Consider the last package you received—was it securely sealed, or did it appear at risk of opening in transit? In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, packaging serves as more than just a means of delivery; it reflects a company’s commitment to security, efficiency, and brand presentation.
As a result, many businesses are transitioning to water activated tape, a solution that offers a stronger seal, reduces tampering, and enhances overall package integrity.
But is it the right investment for your business? Let’s explore.
What is water activated tape?
Unlike standard carton-sealing tapes that rely on pressure-sensitive adhesives, water activated tape (WAT) uses a starch-based adhesive that is activated when exposed to water. When applied to a corrugated box, the tape bonds to the surface, creating a strong, tamper-evident seal. This means the only way to remove the tape is to rip the box, making it significantly more secure than traditional tape.
Jim Larkins, Managing Partner at Tape-Pak, explains that WAT consists of multiple layers: a top and bottom paper sheet, a polylaminate barrier, and reinforced fiberglass strands. These elements provide exceptional strength, ensuring the tape holds firm even under heavy loads.
Also read: Top Nine Common Industrial Packaging Design Mistakes
Water activated tape, at a glance
Water activated tape (WAT) isn’t just an alternative to traditional packing tape—it’s a superior choice for security, efficiency, and branding. Here’s why businesses are making the switch:
- Unmatched security – Bonds directly to box fibers, preventing tampering and reducing theft
- Stronger seal with less material – Requires only one strip per box, reducing tape usage and improving efficiency
- Custom branding opportunities – Allows for cost-effective printing, eliminating the need for pre-printed boxes
- Sustainability considerations – Made from recycled materials and can be processed with corrugated cardboard, though not fully curbside recyclable
- Long-term cost savings – Despite higher upfront investment, leads to cost-effectiveness through reduced material waste, fewer claims, and improved operational efficiency
Let’s examine why these benefits make WAT the preferred choice for e-commerce and other industries.
The security advantage for e-commerce
Security is one of the biggest concerns for e-commerce businesses. Traditional packing tapes can be easily peeled back, allowing for unauthorized access without obvious signs of tampering. However, water activated tape adheres directly to the box fibers, preventing theft and reducing pilferage.
In fact, Amazon played a pivotal role in the resurgence of WAT. As an industry expert recalls, a leading ecommerce shipper conducted a study at one of its early fulfillment centers in Phoenix, finding that packages sealed with pressure-sensitive tape had a 3% claim rate due to tape failures or tampering. After switching to WAT, the claim rate plummeted to 0.2%. This remarkable improvement demonstrated WAT’s superior security, leading to widespread adoption in the e-commerce industry.
Also read: Packaging Industry Trends to Watch in 2025
Custom printing and branding opportunities
Another significant advantage of WAT is its ability to enhance branding. Businesses can print their logos, slogans, or promotional messages directly onto the tape, creating a professional, customized look.
Unlike pre-printed corrugated boxes, which require large minimum orders and storage space, custom-printed WAT allows businesses to use plain boxes while still achieving a branded appearance. This offers cost savings and flexibility, making it a smart choice for growing e-commerce brands.
Is water activated tape environmentally friendly?
Sustainability is a growing concern for e-commerce businesses, and packaging choices can make a big difference. While WAT contains some plastic elements—such as fiberglass reinforcement and a poly-based laminate—it is still considered a more sustainable option than traditional pressure-sensitive tape.
The paper used in WAT is made from recycled content, and because the tape becomes part of the box, it can be processed along with corrugated cardboard at recycling facilities. It’s essential to note that WAT is not curbside recyclable, as the fiberglass strands do not break down like paper.
Cost vs. value: Is WAT worth the investment?
One common concern about water activated tape is its higher upfront cost. Foot-for-foot, WAT is approximately 3.5 to 4 times more expensive than traditional tape. Additionally, using WAT requires a manual or electric machine dispenser, which can range from $350 to $1,600.
However, WAT reduces material waste and labor costs. Unlike pressure-sensitive tape, which often requires multiple overlapping strips, WAT requires only one strip per box, resulting in less tape usage overall. Additionally, the improved security and lower claim rates lead to fewer customer complaints and replacement costs, making WAT a cost-effective long-term solution for e-commerce businesses.
Industries benefiting from WAT
While e-commerce is a primary user of WAT, other industries also recognize its benefits. Some key sectors adopting WAT include:
- Pharmaceuticals: Ensures product security and tamper evidence
- Food & beverage: Popular for meal kit services like HelloFresh, where food safety is a priority
- Apparel & textiles: Provides a strong seal for lightweight but high-volume shipments
- Printing & publishing: Ideal for securing heavy paper stock and documents
Also read: Six Timesaving Tips to Increase Warehouse Efficiency
The future of e-commerce packaging
As e-commerce continues to grow, businesses must prioritize secure, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging solutions. Water activated tape offers unmatched security, a professional appearance, and a more sustainable alternative to traditional tape. Though it comes with a higher initial cost, the long-term benefits—reduced theft, fewer claims, and lower material use—make it an investment worth considering for any online retailer.
At Adherex, we specialize in providing high-quality water activated tape solutions tailored to your business needs. If you are ready to enhance your packaging security and efficiency, contact us today to learn more.
