Gummed Paper Tapes

Gummed tape width guide

48mm x 200m, brown: sealing cardboard boxes for e-commerce, food logistics and warehouses
70mm x 200m, 70gsm brown, non-reinforced: light to medium boxes · potato starch adhesive, made in the UK
72mm x 200m, 90gsm brown, non-reinforced: medium to heavy cartons · heavier paper and a wider strip over the seam; potato starch adhesive, made in the UK

How gummed tape works

Water activates the adhesive, which soaks into the fibres of the carton as it dries. Once set, the tape cannot be lifted cleanly: removing it tears the surface of the box, so any tampering shows. That is why warehouses and food logistics teams use it for outgoing cartons.

Gummed tape or self-adhesive paper tape?

Gummed tape needs water, ideally from a dispenser, and gives the most secure, tamper-evident seal. It suits benches that seal boxes every day. Self-adhesive paper tape sticks on contact with no water and fits a standard tape gun, so it suits occasional packing.

Do I need a dispenser?

A water-activated tape dispenser wets the adhesive evenly, which gives the best bond. Our gummed tape dispensers include a compact manual model that takes tape up to 80mm and the Tegrabond BP333 lever dispenser with 15 preset lengths for busier benches. Both take our 48mm, 70mm and 72mm widths.

Non-reinforced or reinforced?

Our current rolls are non-reinforced, which is strong enough for light to medium boxes. The 72mm 90gsm roll is the heavier of the two wide rolls, for medium to heavy cartons. For very heavy boxes, reinforced gummed tape is the usual choice; ask us if you need it.

Recycling

Gummed tape is paper with a water-activated adhesive, so a box sealed with it can usually go in household cardboard recycling where kerbside collections accept cardboard.

Trade and bulk orders

Gummed tape is bought by the roll, and busy benches get through it quickly. For repeat or larger orders, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Is gummed tape the same as water-activated tape?
Yes. Gummed paper tape, gum tape and water-activated tape are names for the same thing.

Is gummed tape tamper-evident?
Yes. It bonds into the carton surface and tears the board if someone removes it.

What is the difference between the 70mm and 72mm rolls?
The 72mm roll is wider and uses 90gsm paper; the 70mm roll uses 70gsm. Both are 200m and fit standard gummed tape dispensers.

Can I use gummed tape without a dispenser?
You can wet it with a sponge, but a dispenser wets the adhesive evenly and gives a more reliable seal.