How to choose Gummed Paper Tape

Gummed paper tape, often technically referred to as water-activated tape in our product specifications, represents a distinct category of carton sealing solutions designed for high-security and heavy-duty packaging applications. Unlike pressure-sensitive tapes that rely on synthetic tackifiers to adhere to the surface of a box, gummed paper tape utilizes a starch-based adhesive system that, upon wetting, penetrates the corrugated fibers of the carton to create a permanent, destructive bond. This fundamental difference means that once the tape is applied and dried, it effectively becomes part of the box itself, making it nearly impossible to remove without leaving visible evidence of tampering, a critical feature for industries transporting valuable electronics or sensitive goods.

The structural composition of gummed paper tape varies significantly to meet different load-bearing requirements. For general light-duty sealing, a non-reinforced kraft paper backing, such as our JLN-370 model, provides a clean and recyclable seal suitable for lighter boxes. However, industrial applications typically demand higher tensile strength, which is why we engineer reinforced versions like the JLN-3150 and KN-37120. These tapes sandwich a reinforcement layer between two sheets of kraft paper; the JLN-3150, for instance, utilizes fiberglass strands in a specific pattern to resist splitting and tearing during transit. For heavier loads, the KN-37120 increases the density of this fiberglass network and the weight of the paper backing to handle significant mechanical stress during logistics handling.

Sustainability is a driving force in the evolution of gummed paper tape, particularly as companies seek to eliminate plastic from their supply chains. While standard reinforced tapes contain fiberglass, which is not biodegradable, we have introduced fully degradable alternatives like the JLN-3150E. This model replaces the traditional fiberglass reinforcement with plant-based yarn, maintaining the necessary tensile strength for light to medium-duty applications while ensuring that the entire tape—backing, adhesive, and reinforcement—is eco-friendly and recyclable. By selecting the appropriate grade of gummed paper tape, from the standard fiberglass-reinforced JLN-3150 to the heavy-duty KN-37120 or the eco-conscious JLN-3150E, packaging facilities can ensure load stability while aligning with environmental protocols.