What Type of Tape is Best for You?

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Water Activated Tape (WAT) vs. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes (PSA)

The type of packaging tape is an issue most people hardly consider. They simply pick out any shipping tape that can do the job. However, it is not straightforward a choice as it seems. Picking the right tape for the task at hand can make a huge difference in terms of cost, the security of the package, and even your image. At some point, you may have to choose between water-activated tape and pressure-sensitive tape. Knowing their differences and their performance across key metrics will help you make the right choice and satisfy your customers’ needs.

The difference between water-activated tape and pressure-sensitive tape

Pressure-sensitive tapes are usually petroleum-based and consist of a film with a tacky substance that adheres to the intended surface when pressure is applied. They are usually applied with a hand-held tape gun or an automatic case sealer. One of the most common PSA tapes is polypropylene tape, which is usually the preferred option for quick and easy sealing of corrugated cartons.  Another possibility is PVC tape, which is a high-end option.

Water-activated tapes are largely made from Kraft paper tape, either white or natural in color with a starch-based adhesive. The tape comes in different grades and lengths and often has fiberglass thread reinforcement. This kind of tape requires water to activate the adhesive as pressure alone will not suffice. It also requires a water activated-tape dispenser that will automatically moisten and cut the tape.

Here is how the two types of custom shipping tape compare across the main factors of performance, tamper resistance, productivity, appearance and branding, and budget.

Custom Printed Paper and PVC Tape

Performance

In terms of strength and performance, WAT is an excellent tape. It has a strong adhesion that delivers excellent bonding making the tape part of the box.  The only way to open a carton sealed with water-activated tape (WAT) is to cut with a knife. WAT also has excellent performance under different climates and temperature changes. It also supports heavier loads adding strength to the packaging.  It is easily printable.

PSA tapes come in different strengths or thicknesses so you can choose the best tape based upon how heavy your shipments are going to be.  They are easily applied to cardboard boxes and other packaging materials.  A variety of adhesives are available depending on the temperature range required for your packaging needs. They are easily printable.

Tamper Resistance

Both types of custom printed tape provide varying levels of tamper resistance.  WAT forms a strong bond that must be cut to open the package.  If an attempt is made to peel it off, it lifts about 80% of the carton’s fibers. PSA tape also offers some protection against tampering since it also leaves evidence of tampering if an attempt is made to remove it.  

Secured Shipping Box

Productivity

Either type of tape can be easily applied to packaging.  Carton sealing with water -activated tape is fast and easy using a water-activated tabletop tape dispenser. It wets the tape and cuts it according to the carton’s size. The pressure sensitive tapes can either be used with a hand held tape gun or automatic case sealers.  As the tape is applied to the packaging, gentle pressure is applied, causing the tape to bond with the packaging material.

Budget

Your budget will play a role in determining which type of tape you use.  While the water-activated tapes are economical to use, they are sold by the case and the minimum order starts with 5 cases.  PSA tapes, while a bit more money per yard, start with 1 case minimums making them an economical way to try custom printed tape.

Appearance and Branding

Packaging plays an important role in branding, so if you want your name and logo on to the boxes, you should consider custom printed tape. Both WAT and PSA tapes are easily printable, resulting in a crisp, clean print job.  When combined with custom printed boxes or a simple type of packaging,  custom printed tape emphasizes your brand, social media accounts, and QR codes.   

Custom Branded Tape

Conclusion

The type of custom packing tape you decide to use will depend on a variety of factors.  It starts with your packaging materials, the weight of your shipments and how you need to secure your products.  Determining your budget and what you want to print on your tape will be the final factors to consider. Either Water activated tapes or Pressure Sensitive Adhesive tapes can support your packaging, marketing and branding needs and in the end will benefit your bottom line.  Please feel free to reach out to find out more or call us at 800-992-1522.