The functions that the seal performs in packaging are of vital importance, not only for the smooth operation of the supply chain, but also for the correct arrival and presentation of the product at their destination.
When the packaging is made of cardboard, it is a time-tested, useful, popular and sustainable choice, and the appropriate seal is gummed paper tape. The water activated seal on cardboard packaging provides:
- A secure seal to keep boxes closed and protect their contents from environmental conditions, the passage of time and other external agents.
- A deterrent against unauthorized manipulation and opening of packaging, which clearly shows evidence to make any action against the packaging’s contents immediately detectable.
- Efficiency and speed in the packaging process, with costs savings, compliance, where appropriate, with regulations, identification and distinction of packaging and brands.
In industrial packaging, the use of gummed paper tape to seal cardboard boxes is a common practice that is becoming increasingly widespread due to its effectiveness, cost savings and ecological benefits. Knowing and applying suitable techniques and tools in packaging processes with cardboard and water activated will help you achieve the perfect seal that maintains efficiency in the supply chain, competitiveness and meets consumer expectations in a more and more demanding market, optimizing their customer experience.
Gummed paper tape: tools and application techniques in packaging
- The first step is to select the type of gummed paper tape that is most suitable for each kind of packaging. We manufacture our water activated tape in various grammages, finished options and colors. Make sure to choose the one that best suits the strength and appearance required for your product packaging. Here you can access our guide to choosing and buying gummed paper tape.
- When applying gummed paper tape, it is necessary to moisten first to activate its natural adhesive.
— When it comes to small productions to be packaged, the application of water activated tape is simple, simply moistening it with a sponge or with a manual dispenser.
— However, in its intensive application, when we talk about industrial packaging, the use of gummed paper tape dispensers facilitates and speeds up the processes. Manual, semi-automatic or electronic, the humidifying machines are applicators or dispensers of gummed paper tape that allow to administer the exact quantity of water for the activation of the adhesive and measure to the millimeter and cut the water activated tape, saving time, materials and costs.
In this second phased, the appropriate technique consist of:
— Deciding what type of closure packaging requires. It can be a simple seal with two strips for the longitudinal flaps of the cardboard box, or crossing another strip of gummed paper tape transversely for greater reinforcement ; or it can be in H, double L or crossed bands. There are different methods of sealing cardboard boxes with water activated tape, according requirements.
— Prepare the gummed paper tape dispenser, provide the machine with the measurements of water activated strips required and operate it to obtain the exact and precisely moistened amount of gummed paper tape ready for application.
3. Verification of the seal. Any well-finished task requires verification. To verify that the seal is secure and there are no leaks, we can lift the box slightly and make sure that there are no movements or openings.
4. Labelling. Rememeber that gummed paper tape also allows us to make fitting labels. In many cases, such as in food, textiles, computer and electronic equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical goods, labels are mandatory and must comply with regulations for this purpose.
Using the opportune techniques and tools in packaging processes not only improves efficiency and quality, but also protect products, reduces costs and contributes to sustainability. These practices are essential to maintain competitiveness and meet consumer expectations in an increasingly demanding market.
Consult the Ibergum Eco technical team for any questions regarding the processes of choosing and sealing your cardboard packaging with water activated tape.
