Water-Activated Tape vs. Pressure-Sensitive Tape: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
When selecting packaging tape, two primary options are water-activated tape and pressure-sensitive tape. Of course, you can’t simply pick between the two materials without understanding how they stack up in terms of cost-effectiveness, so here is a detailed comparison of both choices:
Cost Perception vs. Reality
At first glance, pressure-sensitive tape appears to be the more economical choice because it has a lower per-roll price. However, your employees will often have to use multiple strips to achieve a secure seal, which increases labor time and material usage.
Water-activated tape typically only requires a single strip to create a strong seal, which means less overall tape consumption and reduced application time. Additionally, your customers will receive properly sealed packages that look secure and aesthetically pleasing.
Material and Application
Pressure-sensitive tape is typically made from plastic with a tacky adhesive that bonds under light pressure. It’s commonly applied using handheld tape guns. In contrast, water-activated tape consists of kraft paper and a scratch-based adhesive activated by water, which forms a strong bond with the carton. You’ll need a specialized dispenser that moistens and cuts the tape to the desired length.
Performance
Water-activated tape offers superior adhesion, as it bonds with the carton material to create a tamper-evidence seal. That feature, in turn, protects your packages from tampering during transit and gives customers peace of mind knowing that their orders are in good condition.
Pressure-sensitive tape does not provide the same level of tamper resistance. It can be removed and reapplied or cut through and taped over. And since using multiple layers of pressure-sensitive tape is common practice, tampering may not be immediately evident.
Order Water-Activated Tape From Holland Manufacturing
Holland Manufacturing offers a variety of water-activated tape options, including reinforced, non-reinforced, and custom tape. Contact us online or call our team at 1-800-345-0492 to place an order today.