High-Strength Water
Activated Kraft Tape
in the UAE
Product Snapshot
- Two grades, one adhesive system: Plain and fibreglass reinforced, both with a natural starch adhesive activated by water.
- Tamper-evident seal: Once activated, the adhesive bonds into the carton fibres, so opening the carton tears the board and shows evidence of tampering.
- Plastic-free sealing: Paper backing and starch adhesive that can be recycled with the carton in most cases.
- Built for automated lines: Suitable for specialised wetting machines and automatic dispensers.
Water activated kraft tape, also known as gummed paper tape, is a paper tape coated with a starch-based adhesive that only becomes sticky when wet. Applied to a carton, the adhesive soaks into the board and forms a seal that becomes part of the box.
AAB Industries manufactures two grades in Dubai: a plain water activated kraft tape for standard cartons, and a fibreglass reinforced version for heavy, high-value, and export shipments. We supply businesses across the UAE and export to markets including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, Kazakhstan and the United States.
What Is a Water Activated Kraft Tape?
Water activated tape (WAT) uses a kraft paper backing coated with a dry starch adhesive. The adhesive is activated with water, either with a damp cloth or sponge or with a wetting machine, then pressed onto the carton. As it dries, it bonds with the cardboard fibres, so the tape becomes part of the carton instead of sitting on top of it.
Unlike plastic tapes, paper tape is biodegradable and can usually be recycled together with the carton. The reinforced grade adds fibreglass yarn between two layers of kraft paper for greater strength on heavy-duty packaging.
Our Water Activated Kraft Tape Range
Water Activated Kraft Tape
Uses a starch-based adhesive activated by water to create a strong bond with cardboard.
Reinforced Water Activated Kraft Tape
Uses the same water-activated adhesive but includes fibreglass reinforcement for greater strength and heavy-duty packaging.
Printed Water Activated Kraft Tape
Kraft paper tape with custom printing for branding, logos or packaging identification. It can have different adhesive types depending on the product specification.
Plain vs Reinforced: Which One Do You Need?
Feature
- Construction
- Adhesive
- Total thickness
- Tensile strength, machine direction
- Tensile strength, cross direction
- Best for
Plain
- 70 g/m2 kraft paper
- Starch
- 0.12 mm
- 110 N/25mm
- 60 N/25mm
- Standard cartons, everyday shipping, light to medium duty sealing
Reinforced
- Two kraft paper layers (42 g/m2 upper, 40 g/m2 lower)
- with 150 (1-1-1) Glass fiber yarn
- Starch
- 0.140 ± 0.01 mm
- 185 N/25mm
- 90 N/25mm
- Heavy, high-value and export cartons, long transit routes, higher security [sales to confirm duty guidance]
Choose Plain: If your cartons are standard weight, your route is short or domestic, and you want a dependable paper seal for everyday packing.
Choose Reinforced: If your cartons are heavy or high value, they travel long distances or through several handling points, or you need maximum seal strength.
Not sure? Reach out to us via the “contact us” page with you carton size, weight and shipping route and we will recommend a grade.
Key Features of Water Activated Kraft Tape
Permanent bond that forms with the carton fibres once activated
Tamper-evident seal that makes unauthorised opening easy to spot
Recyclable paper backing, processed with the carton in most cases
Starch adhesive derived from natural plant sources
Fibreglass reinforcement option for greater tensile strength and tear resistance
Suitable for wetting machines, automatic dispensers and manual application
Industrial Applications
Export and International
Logistics firms use water activated tape for consignments that must meet strict environmental requirements. The bond becomes part of the carton, which supports secure transit across borders.
E-commerce and Fulfilment Centres
High-volume packing lines need a consistent seal. Paper tape gives a professional finish, supports plastic-reduction goals, and can be recycled with the box by the end customer.
Heavy and High-Value Cartons
The reinforced grade is used to seal heavy or valuable cartons where ordinary tapes may not hold. Fibreglass yarn adds strength, and the starch bond makes tampering obvious.
Automated Packaging Lines
AAB’s water activated kraft tape is suitable for specialized wetting machines and automatic dispensers, which improves packing line efficiency while keeping the seal consistent.
How to Apply Water Activated Kraft Tape
Activate the adhesive. Wet the adhesive side with a wetting machine, or with a damp cloth or sponge for manual use. Do not wipe too much or repeatedly.
Apply to the carton. Lay the tape across the seam straight after wetting.
Press firmly. Press the tape down immediately after applying to secure a permanent bond.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
As industries move toward a circular economy, demand for sustainable packaging keeps growing. Water activated kraft tape lets UAE businesses cut single-use plastic from their packaging without giving up seal security.
Recyclable Paper Backing
The backing is made from natural paper fibers, so it is biodegradable and suited to standard paper recycling. Unlike plastic tapes, which usually must be stripped from boxes before recycling, kraft tape can often be processed together with the corrugated carton.
Starch-Based Adhesive
The adhesive is made from starch derived from natural plant sources and is biodegradable. Switching from plastic to paper tape reduces the single-use plastic generated in your fulfilment process.
Technical Documentation
and Storage
Accurate product data helps you meet shipping and compliance requirements. Download the technical data sheet for each grade below.
Storage tips:
- Store rolls in a clean, dry place between 4°C and 26°C.
- Keep humidity between 40% and 50% for the best shelf life.
- Keep away from volatile solvents and direct sunlight.
Why Choose AAB Industries
Consistent product quality that meets international standards
Reliable supply chain and stock availability across the UAE
Formulated specifically for industrial and commercial use
Competitive pricing models for high-volume B2B orders
Request a Quote for Water Activated Kraft Tape
AAB Industries manufactures in water activated kraft tape in Dubai, in plain, printed and fibreglass reinforced. We help businesses across the UAE and export markets replace plastic tape with a secure, recyclable paper seal.
Not sure which grade suits your cartons? Please reach out to us via the contact us form and our team will recommend the right tape.
FAQ
Q) What is water activated kraft tape?
It is a kraft paper tape coated with a starch-based adhesive that becomes sticky when wet. It is also called gummed tape. Once applied, it bonds with the carton fibres and becomes part of the box.
Q) What is the difference between plain and reinforced water activated tape?
Both use the same starch adhesive. Plain tape has a single kraft paper backing and suits everyday and medium-duty cartons. Reinforced tape has two kraft paper layers with fibreglass yarn, which gives higher tensile strength for heavy, high-value, and export cartons.
Q) Do I need a machine to apply water activated tape?
No. You can wet the tape manually with a damp cloth or sponge. A wetting machine is recommended for high-volume lines because it gives a consistent result. Avoid over-wiping, and press the tape down straight after applying it.
Q) Is water activated tape tamper-evident?
Yes. The adhesive bonds into the carton fibres, so removing the tape tears the cardboard and shows clear evidence of tampering.
Q) Can I recycle boxes with the tape still attached?
In most cases, yes. The paper backing can usually be recycled with the corrugated carton, which simplifies recycling for your customers.
Q) What is the adhesive made of?
The adhesive is starch derived from natural plant sources and is biodegradable.
Q) How should I store water activated kraft tape?
Keep rolls in a clean, dry place between 4°C and 26°C, with humidity between 40% and 50%, away from volatile solvents and direct sunlight.
Q) Do you supply water activated kraft tape outside the UAE?
Yes. We export to markets including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and the United States. Contact us for export quotes.