Industries That Benefit Most from Water-Activated Tape
Businesses require strong, secure, sustainable packaging solutions to ensure products arrive safely. Water-activated tape (WAT) is preferred over plastic pressure-sensitive tape due to its superior adhesive strength, tamper-evident sealing, and eco-friendly composition.
Unlike plastic tape, which merely sticks to the surface of boxes, WAT bonds with the corrugated fibres of cartons when activated with water. This creates a permanent, reinforced seal that is difficult to remove without visible damage. The added security, durability, and sustainability make WAT an ideal choice for industries that rely on high-volume shipping, heavy-duty packaging, and environmental responsibility.
This guide explores the industries that benefit most from water-activated tape, why it’s superior to plastic tape, and how it improves security, efficiency, and brand image.
What Is Water Activated Tape?
Water-activated tape (WAT), also known as gummed tape, is a paper-based packaging tape with a starch-based adhesive. When moistened, the adhesive permanently bonds with corrugated boxes, creating a stronger and more secure seal than plastic tape.
Key Features of Water Activated Tape:
- Tamper-Evident – Any attempt to open the package leaves visible damage, making unauthorized access noticeable.
- Stronger Adhesion – Bonds with the carton fibres, preventing peeling or resealing.
- Eco-Friendly – Made from biodegradable and recyclable materials, unlike plastic tape.
- Reduces Tape Waste – Requires one strip per seal, unlike plastic tape, which often needs multiple layers.
Due to these advantages, industries with high shipping demands increasingly prefer water-activated tape over plastic-based alternatives.
Industries That Benefit Most from Water-Activated Tape
1. E-Commerce & Online Retail
The global e-commerce market is projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026. With millions of packages shipped daily, secure, reliable packaging is essential.
How WAT Benefits E-Commerce:
- Prevents package tampering – E-commerce shipments pass through multiple touchpoints, increasing the risk of theft or damage.
- Enhances customer trust – Tamper-proof packaging reassures customers that their orders haven’t been opened during transit.
- Reduces material waste – Unlike plastic tape, WAT requires fewer strips for sealing, lowering packaging costs.
Common E-Commerce Users:
- Fashion and apparel brands
- Subscription box companies
- Electronics retailers
- Online grocery stores
|
Factor |
Plastic Tape |
Water Activated Tape |
|
Tamper Resistance |
Low – Can be peeled off and resealed |
High – Damage is visible when removed |
|
Required Strips per Package |
2-3 strips |
1 strip |
|
Environmental Impact |
Non-recyclable, adds to plastic waste |
Biodegradable and recyclable |
2. Third-Party Logistics (3PL) & Warehousing
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers and fulfilment centres handle high-volume shipments daily, prioritising packaging efficiency.
Why WAT Works for 3PL & Warehousing:
- Stronger adhesion reduces damage claims caused by boxes opening in transit.
- Less tape usage reduces costs and labour time, increasing packing efficiency.
- Custom-printed WAT enhances branding and prevents counterfeiting.
Common 3PL Users:
- Distribution hubs
- Freight & cargo companies
- Large-scale fulfilment centres
3. Food & Beverage Industry
The global food packaging market is expected to reach $512 billion by 2027. Packaging must ensure product safety, hygiene, and durability.
How WAT Benefits Food & Beverage Companies:
- Moisture-resistant sealing for frozen and refrigerated products.
- Tamper-proof packaging protects food from contamination.
- Eco-friendly material meets sustainability goals for food brands.
Common Food & Beverage Users:
- Organic food brands
- Beverage distributors
- Meal kit delivery services
4. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies
The global pharmaceutical packaging market will grow to $207 billion by 2025. Drug manufacturers and medical supply chains require secure, compliant packaging solutions.
How WAT Benefits the Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Protects against counterfeiting – Any tampering attempt leaves visible evidence.
- Meets FDA and GMP standards – Ensures compliance with packaging safety regulations.
- Custom labelling and tracking – Enables batch tracking for pharmaceuticals.
Common Pharmaceutical Users:
- Prescription drug manufacturers
- Medical device suppliers
- Research labs and biotech firms
5. Automotive & Heavy Equipment Industry
The automotive and heavy equipment industry relies on high-strength packaging for high-value components.
Why WAT Is Ideal for Automotive Shipments:
- Stronger adhesion prevents boxes from breaking open during transit.
- Heat and humidity resistance ensures stability in extreme environments.
- Reduces shipping damages, lowering return costs.
Common Users:
- Auto parts manufacturers
- Heavy machinery suppliers
- Industrial equipment distributors
6. Electronics & High-Tech Industry
The electronics market is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030. High-value, fragile shipments require secure packaging to prevent tampering and damage.
How WAT Benefits the Electronics Industry:
- Eliminates static buildup, unlike plastic tape.
- Prevents theft and tampering of high-value items.
- Enhances customer experience with clean, professional packaging.
Common Users:
- Smartphone and laptop manufacturers
- Semiconductor companies
- Consumer electronics retailers
7. Luxury & Sustainable Brands
Premium brands prioritize high-quality, sustainable packaging to enhance brand identity and customer experience.
How WAT Supports Luxury & Sustainable Packaging:
- Custom-printed tape reinforces branding.
- Recyclable materials align with eco-conscious consumer preferences.
- Clean, professional sealing enhances premium unboxing experiences.
Common Users:
- High-end fashion retailers
- Sustainable product companies
- Subscription box brands
Why Businesses Should Switch to Water-activated Tape
Traditional plastic tape is inefficient, wasteful, and insecure. Companies that switch to WAT gain:
- Stronger seals that reduce shipping damages.
- Lower packaging waste, leading to cost savings.
- Tamper-evident security, protecting products from theft.
- Improved sustainability, meeting eco-friendly packaging goals.
Upgrade Your Packaging with Water Activated Tape
Businesses that require secure, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions should switch to water-activated tape (WAT). Packmile offers premium WAT solutions for e-commerce, food, pharmaceuticals, logistics, etc.
Make the switch today to enhance packaging security, reduce waste, and improve sustainability with high-performance water-activated tape.
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