If you sell anything to customers and need to ship packages, it is good to know what your options are when it comes to the different kinds of packaging tape out there. There can be a better type of packaging tape to be used for your specific needs. Here are just some facts about gummed, or water-activated tape.
1. Amazon brought it back to life
Before the online retail giant came into existence and made the decision to use gummed tape, not many people were using it. There can be many reasons for this that will be discussed later. Gummed tape was on its last leg when the demand for gummed tape surged. Due to the popularity of Amazon and it being the largest online retailer out there, other online retailers decided to follow suit and use gummed tape for their packages.
2. Ages and deteriorates slower than standard packing tapes
Since the film on gummed tape is made out of paper, it does not yellow over time. The adhesive on the film even has to get activated by water right before application whereas other tape will not perform as well after a few years of storage.
3. 100% recyclable and biodegradable
Because gummed tape is made out of paper, it can be left on the box to be recycled altogether. The adhesive is even made out of vegetable glue, which makes it completely water-soluble. In addition, no solvents are used in the manufacturing process and the gum breaks down easily once recycled.
4. Reinforced and non reinforced
There are two different kinds of gummed tape. Reinforced gummed tape has the strings within it to make is stronger and tear resistant. The other is non reinforced which can be ripped or cut through more easily. It really depends on the needs of the company to know which one to use.
5. Easily print on for customization
It is very easy to print your logo on paper film but be advised the film is brown. When you customize your packaging tape, it will stick out and help with your overall marketing efforts.
6. Humidity and temperature resistant
Unlike other kinds of tape, when applying gummed tape to your boxes, it doesn’t matter what the environmental conditions are since it will bind very well regardless. In addition during transportation, gummed tape will stay stuck through the roughest conditions.
7. Difficulty of application
Since the adhesive on gummed tape has to first be activated with water, it can get pretty tricky and messy. If you decide to apply it by hand, it will take you more time as compared to the other kinds of tape to apply.