Sealing heavy or high-value boxes with a tamper-evident seal that bonds into the cardboard fiber, impossible to open without leaving evidence, calls for a gummed tape that activates with water and forms a permanent bond in seconds. This kraft paper gummed tape —also called water-activated tape or water-activated tape (WAT)— is manufactured by Fortemo in fiber-reinforced kraft paper with an activatable starch adhesive, designed for fulfillment, export and operations that ship volume or delicate merchandise.
Key benefits
- Tamper-proof seal: when activated with water the adhesive penetrates the cardboard fiber and becomes part of the box; it cannot be peeled off without visibly tearing the surface, which reveals any opening.
- A single strip seals the box: the bond is so strong that one center pass seals the parcel, without the multi-turn H-pattern that plastic tape requires.
- Withstands weight and extreme conditions: it keeps the seal on heavy boxes and resists dust, cold and humidity where the contact adhesive of plastic tape gives way.
- 100% recyclable: paper and starch adhesive let you recycle the whole box without removing the tape, ideal for brands with an environmental commitment.
- Fiber-reinforced: the internal filaments raise tear resistance to unitize and export without the bond giving way in transit.
Applications and typical uses
- High-volume fulfillment and e-commerce that require fast single-pass sealing.
- Shipments of valuable or delicate merchandise where the tamper-evident seal protects against tampering.
- Export and unitization of heavy boxes that must withstand rough handling.
- Operations with an environmental policy seeking 100% recyclable, well-presented packaging.
Technical data
- Material: fiber-reinforced kraft paper, water-activatable starch adhesive.
- Widths: 48 mm (2 in) and 70 mm (2¾ in).
- Roll length: 100 m (110 yd).
- Activation: requires moistening with a gummed tape dispenser (manual or electric).
Quality and durability
A low-grade gummed tape fails because the glue activates unevenly —leaving unglued spots that lift— or the paper has no reinforcement and tears under tension. Fortemo works with fiber-reinforced kraft paper and a starch adhesive with uniform activation, the grade that sets an export tamper-evident seal apart from a tape that peels off at the first rough handling.
Equivalences
Equivalent to these other-brand references:
- 48 mm (2 in) · Standard · Box of 36 rolls
- IPG 190 Central Water-Activated Kraft Tape, 48 mm
- 48 mm (2 in) · Reinforced · Box of 36 rolls
- IPG 233 Central Reinforced Water-Activated Tape, 48 mm
- 70 mm (2¾ in) · Standard · Box of 24 rolls
- IPG 190 Central Water-Activated Kraft Tape, 70 mm
- 70 mm (2¾ in) · Reinforced · Box of 24 rolls
- IPG 233 Central Reinforced Water-Activated Tape, 70 mm
Brands and references mentioned belong to their respective owners; cited only for comparison and compatibility.
How is kraft paper gummed tape activated?
What is the difference between standard and reinforced gummed tape?
Do the 48 mm and 70 mm variants fit the semi-automatic dispenser?
Still have questions?
Ask us and we will gladly help you with whatever you need.
| Material and construction | |
|---|---|
| Material | Reinforced kraft paper (fiberglass) |
| Color | Natural brown |
| Adhesive | Vegetable starch (water-activated) |
| Activation | Water-activated |
| Dimensions and format | |
| Tape width | 48 mm (2 in) |
| Mandrel diameter | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Durability and protection | |
| Recyclability | Recyclable with cardboard only when the waste processor accepts reinforced kraft tape; do not claim “100% paper” because it contains reinforcing fibers |
| Tamper-evident seal | Yes — shows any opening |
| Presentation and packaging | |
| Presentation | Box of 36 rolls |
Official FORTEMO warranty
What's covered
Confirmed defect: replacement or refund of the amount paid.
What's not covered
Payment & Security
