With all the different types of tape on the market these days, which one do you choose? Duct tape and carton sealing tape will probably be your first choices, considering their availability, low cost, and versatility. However, there’s another kind of tape you may be overlooking: kraft paper tape. This durable and reliable tape needs only a little water activation and it can seal cartons, adhere items together, and provide many other great uses. So, if you find yourself wondering, “What is kraft tape used for?”, let this article be your introduction to this incredibly useful kind of tape!

What Is Kraft Tape?

Gummed kraft paper tape is made from a kraft paper backing and is coated on one side with a starch-based adhesive. Freshly-unrolled kraft tape will have little-to-no sticking power because the adhesive needs to be activated with water. Kraft tape dispensers are equipped with sponges and/or brushes that apply a light layer of water onto the adhesive as the tape is dispensed. This water-activated adhesive is now super strong and capable of bonding with a large variety of surfaces.

When is Kraft Tape the Best Choice?

As a general adhesive product, kraft tape can be used for a multitude of applications. But for the sake of this article, let’s go over three of kraft tape’s best uses:

1. Sealing Cartons and Boxes

When you’re packaging a product for shipping, it’s essential to use strong and durable tape that keeps everything secure. Gummed kraft tape is perfect for this application because its adhesive penetrates the fibers of the material to make for a robust and tamper-proof seal.

2. DIY and Crafting

Artists and handymen love the high strength and natural appearance of kraft tape. The tape can serve a utilitarian purpose, such as repairing the spine of a book, or an aesthetic one, such as adhering photos to a scrapbook. The long-lasting tape resists moisture and tearing.

3. Labeling Bottles and Cans

If you need to label your bottles or cans, kraft tape makes for a great quick solution. The tape is durable and stays in place no matter what the elements throw at it. The strong adhesive keeps the label in place, even after rough handling.

The Other Benefits of Using Kraft Tape

Outside the three previous examples, kraft paper tape offers several unique benefits for many different applications, including.

It is made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice. It’s also easy to recycle, too—just cut the remaining tape into little pieces before tossing it in the recycling bin.

It is exceptionally durable and capable of withstanding scuffs, scratches, bumps, and drops. It is the ideal tape for sealing boxes and cartons.

The water-activated adhesive keeps labels in place and acts as a tamper-proof seal on your packages.

Kraft tape is especially beneficial to the e-commerce industry, providing fast, high-strength, and reliable carton-sealing. For more information on kraft tape’s impact on e-commerce, take a look at this article from Tape University.

How To Store Kraft Tape

Gummed kraft tape may be super strong, but it doesn’t last forever. The adhesive eventually dries out and the tape roll can collect dust and dirt over time. If you’ve got a roll of kraft tape lying around and not in use, keep it in its original package. Better yet, store your rolls in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags until they’re needed.

Final Thoughts

Kraft paper tape is strong, dependable, and versatile, performing well in a wide variety of applications. Kraft tape is superior to standard carton sealing tape in nearly every way, yet carton sealing tape still offers benefits of its own. To learn more, check out our article comparing pressure sensitive and water-activated tapes.

And while you’re at it, be sure you take a look at our selection of kraft tapes to see what will work for you. We offer free shipping on all our kraft tape products, so contact us today and get started with the better, stronger tape: kraft tape. And don’t forget your kraft tape dispenser, too!