As sustainability continues to shape consumer choices and business practices across Australia, the packaging world is undergoing a serious eco-makeover. One star in this transformation is gummed kraft paper tape — a reliable, recyclable, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastic tapes.
Whether you’re an e-commerce business, a manufacturer, or a local brand aiming to reduce your environmental footprint, understanding how gummed kraft paper tape is made — and why it’s recyclable — is essential. This blog breaks down the making of this packaging hero and highlights its environmental advantages, all while keeping your SEO goals in check.
What Is Gummed Kraft Paper Tape?
Gummed kraft paper tape is a water-activated adhesive tape made primarily from kraft paper — a type of strong, durable paper manufactured from wood pulp. What sets this tape apart is its gummed adhesive layer, which becomes tacky only when moistened with water. This ensures a permanent, tamper-evident bond to cardboard surfaces.
Commonly used in shipping, warehousing, and sustainable packaging, gummed kraft paper tape offers both functionality and eco-friendliness — making it a top choice for Australian brands striving to be greener.
How Is Gummed Kraft Paper Tape Made?
Creating gummed kraft paper tape involves a combination of traditional paper-making techniques and environmentally responsible adhesive technologies. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:
1. Sourcing the Raw Material: Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made from virgin or recycled wood pulp using the kraft process, which involves:
- Chemically converting wood into pulp by removing lignin.
- Retaining cellulose fibres for strength and durability.
- Producing a natural brown colour (though it can be bleached for a white finish).
Kraft paper’s strength makes it ideal for packaging tapes that need to endure rough handling during shipping.
2. Applying the Gummed Adhesive
The kraft paper is then coated with a water-activated adhesive made from natural starches, such as potato or corn-based glue. These adhesives are:
- Non-toxic.
- Biodegradable.
- Safe for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Unlike synthetic pressure-sensitive adhesives found in plastic tapes, the starch-based gum used in gummed kraft paper tape is eco-friendly and supports better recycling outcomes.
3. Drying and Winding
Once the adhesive is applied, the tape is dried and wound into large rolls. These rolls are then cut to size, printed if required (for custom branding), and packaged for shipment.
Is Gummed Kraft Paper Tape Recyclable?
Yes — gummed kraft paper tape is 100% recyclable when applied to cardboard packaging. Here’s why it’s the preferred option for eco-conscious businesses in Australia:
Made from Paper
Because it’s made from kraft paper, the tape is accepted in standard cardboard recycling streams. This eliminates the need to remove the tape before recycling boxes — a process required for plastic or synthetic tapes.
Compostable and Biodegradable
The starch-based adhesive and paper construction mean the tape will break down naturally in composting conditions, making it suitable for industrial composting facilities.
Zero Plastic Waste
Switching to gummed kraft paper tape significantly reduces plastic waste, aligning your packaging strategy with Australia’s National Packaging Targets for 2025.
Benefits Beyond Sustainability
Aside from being eco-friendly, gummed kraft paper tape also delivers practical advantages:
- Strong Seal: Once applied and dried, the adhesive forms a strong, tamper-evident bond that deters theft and ensures product integrity.
- Professional Appearance: The tape blends seamlessly with cardboard for a clean, minimal look — ideal for branded packaging.
- Cost Efficiency: Although the tape may have a higher upfront cost, its durability and strength often mean fewer layers are needed per parcel, offering better value over time.
Why Australian Brands Are Making the Switch
With growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, Australian businesses are now integrating gummed kraft paper tape into their shipping and fulfilment strategies. Whether you’re a small e-commerce store or a large distributor, switching to eco-packaging options helps build trust, improve brand image, and meet regulatory compliance.
Consumers are increasingly looking for:
- Plastic-free packaging.
- Easily recyclable materials.
- Visible efforts towards environmental responsibility.
Using gummed kraft tape on every parcel becomes a small but powerful message: your brand cares about the planet.
The shift to sustainable packaging is more than a trend — it’s a movement. By understanding how gummed kraft paper tape is made and why it’s recyclable, your business can confidently choose packaging that aligns with modern environmental values.