper backing.

How WATs Work

When water is applied to the adhesive side of the tape, it activates the glue, creating a strong bond with the packaging material. This bond is tamper-evident, meaning any attempt to open the package will be noticeable. The adhesive penetrates the cardboard fibers, creating a permanent bond that is difficult to remove without obvious signs of tampering. This makes WAT an excellent choice for secure packaging, ensuring your products remain safe and intact during transit.

Common Uses of WATs

• Sealing Corrugated Boxes: WATs are ideal for sealing corrugated boxes for shipping and storage. The strong bond ensures that the boxes stay sealed and secure.
• Packaging for E-Commerce Shipments: Secure packaging has become essential with the rise of e-commerce. WATs provide the reliability needed for shipping products to customers.
• Securing Heavy-Duty Shipments: For heavy or valuable items, WATs offer the strength and durability needed to keep packages intact during transportation.

Traditional Packaging Tapes

Traditional tapes, such as pressure-sensitive tapes (PST), are widely used in packaging. These tapes are typically made from plastic materials like polypropylene or PVC and have an adhesive that sticks upon contact with a surface.

How Traditional Tapes Work

Traditional tapes use pressure to adhere to surfaces. The adhesive is activated by pressing the tape onto the package, which makes them quick and easy to apply. However, the bond created by traditional tapes is not as strong or secure as that of WATs, and the adhesive can weaken over time, especially in varying environmental conditions.

Common Uses of Traditional Tapes

• General-Purpose Packaging: Traditional tapes are commonly used for everyday packaging needs, such as sealing lightweight boxes and containers.
• Light to Medium-Duty Shipping: They are suitable for shipping lighter items that do not require the extra strength provided by WATs.
• Temporary Sealing and Bundling: Traditional tapes are often used for temporary seals and bundling items together.

Performance Advantages

Water Activated Tapes offer several performance advantages over traditional tapes:

• Cost and Efficiency

While WATs might have a higher initial cost, they can lead to cost savings in the long run. They provide a more secure seal, reducing the risk of package tampering and losses. Moreover, one strip of WAT can often replace multiple strips of traditional tape, improving efficiency. This means less tape is used per package, which can result in lower overall tape consumption and costs.

• Strength and Durability

WATs form a permanent bond with the carton, providing superior strength and durability. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty or long-distance shipments. In contrast, traditional tapes can lose their adhesive properties in extreme conditions, potentially leading to package failures. The robust bond created by WATs ensures that packages remain sealed, even in challenging environments.

Environmental Benefits of WATs

Switching to Water Activated Tapes can significantly reduce your environmental impact.

• Materials Used in WATs

WATs are made from kraft paper and a starch-based adhesive, both biodegradable and derived from renewable resources. Using natural materials means that WATs have a lower environmental footprint than traditional plastic tapes.

• Biodegradability and Compostability

Unlike traditional plastic tapes, WATs are biodegradable and compostable. This means they break down naturally without leaving harmful residues in the environment. Businesses that switch to WATs can reduce their contribution to plastic pollution and support more sustainable packaging practices.

• Reduction in Plastic Waste

By using WATs, businesses can reduce their reliance on plastic tapes, decreasing plastic waste and contributing to more sustainable packaging practices. This reduction in plastic use helps lower the overall environmental impact of packaging operations, making it easier for companies to meet sustainability goals.

Switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging with Packmile

Making the switch to Water-Activated Tapes improves the security and efficiency of your packaging and aligns with eco-friendly practices. For high-quality WATs and other sustainable packaging solutions, explore the offerings at Packmile.

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