In addition to all the carton sealing benefits of water-activated tape (WAT), including carton security and strength, using WAT is also a cost-effective sealing solution. In comparison to other sealing tape, you use less tape to secure your cartons, saving you money. Your employees will experience increased productivity when they use water activated tape and a water-activated tape dispenser. Increased productivity equals reduced business costs. Another potential cost-saving benefit is WAT’s ability to have printed logos or messages. Finally, if you are sending your cartons into extreme physical environments, WAT creates a bond strong enough to withstand these challenges.
Unlike plastic, pressure-sensitive tape (PST), water-activated tape literally bonds to the carton. As a result, you only need one strip of tape to secure a carton. Plastic, pressure-sensitive tape floats on the carton surface. As a result, packers tend to use several strips of plastic tape to try to secure their cartons. While on a “per foot” basis, PST is often less expensive, because packers use so many strips of tape for closure, the cost advantage quickly disappears and ultimately WAT is less expensive, not to mention, more effective.
Water-activated tape is applied using a tape dispenser which dispenses tape in a simple-to-use, operator-friendly manner. Employees sealing cartons with PST use a hand-held tape gun which becomes heavy after repeated use and requires awkward wrist motions that often create repetitive stress injuries. There are high business costs associated with repetitive motion injuries, including worker’s compensation and hiring employees to fill in for the injured. According to an independent study, packers who use WAT and water-activated dispensers are 21% more productive than those using PST. This increased productivity, plus the lack of motion stress injuries, translates into higher business profits.
Water activated tape creates a great canvas for logos and messages in full color or black & white as it's simple to print on Kraft paper tape. Putting logos on your tape is an excellent branding vehicle and one which is potentially cost-saving too in comparison to having various-sized cartons printed with your logo. Printing your logo or message on your tape personalizes your shipments professionally and reflects well on your company.
Packages are often shipped to locations that are dusty, dirty, hot or cold. When this happens to cartons sealed with plastic, pressure sensitive tape, the tape adhesion is often compromised causing closure issues. The tape frequently lifts up, exposing the contents to potential easy theft. Water-activated tape’s bonding characteristics allow it to stick to the carton in dusty, dirty, cold and hot environments and retains its seal. Your products stay safe and your business won’t incur costs associated with product replacement due to theft.
Better Packages offers a full line of Better Pack brand water-activated tape designed to create a superior seal on your corrugated cartons. Water-activated, also known as gummed paper tape, offers advantages other carton sealing solutions do not. It is the preferred choice of packaging professionals when strength, security, employee safety, and professional appearance are critical.
Check out the free downloadable guide below for your tape dispensing solutions.