The origins of gummed paper tape involve the combination of paper and adhesives, both of which have existed and developed for thousands of years.
While there is no exact record of its invention, the first reports and patents related to gummed paper tape date back to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of global trade during de 19th century. During this period, mass production and the exponential increase in trade, mail, and correspondence required more efficient and secure solutions to ensure the sealing of documents and goods during transport.
In this context, water activated tape’s ability to leave visible marks as evidence of tampering —if someone tried to force the packages— made it an effective tool for sealing, authentications, and the protection of official and confidential correspondence, as well a valuable goods.
Milestones in the development of gummed paper tape
The are some important moments related to the origins and subsequent evolution of gummed paper tape:
→ Early adhesives. Natural adhesives such as resins and gums were used thousand of years ago. In 1750, the first patent for a glue was filed in Great Bretain, and the first adhesive factory bagan operations in Holland.
→ Horace Day and adhesive strips. In 1845, Dr. Horace Day used adhesive-impregnated cloth strips for medical purposes, giving rise to the first band-aids.
→ Thomas Edison and gummed paper tape. Although there is no concrete evidence that Thomas A. Edison patented water activated tape, industry legend atributes to him the idea of gumming strips of paper for sealing. Edison extensively explored the use of synthetic gums and paper for various purposes.
→ Lumière Brothers. At the end of the 19th century, the Lumière brothers used strips of gummed paper tape to seal their autochrome plates, a breakthrough in color photography.
Throughout this evolution, the development of gummed paper tape benifited from advances and improvements in paper and adhesive production, which became increasingly better, more accesible, and cheaper thanks to technological innovations.
At that time, water activated tape not only responded to the practical needs of its time, but also symbolized the ingenuity and adaptability of an era marked by progress and commercial expansion.
Gummed Paper Tape in Major Conflicts
During the World Wars, gummed paper tape was essential in the packaging and transport of essential supplies. Its ability to create a secure and durable seal was key in protecting military and food supply shipments during long journeys under adverse conditions.
o Protection of sensitive goods: documents, materials and equipment, from ammution to medical supplies, including food and official and confidential letters.
o Organized military logistics. Its suitability as a writing and printing medium was very convenient for indentifying and organizing shipments, making the efficient distribution of resources on the front lines more easier.
The properties of gummed paper tape ensured that packages remained securely sealed even under the most adverse conditions, such as extreme humidity, cold or heat, and that they withstood the test of time.
It was indoubtedly a practical and accesible solution, as it did not required synthetic materials and was relatively inexpensive and simple to produce.
When, in September 1914, Paris became a World War I battlefield, Parisians responded creatively. To protect customers from potential shop window glass shattering in all directions during air raids, shopkeepers applied gummed paper tape. Throughout the war, Parisian shop windows competed with each other to see how they used ‘bomber tape’ in their designs the most artistically.
Water activated tape continues to demonstrate its irreplaceable effectiveness in logistics and transportation, e-commerce, warehousing and distribution, and in the food, cosmetics, and luxury sectors. It is current, versatile, and efficient solution for sealing cardboard packages, offering security and sustainability in packaging.
For more informations, contact our technical team.
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Images:
→ Etsy
