The Ultimate Guide to Packaging Tape: Types, Uses, and Benefits
Not all tapes are created equal. Discover the different types of packaging tape, their benefits, and how the right tape can secure, protect, and promote your products.
SKU: KR4810BGSIV2
In stock
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Reinforced Gummed paper tape also known as Water activated tape. As the name suggests is activated by water. The gummed tape creates much more than a surface seal. Gum tape penetrates into the fibres of the cardboard rather than just the surface to become an integral part of the box. This penetration allows gum tape to provide a tamper-evident seal. The tape may not be removed without leaving behind significant traces of damage. Brown gummed paper tape ages better than other standard packing tapes, and boasts a resistance to variations in temperature and humidity, making it the ideal choice for exportation. Unlike other adhesive tapes, gummed paper tapes can even be used effectively in dusty environments, high humidity and deep freeze conditions. A massive plus which makes it the environmentally friendly choice is it’s 100% recyclable.
Reinforced gummed paper tape has cross-woven glass fibres for extra strength and resistance. This reinforced tape is ideal for heavier loads and tougher conditions.
Benefits;
An integral closure. The adhesives in water activated tape penetrate into the fibres of the carton, creating a total bond. As the tape becomes an integral part of the carton this adds considerable strength and security to the closure. Adhesives used on conventional pressure sensitive packing tapes remain ‘wet’ and will lose adhesion with time or when subjected to extremes of temperature or humidity.
Tamper Evidence. A permanent adhesive prevents removal of the tape without clearly visible proof of tamperage or damage to the carton. Glass fibre reinforced tape further enhances security. Cartons sealed with conventional packing tape can be easily compromised, as application of gentle heat will soften and reactive the adhesive, permitting entry to the carton and resealing with no visible trace of disturbance.
100% Recyclability. Made entirely from renewable natural resources, which enables it to be easily recycled along with cardboard waste and suitable for landfill. Packaging research associations have all given this tape recyclability accreditation, making it the environmentally friendly choice for the packaging professional. Water activated tape shows the customer that you care for the environment.
Temperature Tolerant. Even with extreme variations of temperature and humidity, gum tape retains its seal strength and remains highly resistant to ageing, making it the ideal solution for long term storage.
Improved Packaging Presentation. Outperforming plastic tape on presentation. Available in natural, oyster and white kraft, it blends naturally with cardboard cartons and is perfectly suited to personalised printing. With its greater rigidity and adhesion, avoids the ripples, bubble, creasing, multiple layers and incomplete adhesion that are common with conventional tapes.
Cost Savings. Independent studies have proven that less tape is used and creates a more secure seal, it provides more cost effective carton sealing than conventional tape, particularly when used in conjunction with a electronic dispensing system.
Increased Productivity & Reduced Fatigue. The same independent studies also revealed that the combination of water activated tape and tape dispensing systems results in increased productivity and reduced incidence of operator fatigue. By switching to gum tape, medium-high volume users of packing tapes soon recoup the moderate costs of investment and create a happier, healthier and more productive working environment.
Widths of tape;
48mm (2 inch) 12 per box, 60mm (2.36 inch) 8 per box, 70mm (2.75 inch) 16 and 6 per box, 76mm (3 inch) 6 per box
Size of cores;
The size of cores are usually dependent on the length of the roll. Gummed Paper tape core sizes are 36mm and 76mm with 100-300 metres on a roll.
Tape Adhesive;
Water Activated Gummed on the inner surface of the roll
With a full range of coloured, clear, custom and brown packing tape. All the packaging tape supplies you need to complete packing tasks with confidence within your organisation are available here.
As well as printed message tapes, featuring the words ‘fragile’, ‘awaiting inspection’, etc and coloured tapes. Custom printed tape guarantees a standout solution to all your business packaging requirements. Performance and great value come as standard with custom parcel tape, whilst the colour, logo and additional specifications can be tailored to your exact business requirements.
For those who need a more industrial taping solution, a range of duct tapes and hazard warning tapes are also available.
*Please note Oyster is on a 10 working day lead time*
We provide reliable delivery services across the UK, offering a variety of options to suit your needs. Most products are available for nationwide delivery via carrier, while some items may be marked for collection only or limited to local delivery within a 50-mile radius. Delivery costs vary based on factors such as the total weight of your order and selected service.
Delivery Options:
• Standard Delivery (2–3 Working Days): Available across the UK.
• Next Day Delivery (1 Working Day): Available across the UK. Order before 12pm for same-day dispatch.
• Local Delivery (1–3 Working Days): Available within a 50-mile radius of our location.
• Collection: Open to all customers across the UK.
• Bulk Delivery: Available nationwide. Contact us directly for pricing on large orders.
• Free Delivery: Available on selected products with orders over £450 (excluding VAT).
Please note: All delivery options are subject to stock availability. For more information or assistance, feel free to contact our team.
Reinforced Gummed paper tape also known as Water activated tape. As the name suggests is activated by water. The gummed tape creates much more than a surface seal. Gum tape penetrates into the fibres of the cardboard rather than just the surface to become an integral part of the box. This penetration allows gum tape to provide a tamper-evident seal. The tape may not be removed without leaving behind significant traces of damage. Brown gummed paper tape ages better than other standard packing tapes, and boasts a resistance to variations in temperature and humidity, making it the ideal choice for exportation. Unlike other adhesive tapes, gummed paper tapes can even be used effectively in dusty environments, high humidity and deep freeze conditions. A massive plus which makes it the environmentally friendly choice is it’s 100% recyclable.
Reinforced gummed paper tape has cross-woven glass fibres for extra strength and resistance. This reinforced tape is ideal for heavier loads and tougher conditions.
Benefits;
An integral closure. The adhesives in water activated tape penetrate into the fibres of the carton, creating a total bond. As the tape becomes an integral part of the carton this adds considerable strength and security to the closure. Adhesives used on conventional pressure sensitive packing tapes remain ‘wet’ and will lose adhesion with time or when subjected to extremes of temperature or humidity.
Tamper Evidence. A permanent adhesive prevents removal of the tape without clearly visible proof of tamperage or damage to the carton. Glass fibre reinforced tape further enhances security. Cartons sealed with conventional packing tape can be easily compromised, as application of gentle heat will soften and reactive the adhesive, permitting entry to the carton and resealing with no visible trace of disturbance.
100% Recyclability. Made entirely from renewable natural resources, which enables it to be easily recycled along with cardboard waste and suitable for landfill. Packaging research associations have all given this tape recyclability accreditation, making it the environmentally friendly choice for the packaging professional. Water activated tape shows the customer that you care for the environment.
Temperature Tolerant. Even with extreme variations of temperature and humidity, gum tape retains its seal strength and remains highly resistant to ageing, making it the ideal solution for long term storage.
Improved Packaging Presentation. Outperforming plastic tape on presentation. Available in natural, oyster and white kraft, it blends naturally with cardboard cartons and is perfectly suited to personalised printing. With its greater rigidity and adhesion, avoids the ripples, bubble, creasing, multiple layers and incomplete adhesion that are common with conventional tapes.
Cost Savings. Independent studies have proven that less tape is used and creates a more secure seal, it provides more cost effective carton sealing than conventional tape, particularly when used in conjunction with a electronic dispensing system.
Increased Productivity & Reduced Fatigue. The same independent studies also revealed that the combination of water activated tape and tape dispensing systems results in increased productivity and reduced incidence of operator fatigue. By switching to gum tape, medium-high volume users of packing tapes soon recoup the moderate costs of investment and create a happier, healthier and more productive working environment.
Widths of tape;
48mm (2 inch) 12 per box, 60mm (2.36 inch) 8 per box, 70mm (2.75 inch) 16 and 6 per box, 76mm (3 inch) 6 per box
Size of cores;
The size of cores are usually dependent on the length of the roll. Gummed Paper tape core sizes are 36mm and 76mm with 100-300 metres on a roll.
Tape Adhesive;
Water Activated Gummed on the inner surface of the roll
With a full range of coloured, clear, custom and brown packing tape. All the packaging tape supplies you need to complete packing tasks with confidence within your organisation are available here.
As well as printed message tapes, featuring the words ‘fragile’, ‘awaiting inspection’, etc and coloured tapes. Custom printed tape guarantees a standout solution to all your business packaging requirements. Performance and great value come as standard with custom parcel tape, whilst the colour, logo and additional specifications can be tailored to your exact business requirements.
For those who need a more industrial taping solution, a range of duct tapes and hazard warning tapes are also available.
*Please note Oyster is on a 10 working day lead time*
We provide reliable delivery services across the UK, offering a variety of options to suit your needs. Most products are available for nationwide delivery via carrier, while some items may be marked for collection only or limited to local delivery within a 50-mile radius. Delivery costs vary based on factors such as the total weight of your order and selected service.
Delivery Options:
• Standard Delivery (2–3 Working Days): Available across the UK.
• Next Day Delivery (1 Working Day): Available across the UK. Order before 12pm for same-day dispatch.
• Local Delivery (1–3 Working Days): Available within a 50-mile radius of our location.
• Collection: Open to all customers across the UK.
• Bulk Delivery: Available nationwide. Contact us directly for pricing on large orders.
• Free Delivery: Available on selected products with orders over £450 (excluding VAT).
Please note: All delivery options are subject to stock availability. For more information or assistance, feel free to contact our team.
Variant | Description | SKU | Price (ex VAT) | Availability | Add to Cart |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Brown / 48mm x 100mtr / 12 Tapes Per Pack
|
Name: Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape
Colour: Brown Tape Size: 48mm x 100mtr Core Size: 38mm Tape Thickness: 125GSM Tape Type: Water Activated Adhesive Quantity: 12 Per Pack Additional Information: Includes GSI (Gummed on the inner surface of the roll) |
KR4810BGSIV2
|
£28.80 |
In stock
|
|
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Brown / 70mm x 100mtr / 12 Tapes Per Pack
|
Name: Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape
Colour: Brown Tape Size: 70mm x 100mtr Core Size: 38mm Tape Thickness: 125GSM Tape Type: Water Activated Adhesive Quantity: 12 Per Pack Additional Information: Includes GSI (Gummed on the inner surface of the roll) |
KR7010BGSIV2
|
£38.40 |
In stock
|
|
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Brown / 70mm x 152mtr / 6 Tapes Per Pack
|
Name: Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape
Colour: Brown Tape Size: 70mm x 152mtr Core Size: 38mm Tape Thickness: 125GSM Tape Type: Water Activated Adhesive Quantity: 6 Per Pack Additional Information: Includes GSI (Gummed on the inner surface of the roll) |
KR7015BGSIV2
|
£30.00 |
In stock
|
|
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Brown / 70mm x 305mtr / 6 Tapes Per Pack
|
Name: Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape
Colour: Brown Tape Size: 70mm x 305mtr Core Size: 38mm Tape Thickness: 125GSM Tape Type: Water Activated Adhesive Quantity: 6 Per Pack Additional Information: Includes GSI (Gummed on the inner surface of the roll) |
KR7030BGSIV2
|
£84.00 |
In stock
|
|
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Oyster / 70mm x 100mtr / 16 Tapes Per Pack
|
Name: Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape
Colour: Oyster Tape Size: 70mm x 100mtr Core Size: 38mm Tape Thickness: 125GSM Tape Type: Water Activated Adhesive Quantity: 16 Per Pack Additional Information: Includes GSI (Gummed on the inner surface of the roll) |
KR7010BW-GSI
|
£385.00 |
In stock
|
Packaging Tape is a versatile adhesive solution designed for securely sealing cartons, bundling materials, and protecting shipments during handling and transit. Widely used in warehouses, logistics, and everyday applications, it ensures durability, protection, and reliability for both commercial and household packaging needs.
Sealing cartons and boxes: Commonly used to close and secure corrugated boxes for shipping, storage, and moving.
Bundling and reinforcing: Ideal for holding multiple items together or strengthening weak package areas.
Label protection: Clear tape can be used to cover and protect shipping labels or barcodes from moisture and damage.
Industrial and warehouse use: Essential for packaging lines, palletizing, and logistics operations to ensure goods remain sealed during transit.
DIY and general repairs: Useful for household fixes, craft projects, and temporary sealing needs beyond packaging.
Follow these simple steps to seal your boxes securely:
Find answers to common questions about packaging tape
Packaging tape is a strong adhesive tape designed for sealing boxes, parcels, and cartons. It ensures packages remain secure during handling, storage, or shipment, providing both protection and a professional appearance.
Common types include:
Most packaging tapes are made from BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) film or paper, with adhesives such as:
Standard rolls come in:
High-strength packaging and sealing tape for warehouses, logistics, and eCommerce — seal every box with confidence!
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Discover tips, how-to guides, and product insights on tapes and strapping. Learn how to select the right solutions, optimize packing processes, and ensure your goods are securely packaged every time.