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We guarantee our prices are extremely competetive and should be the BEST prices you will find on-line, along with delivering the very best service. For this reason, we offer a price match against other on-line sellers. If you find the same product elsewhere on line, give us a call on 0345 224 3691 and we will match or even beat it! Note that the following conditions must be met for the price match to apply:
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Best Paper Tape for Shipping: Types, Differences & Where to Buy
Key Takeaways
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The three main types of paper tape for shipping are self-adhesive kraft tape, plain gummed tape, and reinforced gummed tape, each suited to a different parcel weight and sealing need.
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The key difference between kraft and gummed tape is how they bond: kraft tape sticks on contact, while gummed tape is water-activated and soaks into the cardboard fibres to form a tamper-evident seal that cannot be removed without visible damage.
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Tape strength is determined by paper weight: 60gsm covers light to medium parcels, while 130gsm reinforced gummed tape with embedded glass fibres is the reliable choice for heavy or export cartons.
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Equipment requirements differ, too, as kraft tape works with a standard tape gun, while gummed tape performs best with a water-activated dispenser that wets, cuts, and measures each strip for consistent, fast sealing.
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At Globe Packaging, we stock both Kraft and water-activated gummed paper tapes, with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm and free next-working-day UK Mainland delivery on orders over £50 excluding VAT.
What Are the Best Paper Tapes for Shipping?
Choosing the right paper tape for shipping comes down to three options: self-adhesive kraft tape for quick, everyday sealing; plain gummed tape for lightweight cartons; and reinforced gummed tape for heavy or high-value parcels. All three replace plastic packing tape while staying fully recyclable.
How each tape bonds to a box is what separates them in practice. Kraft tape is pressure-sensitive and ready to use with any standard tape gun. Gummed tape requires moisture to activate, but once it soaks into the cardboard, it forms a seal that shows clear evidence of tampering.
Globe Packaging stocks the full range of kraft and water-activated gummed paper tapes, so whether you are sealing a handful of parcels a day or running a high-volume fulfilment line, you can find the right roll without compromising on strength or sustainability.
Below, we cover each type, the differences that guide the choice, and where to buy the rolls in the UK.
Types of Paper Tape for Shipping
Paper tape splits into two categories based on how the adhesive works. Self-adhesive kraft paper tape is a pressure-sensitive tape with a rubber-based glue, so it sticks the moment you press it onto the box, much like standard parcel tape. Water-activated gummed paper tape (WAT) uses a starch-based adhesive that becomes sticky only when moistened.
That single difference shapes everything else. A self-adhesive roll runs straight from a normal tape gun and needs no extra kit. Gummed paper tape needs water and usually a dispenser, but the starch glue soaks into the cardboard fibres and bonds the tape into the box itself.
Both are made from kraft paper, both are recyclable with your cardboard waste, and both replace plastic packing tape. The choice between them comes down to speed, parcel weight, and how tamper-evident the seal needs to be.
The Best Paper Tape for Shipping
1. Self-Adhesive Kraft Paper Tape (50mm x 50M)
The brown kraft paper tape is the simplest switch from plastic. It is PacPlan-branded, made from 60gsm kraft paper with a strong rubber adhesive, and it runs through a standard tape gun with no water or dispenser needed.
Each roll measures 50mm wide by 50 metres long and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. It handles everyday box sealing and lighter parcels well, and also suits picture framing and general fixing jobs. A white version and custom-printed kraft tape for branded parcels are also available.
Self-adhesive kraft paper tape is an easy plastic-free alternative, made from 60gsm kraft paper
with a strong rubber adhesive that works with standard tape guns and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
2. Plain Gummed Paper Tape (48mm WAT)
For businesses moving to water-activated sealing on a budget, the plain gummed paper tape is the economical choice. It uses 60gsm paper with a natural starch adhesive and comes on long 200-metre rolls, so you change rolls less often across a packing shift.
This grade suits lightweight goods and standard cartons where you want a recyclable, tamper-evident seal without paying for extra reinforcement. Apply it with a water-activated tape dispenser for a clean, consistent finish on every box.
Plain 60gsm gummed paper tape gives an economical,
recyclable water-activated seal on long 200-metre rolls, ideal for lighter cartons and high-frequency packing.
3. Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape (48mm & 70mm WAT)
When parcels are heavy, valuable, or headed for rough transit, the reinforced gummed paper tape is the strongest option. It is built from 130gsm paper with super-strength glass fibres running through it, creating a seal that cannot be opened without visible damage.
It comes in 48mm (2") and 70mm (3") widths, with 70mm rolls supplied in 100-metre and 305-metre lengths for high-volume lines. This is the grade most packing teams settle on, and it performs best in electronic water-activated tape machines.
Reinforced 130gsm gummed tape adds glass-fibre strands for a tamper-evident bond that holds heavy, high-value,
and export parcels through rough transit.
Key Differences
Adhesive
The biggest difference is the adhesive. Self-adhesive kraft tape sticks on contact, which makes it fast for low-volume sealing. Gummed paper tape needs to be moistened first, but the bond it forms is far harder to tamper with because it becomes part of the box.
Strength
Strength is the next factor. The 60gsm tapes, both self-adhesive kraft and plain gummed, handle light to medium parcels. Reinforced 130gsm gummed tape, with its glass-fibre layer, holds heavy and export cartons that lighter tape would struggle with.
Equipment Needed
Equipment matters too. Self-adhesive kraft tape needs only a tape gun, while gummed paper tape works best with a dispenser that wets, measures, and cuts each strip. For a busy fulfilment operation, that dispenser speeds up sealing and cuts waste, since a single strip seals a box.
Cost
On cost, plain gummed and self-adhesive kraft rolls are the most economical, while reinforced gummed tape carries a slight premium for the added strength. Multi-roll packs lower the price per roll.
Paper Tape for Shipping: Comparison Table
Where to Buy Paper Tape for Shipping? Order from Globe Packaging
Globe Packaging stocks kraft and water-activated gummed paper tapes with same-day dispatch and
free next working day UK mainland delivery on orders over £50.
Paper tape now seals parcels as securely as plastic while staying recyclable. Self-adhesive kraft tape covers quick, everyday sealing; plain gummed tape offers an economical, water-activated option for lighter cartons; and reinforced gummed tape locks down heavy or high-value loads. Matching the grade to your parcels keeps boxes secure and packing costs sensible.
At Globe Packaging, we stock all three grades and hold them ready for same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, with free next-working-day delivery across the UK Mainland on orders over £50 (exc VAT). If you want to find the right paper tape for your shipments, browse our full paper tape range.
Browse our paper tapes for shipping today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is paper tape good for shipping?
Yes, if you pick the right grade. Standard 60gsm paper tape suits light to medium parcels, while reinforced 130gsm gummed paper tape with glass fibres holds heavy and export cartons. The water-activated bond soaks into the cardboard, which often makes it stronger than plastic tape on a full box.
Do I need a dispenser to use gummed paper tape?
A dispenser is strongly recommended. Gummed paper tape only sticks once the starch adhesive is moistened, and a water-activated dispenser wets, measures, and cuts each strip in one motion. You can moisten it by hand with a sponge, but a dispenser gives a faster, more consistent seal across a packing run.
Is paper tape recyclable?
Yes. Kraft and gummed paper tapes are made from natural paper with starch or rubber adhesives, so they are recyclable and biodegradable. Because they break down with cardboard, you can dispose of sealed boxes through normal paper recycling, which also helps cut Plastic Packaging Tax costs.
What is the difference between kraft paper tape and gummed paper tape?
Kraft paper tape is self-adhesive and sticks on contact, like standard parcel tape. Gummed paper tape is water-activated and bonds into the box fibres for a tamper-evident seal. Kraft tape is quicker for low volumes, while gummed tape gives a more secure, harder-to-open finish.
Where can I buy paper tape for shipping in the UK?
You can order the Kraft and water-activated paper tape from us at Globe Packaging. We hold the full range in stock at our 60,000 sq ft depot, dispatch the same day for orders placed by 4pm, and deliver free of charge the next working day across the UK mainland on orders over £50 (exc VAT).
*Note: Product listings, prices, and delivery times shown are approximate and subject to change. Contact Globe Packaging for the latest information.
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