We recently had a meeting with our industrial tape vendor. He warned our staff of an impending shortage of some tapes in the 2021 marketplace. These shortages will lead to long lead times, and substantial increases in prices, especially for Water Activated tapes and acrylic adhesive-based tapes (including carton sealing tapes).
Water Activated Tape (WAT)
Water Activated Tape (WAT) is paper carton sealing tape with a dry adhesive on one side that requires water to activate it. This tape will bond instantly to all corrugated carton surfaces and generates an immediate tamper-evident bond. Water activated tape (WAT) comes in reinforced and non-reinforced versions. Reinforced contains strong fiberglass yarns are strategically bonded between sheets of paper to provide an extra margin of strength. Non-reinforced WAT tape does not contain fiberglass fibers.
Water Activated Tape (WAT) requires a manual or electric tape dispenser to add water to the tape and cut it to size. One of the most popular WAT tape dispensers is the Better Packages, also known as the Better Pack brand.
Why are there tape shortages?
There are a couple reasons why the tape marketplace is in this state. With the high demand in eCommerce packaging (where WAT tape is favored) manufacturers are struggling to keep up. Another reason is the rush to re-open business which appears to be happening quickly and all at the same time.
The outlook for the marketplace is:
- Lead times are running 5-6 week lead time for Water Activate Tape.
- As we move into the retail season in July there will be extended lead times for Carton Sealing Tapes (4 weeks).
Stock up now while you still can. Greeno Supply can help your business with our wide variety of Water Activated Tape (WAT) and Better Pack brand WAT tape dispensers. We also sell Custom Printed WAT Tape.
Please call us at 413-732-2308 or fill out the form below: