Why Should You Use Gummed Paper Tape?

Written by PrioryDirect on . Posted in Uncategorized, Awin, Business Services (B2B), Business Services (B2B), Office, Office, UK

It's no secret that plastic packaging products are causing a huge environmental issue for our planet. Despite it being a highly versatile material, every single piece of plastic that has ever been made is still in existence in some form and with only 9% of all plastic being recycled, it’s time to ditch the single use plastics in favour of something more sustainable.

When it comes to choosing plastic free packaging, it can be overwhelming, but the simplest swaps can make the biggest difference. Plastic packing tape is a non-recyclable, single-use plastic that reduces the recyclability of cardboard once applied, destroys the biodegradable quality of cardboard and can reside in our environment for hundreds of years after disposal. So switching to a more planet-friendly option is a no-brainer and it’s easier than you might think.

Gummed paper tape, or water-activated paper tape as it’s also known, is an extremely eco-friendly packaging product that can help drastically improve the sustainability of your operation. But why should you use gummed paper tape and how does it work?

How to use gummed paper tape

Gummed paper packing tape is a paper based tape with a starch, water activated adhesive. Differently to self-adhesive tapes, gummed paper tape must be activated with water before it can be applied to any box or packing material. To effectively use gummed paper tape in your operation you must use a gummed paper tape dispenser. This ensures that the tape is passed through the water reservoir, sufficiently wetting the tape ready for application. Gummed paper tape cannot be used with standard packing tape guns, so finding the right water activated paper tape dispenser for your needs is as important as finding the right tape. Once the tape has passed through the water reservoir within the gummed tape dispenser, all you have to do is apply to your cardboard box, or other packing material to create a secure seal - it's as easy as that.

How is gummed paper tape planet-friendly?

Gummed paper tape is the ultimate planet friendly packing tape. Fully recyclable, biodegradable, plastic free packing tape that is made entirely from paper and eco-friendly, starch based adhesive. Not only is the tape itself super eco-friendly, it doesn’t impact the recyclability or biodegradable quality of the cardboard it is applied to. Due to the recyclability of the tape, you do not need to remove it from cardboard sheets or boxes before recycling; saving you time and effort and saving the planet too.

How does gummed paper tape create a strong seal?

Creating a strong seal for your packing boxes is a must, and with gummed paper tape, you’re guaranteed a reliable, permanent closure. The starch, water-activated adhesive on gummed paper tape penetrates into the lining of cardboard boxes, creating a robust and permanent seal that is tamper and pilfer resistant. Sealing your packing boxes with water-activated paper tape actually enhances the strength of durability of your boxes, increasing the stack-ability of the cartons, whilst also keeping goods safe and secure.

How does gummed paper tape increase efficiency?

Optimising your packing operation can hugely increase efficiency and productivity, particularly during busy periods. Gummed paper tape is typically stocked in long run rolls, such as 100m, 200m or even 300m long rolls. This can help decrease time spent changing rolls and ensure that packing operations are running for longer before changeovers are needed. Additionally, gummed paper tape can be used with electronic dispensers to deliver the correct amount of pre-moistened tape for your box; dramatically decreasing time spent measuring and dispensing tape.

So, no matter your initial reason for switching to gummed paper tape, you truly could be saving the planet with every parcel when using water activated tape; not to mention saving yourself time and effort during your packing process. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect the planet, and packaging swaps is the easiest place to start. If you need any further information or help to make your operation as planet-friendly as possible, get in touch - we’re here to help!

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Priory Direct Affiliate Team

Chloe Winsper | cjw@priorydirect.co.uk | Lauren Churcher | lrc@priorydirect.co.uk

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