---
title: How Are The Two Types of Packaging Tape Dispensed?
description:   Plastic pressure-sensitive tape and paper water-activated tape are used to seal cartons following two different processes. Sealing Cartons with Pressure-
---

[800.474.8273](tel:+1800.474.8273)  |  [Distributors Login](https://www.betterpackages.com/distributors-only/)  |  [Distributors Locator](https://www.betterpackages.com/distributors/)  |  [Shop Account](https://www.betterpackages.com/my-account/)  |  [Cart](https://www.betterpackages.com/cart/)  |  [Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

[![Better Packages, Inc.](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/1601908/hubfs/social-suggested-images/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Inkjet Systems](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#inkjet-systems)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)
    - [Carton Sealing Machines](https://www.betterpackages.com/products#carton-sealing-machines)
    - [Need Help Finding a Model?](https://www.betterpackages.com/find-a-model/)
- [Parts & Service](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-and-service/) 
    - [Buy Better Pack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts)
    - [Buy Interpack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/part-category/interpack/)
    - [Parts Drawings and Operator Manuals](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-drawings-and-operator-manuals/)
    - [Set-up, Operation, and Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-videos/)
    - [Preventive Maintenance Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/preventive-maintenance/)
    - [Service and Repair Request](https://www.betterpackages.com/service-repair/)
    - [Troubleshooting Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/water-activated-tape-dispenser-troubleshooting/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
- [Industries](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [Automotive Aftermarket Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [B2B E-Commerce](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Beauty and Cosmetics](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Electronics and Computers](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [Home Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Jewelry](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [Luxury Goods](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sporting Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/sporting-goods/)
- [Resources](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [Who We Are](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Safety Matters](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Is Your Business Using The Right Packaging Tape?](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Carton Sealing Options](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [SGS Tape Tests and Studies](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
- [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

[![Better Packages, Inc.](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/1601908/hubfs/social-suggested-images/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Inkjet Systems](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#inkjet-systems)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)
    - [Carton Sealing Machines](https://www.betterpackages.com/products#carton-sealing-machines)
    - [Need Help Finding a Model?](https://www.betterpackages.com/find-a-model/)
- [Parts & Service](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-and-service/) 
    - [Buy Better Pack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts)
    - [Buy Interpack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/part-category/interpack/)
    - [Parts Drawings and Operator Manuals](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-drawings-and-operator-manuals/)
    - [Set-up, Operation, and Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-videos/)
    - [Preventive Maintenance Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/preventive-maintenance/)
    - [Service and Repair Request](https://www.betterpackages.com/service-repair/)
    - [Troubleshooting Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/water-activated-tape-dispenser-troubleshooting/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
- [Industries](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [Automotive Aftermarket Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [B2B E-Commerce](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Beauty and Cosmetics](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Electronics and Computers](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [Home Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Jewelry](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [Luxury Goods](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sporting Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/sporting-goods/)
- [Resources](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [Who We Are](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Safety Matters](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Is Your Business Using The Right Packaging Tape?](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Carton Sealing Options](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [SGS Tape Tests and Studies](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
- [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

 Distributors Login  Distributors Locator  Shop Account  Cart  Contact Us

- Categories
- Follow Us

[Subscribe](https://learn.betterpackages.com/subscribe)

- [Automotive](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Better Packages](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/better-packages)
- [Corrugated Cartons](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/corrugated-cartons)
- [E-Commerce](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/e-commerce)
- [Fine Jewelry](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/fine-jewelry)
- [Furniture](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/furniture)
- [Maintenance](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/maintenance)
- [Packing & Shipping Tips](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/packing-shipping-tips)
- [Pharmaceuticals](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/pharmaceuticals)
- [Sporting Goods](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/sporting-goods)
- [Tape Dispensers](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/tape-dispensers)
- [Water-Activated Tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/water-activated-tape)

- <https://twitter.com/WATisbest>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-packages-inc-/>

[  View All Posts](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

[Subscribe](https://learn.betterpackages.com/subscribe)

# How Are The Two Types of Packaging Tape Dispensed?

 By: [Better Packages](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/author/better-packages) on January 1st, 1970

 Print/Save as PDF

- Share:
- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+Are+The+Two+Types+of+Packaging+Tape+Dispensed%3F&url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&via=>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&title=How+Are+The+Two+Types+of+Packaging+Tape+Dispensed%3F&summary=%C2%A0+Plastic+pressure-sensitive+tape+and+paper+water-activated+tape+are+used+to+seal+cartons+following+two+different+processes.+Sealing+Cartons+with+Pressure->
- <https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&media=&description=%C2%A0+Plastic+pressure-sensitive+tape+and+paper+water-activated+tape+are+used+to+seal+cartons+following+two+different+processes.+Sealing+Cartons+with+Pressure->
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed)

 

Plastic pressure-sensitive tape and paper water-activated tape are used to seal cartons following two different processes.

## Sealing Cartons with Pressure-Sensitive Tape

Plastic pressure-sensitive tape is typically applied using a hand-held tape gun. First, the user finds the leading edge of the tape roll. Then they press that section of tape to the side of the carton and pull the tape gun and along the seam to be sealed while applying constant pressure. That pressure is critical, as the tape as no ability to form a bond other than through the force applied by the user. The tape is then pressed down on the carton.

Pressure-sensitive tape typically requires multiple strips to close a package for shipping, so the process is repeated. A user may also choose to apply tape to additional seams, in which case they must rotate the package to get the proper angle for the use of the tape gun. Overall, it is a very physical and often repetitive process to seal a single carton.

## Sealing Cartons with Water-Activated Tape

Reinforced packing tape or [Kraft paper tape](https://inbound.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-tape-why-use-better-packages) is applied using a manual or electric paper tape dispenser. These tape machines distribute the appropriate amount of moisture to activate the adhesive and then dispense pre-cut strips of user-specified length. The tape is placed on seams by hand and can be applied with light pressure since the adhesive penetrates the carton surface and forms a strong bond with it.

That bond is created quickly, and the package is safely and securely sealed. Typically, only one strip of paper packing tape is needed. If additional pieces are desired for added security on the sides of the carton (forming an “H” pattern), the process is repeated. Physical manipulation of the carton in order to apply the tape is minimal.

 

[WATCH OUR VIDEO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaJSKrVVW2g) to learn how to seal a carton with water-activated paper tape.

 

  

- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+Are+The+Two+Types+of+Packaging+Tape+Dispensed%3F&url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&via=>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&title=How+Are+The+Two+Types+of+Packaging+Tape+Dispensed%3F&summary=%C2%A0+Plastic+pressure-sensitive+tape+and+paper+water-activated+tape+are+used+to+seal+cartons+following+two+different+processes.+Sealing+Cartons+with+Pressure->
- <https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed&media=&description=%C2%A0+Plastic+pressure-sensitive+tape+and+paper+water-activated+tape+are+used+to+seal+cartons+following+two+different+processes.+Sealing+Cartons+with+Pressure->
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed)

[![logo](https://blog.betterpackages.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Template%20Items/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

#### Contact Customer Service

[Phone 800.474.8273](tel:800.474.8273) [Email info@betterpackages.com](tel:info@betterpackages.com) [mailto:](mailto:) [mailto:](mailto:)

[Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

- [Solutions](https://www.betterpackages.com/solutions/) 
    - [Increase Packaging Productivity](https://www.betterpackages.com/increase-packaging-productivity/)
    - [Tamper Evident Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/tamper-evident-packaging/)
    - [Brand Your Packages](https://www.betterpackages.com/brand-your-packages/)
    - [Improve Warehouse Packer Safety](https://www.betterpackages.com/improve-warehouse-packer-safety/)
    - [Reduce Packaging Waste](https://www.betterpackages.com/reduce-packaging-waste/)
    - [Endure Environmental Extremes](https://www.betterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/curby-sustainable-packaging/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)

- [Learn](https://www.betterpackages.com/learn-landing/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/about)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-maintenance-videos/)
    - [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

 © 2026 Better Packages All rights reserved.  | [Terms & Conditions](https://www.betterpackages.com/terms)  | [Privacy Policy](https://www.itape.com/privacy-policy/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Better Packages",
    "url" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/author/better-packages"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-08-17T14:24:43.221Z",
  "datePublished" : "1970-01-01T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "How Are The Two Types of Packaging Tape Dispensed?",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/how-are-the-two-types-of-packaging-tape-dispensed",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "IPG"
  }
}
```