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Paper Tape for Carton Sealing and Sustainable Packaging

Paper tape is increasingly used by eCommerce, warehousing, manufacturing and retail businesses looking for a practical way to seal cartons while reducing reliance on conventional plastic tape. Paramount Packaging supplies kraft and water-activated paper tape alongside manual and machine-compatible options for different packing volumes. The company has supplied packaging products since 1955.

What Is Packaging Paper Tape?

Packaging paper tape uses a paper backing combined with an adhesive system designed for closing cartons, parcels and other packages. Its paper surface gives packed cartons a clean, professional appearance and can make the tape easier to integrate into fibre-based packaging systems. However, not all paper tapes are identical. The most important distinction is between self-adhesive kraft paper tape and water-activated paper tape.

Kraft Paper Tape

Self-adhesive kraft tape is applied in a similar way to conventional pressure-sensitive carton tape. Pressure activates the adhesive against the carton surface, making it convenient for manual packing stations and general-purpose carton sealing. It can be applied with compatible handheld or bench dispensers depending on the product. For operations transitioning from plastic carton tape, self-adhesive kraft tape can provide a relatively familiar packing process.

Water-Activated Paper Tape

Water-activated tape, also known as gummed paper tape, has an adhesive that becomes active when moistened. Once applied to compatible corrugated cartons, it creates a strong closure and can provide a visibly tamper-evident result. Paramount's paper tape category includes gummed and machine-grade products alongside conventional kraft tape. Operations processing larger volumes can pair water-activated tape with a dedicated dispenser to improve application speed and consistency.

Which Paper Tape Should You Choose?

Choose paper tape based on the carton, packing volume and application process rather than simply selecting the widest tape.

Low-to-medium volumes: Self-adhesive kraft tape can provide a straightforward packing solution.

High-volume sealing: Longer machine rolls or dedicated dispensing systems may help reduce interruptions.

Tamper-evident packaging: Water-activated tape may be worth considering.

Printed or branded cartons: Consider how tape colour and surface appearance work with the overall packaging design.

Paper Tape for eCommerce

Paper tape can form part of the customer’s brand experience. It works well with kraft mailers and corrugated cartons while helping keep packages securely closed.

Businesses should consider the complete packing system, including carton strength, tape, void fill, labels and shipping conditions.

A sustainable-looking material should not be selected based solely on appearance if it increases package failures or replacement shipments.

Paper Tape for Warehousing and Manufacturing

Warehouses and manufacturers often prioritise consistency and packing throughput. Small differences in roll length, changeover frequency and dispenser performance can affect labour efficiency.

High-volume operations should consider: cartons packed per shift, average box dimensions, tape width, sealing pattern, dispenser type, storage environment and manual versus machine application.

Australian suppliers distinguish between hand-applied kraft tape, machine paper tape and water-activated systems, highlighting the importance of application method when selecting paper tape.

How to Improve Paper Tape Adhesion

Good tape performance starts with correct application. Carton surfaces should be reasonably clean and dry before applying tape.

Apply sufficient pressure when using pressure-sensitive tape, particularly across uneven recycled board.

For water-activated tape, ensure the dispenser applies water consistently to the adhesive.

Store tape according to supplier recommendations and avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture.

For cold rooms, humid environments or other demanding conditions, test the selected tape before standardising it across the business.

Order Paper Tape from Paramount Packaging

Whether you need kraft paper tape, gummed tape or water-activated carton sealing tape, Paramount Packaging can help match the tape and dispensing method to your packaging volume.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Some kraft paper tapes use pressure-sensitive adhesive, while gummed paper tapes require water activation.

Pressure-sensitive tape can use a compatible conventional dispenser. Water-activated paper tape requires equipment capable of moistening the adhesive.

Suitability depends on the tape grade, carton weight, board quality and transport environment. Request advice for heavier loads rather than assuming every paper tape has identical holding strength.

Yes, selected machine-grade products are designed for higher-volume applications. Confirm machine compatibility before ordering.

Paper-based tape can help reduce plastic use, but environmental performance depends on the complete product, adhesive, carton and local recovery system. Review the specific product information rather than relying solely on the word “paper”.

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