--- title: Plastic, Pressure-Sensitive Tape vs. Water-Activated Paper Tape description: When choosing between plastic pressure sensitive tape or water-activated paper tape there are some factors to consider. Which option will help prevent theft, increase productivity, and maximize efficiency? image: https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Dollarphotoclub_92778873-2.jpg --- [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) - 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[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) - - [  View All Posts](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog) [Subscribe](https://learn.betterpackages.com/subscribe) [Water Activated Tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/water-activated-tape) # Plastic, Pressure-Sensitive Tape vs. Water-Activated Paper Tape By: [Better Packages](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/author/better-packages) on March 11th, 2016 Print/Save as PDF - Share: - - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-paper-tape-vs.-plastic-pressure-sensitive-tape](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-paper-tape-vs.-plastic-pressure-sensitive-tape) ![Boxes with Water Activated Tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Dollarphotoclub_92778873-2.jpg?width=722&name=Dollarphotoclub_92778873-2.jpg "Water-Activated Tape") You want to make sure the items inside your shipping cartons are sent safely and arrive at the destination with no issues, so your customers are satisfied and your company’s costs are minimized.  To keep your items secure, you will need a versatile sealing solution so that the carton can withstand the rigors of the shipping process. When it comes to choosing between plastic, pressure sensitive tape (PST) and [water activated paper tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/7-reasons-to-make-the-switch-to-water-activated-tape) (WAT), consider the possibility of theft, cost-effectiveness, climatic conditions and branding to determine which tape will be the best alternative for your application. ## Pressure-Sensitive Tape and the Shipping Process Plastic, pressure-sensitive tape consists of film and a tacky substance that adheres to a given surface when light pressure is applied. The tape is petroleum-based. It is generally applied with tape guns. **Theft**: The inherent characteristics of PST make it easy to remove or to gain access to the carton by pushing down on it, without leaving a trace of entry. As a result of its lack of tamper-evidence, theft can be a shipping problem. **Cost-effectiveness**: On a per foot basis, plastic PST is relatively inexpensive. However, as a practical matter, many people use several strips of tape to seal their cartons to try to ensure security or to create added strength. Once several strips of tape are added to the equation, the inexpensive feature of PST disappears. **Climatic Conditions:** PlasticPST doesn’t perform well in varying environments including cold and hot temperatures, high humidity and dusty environments. These challenging situations make PST lose its seal. Further, dirt can get underneath the plastic tape and the integrity of the seal is compromised.  **Branding**: Is branding important to your company? The carton that you ship your products in is the first experience your customers have with your company. It is difficult and expensive to print your logo or a message on plastic, PST. Your branding efforts are undermined if you are using several strips of tape to try to secure your carton, for they make your cartons make look sloppy.   ## Water-Activated Paper Tape and the Shipping Process Water-activated paper tape is made primarily of white or natural color Kraft paper tape and starch-based adhesive. It’s usually available in various widths and thicknesses and may contain layers with fiberglass reinforcement. When the adhesive is activated with water, it penetrates the carton material and the tape forms a permanent bond with the carton. It is generally applied with a [water-activated tape dispenser](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/manual-vs.-electric-tape-dispenser-which-is-better).   --- ***Want to know more about the benefits of water-activated paper tape? Check out this guide:*** ---   **Theft**: Water-activated paper tape [discourages theft](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/prevent-package-theft-with-water-activated-tape) because it is difficult to remove without leaving obvious signs of tampering. It literally bonds to the carton. Theft during the shipping process usually occurs because it is easy to do and difficult to get caught. With paper tape, easy, undetected entry is not possible. **Cost-effectiveness**: On a per-foot basis, paper tape is often more expensive than plastic PST. However, since you only need one strip of tape to securely seal a carton, the per foot differential usually disappears as packers often use two to three strips of plastic PST. Companies derive [additional cost savings](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/4-ways-to-reduce-packaging-costs-increase-productivity-needs-to-be-finished) from the lack of theft associated with WAT. **Climatic Conditions**:  Paper tape performs well under the extreme conditions of cold, heat, light, humidity and dirt, maintaining its bonding properties and the carton’s seal. **Branding**: Branding is a critical element for businesses growth. By using water-activated tape, a company is easily able to [print its logo or a message right on the tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/4-powerful-benefits-of-branded-water-activated-tape) in either full color or black and white. This keeps your brand front and center when your carton arrives at your customer’s home or office. Choosing [the right tape for your carton sealing application](https://blog.betterpackages.com/is-your-business-using-the-right-packaging-tape) is a critical piece of the customer satisfaction pie and for your corporate efficiency. The right tape can assure product safety, cost-effectiveness and can enhance your branding. In many instances, choosing the tape comes down to plastic, pressure sensitive tape or, water-activated paper tape. Think carefully about the pros and cons of each before making your all-important carton sealing decision. --- - - - - - [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-paper-tape-vs.-plastic-pressure-sensitive-tape](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-paper-tape-vs.-plastic-pressure-sensitive-tape) [![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" : "2023-08-17T14:24:22.337Z", "datePublished" : "2016-03-11T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Plastic, Pressure-Sensitive Tape vs. Water-Activated Paper Tape", "image" : [ "https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Dollarphotoclub_92778873-2.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/water-activated-paper-tape-vs.-plastic-pressure-sensitive-tape", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/logo.png" }, "name" : "IPG" } } ```