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Gummed Paper Tape and Water Tape

Also known as gum tape or gummed paper tape, this eco friendly carton sealing option bonds permanently to cardboard when activated with water, creating a tamper-evident seal. Made from kraft paper with a starch-based adhesive, it’s fully recyclable with the box and supports plastic reduction whilst also excelling in performance. Once applied, the tape fuses with the carton fibres for a strong, professional finish that resists peeling or lifting.

Available in plain or reinforced grades, gummed tape suits everything from standard parcels to heavy-duty or high-value shipments. It performs reliably on recycled and virgin fibreboard, even in changing temperature or humidity. Commonly used in warehouses, fulfilment centres, and dispatch operations, it offers clean presentation and dependable security for a wide range of products.

Showing all 5 results

Water Activated Tape (48mm x 200m)

Gummed Water Activated Tape (48mm x 200M) 60gsm

£15.50 Ex VAT £18.60 Inc VAT Order by 3pm, delivered Next Working Day
Pack Qty

30 Rolls per Box
Colour

Brown
Roll Width

48mm
Roll Length

200M
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Water Activated Tape (70mm x 200m)

Gummed Water Activated Tape (70mm x 200M) 60gsm

£17.25 Ex VAT £20.70 Inc VAT Order by 3pm, delivered Next Working Day
Pack Qty

18 Rolls per Box
Colour

Brown
Roll Width

70mm
Roll Length

200M
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Water Activated Tape (48mm x 200m)

Reinforced Gummed Water Activated Tape (48mm x 100M) 60gsm

£17.10 Ex VAT £20.52 Inc VAT Order by 3pm, delivered Next Working Day
Pack Qty

30 Rolls per Box
Colour

Brown
Roll Width

48mm
Roll Length

100M
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Water Activated Tape (48mm x 200m)

Reinforced Gummed Water Activated Tape (70mm x 100M) 60gsm

£14.70 Ex VAT £17.64 Inc VAT Order by 3pm, delivered Next Working Day
Pack Qty

16 Rolls per Box
Colour

Brown
Roll Width

70mm
Roll Length

100M
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Water Activated Tape (48mm x 200m)

Reinforced Gummed Water Activated Tape (70mm x 305M) 60gsm

£84.60 Ex VAT £101.52 Inc VAT Order by 3pm, delivered Next Working Day
Colour

Brown
Roll Width

70mm
Roll Length

305M
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

FAQs

Gummed tape bonds directly to the fibres of cardboard once activated with water, creating a strong, long lasting seal that is resistant to peeling or lifting over time. Being paper-based, it can be written on for labelling or instructions. Unlike plastic tapes, gummed tape is fully recyclable with the box, making it an eco-friendly choice for packaging operations.

This tape is manufactured from strong kraft paper and coated with a starch-based adhesive. When moistened, the adhesive bonds with the carton surface to create a secure, permanent seal.

We supply both plain and reinforced gummed paper tapes in 48 mm and 70 mm widths to suit a wide range of carton sizes and packing requirements.

Yes – gum tape is simply another name for gummed paper tape. Both terms describe the same water-activated kraft paper tape that bonds permanently to cardboard.

The name comes from its construction - kraft paper coated with a water-activated adhesive, often referred to as "gum." When moistened, the adhesive becomes tacky and bonds securely to the carton surface.

While you can apply gummed tape manually by wetting it with a sponge or brush, a gummed tape dispenser ensures consistent water activation, faster application and neater presentation, especially in higher volume packing environments.

Reinforced gummed tape contains a crossweave of fibreglass filaments embedded between two layers of kraft paper. These fibres add significant tear resistance, making the tape ideal for heavy parcels, export shipments, or high value goods that require extra protection during transit. While the glass content means it is not fully biodegradable like plain gummed tape, it remains recyclable in most cardboard recycling streams.

Upgrade Your Packaging Process With Water Activated Tape

Water activated tape (WAT) is a gummed paper tape designed to provide the best possible protection for sealing and packaging boxes.

Water activated tape is supplied in long length rolls, reducing the time taken switching out and replacing rolls in high-volume packaging environments like warehouses, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Find The Best Tamper-Proof Tape To Protect Your Parcels

Water activated tapes’ unique adhesive mechanism makes it the ideal choice when you are looking to ensure that your packages are delivered safely and securely.

Gummed tape bonds with the fibreboard underneath, making it clear when a parcel has been opened. This protects your products from interference or tampering in transit and makes sure your customer receives the item they were expecting.

In addition to standard water-activated tape, we provide reinforced water-activated tape, crafted with fibreglass to ensure even better resilience and protection from damage or opening during transit. 

Protect The Environment And Reduce Waste With Water Activated Tape

Unlike plastic packaging tapes, water activated and gummed tape recyclable. This allows warehouses to cut down on their waste products and increase their rate of recycling, improving efficiency while also protecting the environment.