WATER ACTIVATED TAPE

Water Activated Tape (WAT) is a paper-based carton sealing tape that creates a permanent bond with corrugated packaging when activated with water. Unlike traditional pressure-sensitive tape, Water Activated Tape bonds directly to the carton surface, creating a stronger, more secure seal that is difficult to remove without visible signs of tampering.

Water Activated Tape offers several advantages over pressure-sensitive carton sealing tape. It provides a tamper-evident seal, creates a strong bond with corrugated boxes, reduces the need for multiple strips of tape, supports sustainability initiatives, improves worker safety, and can be custom printed with branding or messaging. Many companies also find that Water Activated Tape lowers overall packaging costs by improving efficiency and reducing tape consumption.

Yes. Water Activated Tape creates a tamper-evident seal by bonding directly to the carton. Once applied, the tape becomes part of the box surface, making it extremely difficult to remove or open the package without leaving clear evidence of tampering. This added security makes Water Activated Tape a popular choice for e-commerce, retail fulfillment, and high-value shipments.

In many operations, yes. Water Activated Tape often requires only a single strip to securely seal a carton, while pressure-sensitive tape may require multiple strips. Reducing tape usage, improving sealing consistency, and increasing packaging productivity can help lower total packaging costs over time.

Water Activated Tape systems can help improve labor efficiency when paired with automated or semi-automated dispensers. IPG’s water activated tape dispensers generate consistent tape lengths at the push of a button, reducing manual handling and helping packers work more efficiently. Some operations report productivity improvements compared to traditional handheld tape guns.

Water Activated Tape is made from renewable paper-based materials and can return to the recycling stream along with the corrugated carton. Because it eliminates the need to separate plastic tape from boxes during recycling, many companies choose Water Activated Tape to support sustainability goals and reduce packaging waste.

Yes. Printable Water Activated Tape allows businesses to add logos, branding, handling instructions, security messaging, or promotional graphics directly on the tape. This turns every shipment into a branded touchpoint while adding another layer of package security and visibility.

Water Activated Tape can help improve worker safety by reducing repetitive motions associated with handheld tape guns and eliminating exposed cutting blades commonly found on traditional tape dispensers. This can contribute to a safer, more ergonomic packaging environment.

Water Activated Tape is commonly used by e-commerce fulfillment centers, manufacturers, distributors, third-party logistics providers, and any operation that ships corrugated cartons. It is particularly valuable for businesses seeking stronger carton security, consistent sealing performance, improved sustainability, or branded packaging.

MIDLAND Packaging combines industry-leading Water Activated Tape solutions from IPG with hands-on packaging expertise. Rather than simply supplying tape, MIDLAND evaluates carton sealing processes, identifies performance gaps, recommends dispensing equipment, and helps customers improve productivity, security, and total packaging cost.

Yes. MIDLAND Packaging reviews your current carton sealing process, identifies challenges such as excessive tape use, inconsistent sealing, labor inefficiencies, or carton security concerns, and provides recommendations tailored to your operation. The goal is to determine whether Water Activated Tape is the right solution and, if so, which tape and dispenser configuration will deliver the greatest benefit.

Yes. MIDLAND offers Water Activated Tape dispensing solutions designed to improve packaging consistency and productivity. Eligible new-business customers may also qualify for dispenser programs through IPG supply agreements. MIDLAND can help determine which dispensing solution is best suited for your packaging environment.