Paper packing tape has moved from a niche choice to a mainstream one for Australian businesses, driven by kerbside recycling, the Australian Packaging Covenant, and retailer packaging scorecards. But “paper tape” covers several different products with different jobs. This is an overview for Australian buyers: the types, the standards that apply, and where each fits.
Key points
- Paper tapes split into two families: self-adhesive (tacky from the roll) and water activated (dry until wetted).
- Only water activated and reinforced gummed tapes reliably recycle with the carton; self-adhesive paper tapes carry a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
- The relevant Australian references are the Australasian Recycling Label and APCO’s packaging guidance, not a single tape standard.
- Match the tape to the carton weight, the surface, and how the finished parcel needs to recycle.
The types of paper tape
- Self-adhesive kraft paper tape: a kraft backing with a rubber or acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. Applies like plastic tape with a paper look, tears by hand, takes pen. For light carton sealing and bundling without a dispenser.
- Water activated (gummed) kraft paper tape: a kraft backing with a dry starch adhesive, wetted by a dispenser. Bonds into the carton fibres, tamper-evident, recycles with the box. The main choice for volume carton sealing. See the water activated tape guide.
- Reinforced gummed kraft tape: the gummed tape with fibreglass yarns laminated in, for heavy, double-wall and export cartons. See reinforced vs non-reinforced.
- Flatback kraft tape: a smooth kraft with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a clean hand tear, for splicing, tabbing and masking. Not a carton seal.
- Printed paper tape: any of the above with custom branding, normally in water-based inks. See printed water activated tape.
Standards and labelling in Australia
There is no single “paper tape standard” a buyer needs to cite. What matters for a recyclability claim:
- Australasian Recycling Label (ARL): the on-pack label that tells consumers how to dispose of each component. A kraft carton sealed with paper tape can carry a straightforward “recycle” instruction; a plastic-taped carton needs a “remove tape” step.
- APCO: the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation sets the national packaging targets and the sustainable packaging guidelines that most large retailers now apply to their suppliers. Mono-material, kerbside-recyclable packaging scores well.
- Compostability: if you claim compostable, the relevant standards are AS 4736 (industrial) and AS 5810 (home). Non-reinforced kraft gummed tape can meet industrial compostability; reinforced tape cannot, because of the fibreglass.
Sizes and formats available
Common carton-sealing widths are 48 mm, 70 mm, 72 mm and 76 mm, on a 76 mm core. Roll lengths run from about 100 m to 150 m for carton widths, longer for narrower tape. The size guide covers which width suits which carton.
Where each paper tape fits
- Volume carton sealing, recyclability matters: water activated (gummed) kraft tape on a dispenser.
- Heavy, double-wall or export cartons: reinforced gummed tape.
- Low volume, no dispenser, paper look wanted: self-adhesive kraft tape.
- Splicing, tabbing, masking: flatback kraft tape.
- Brand on the seal: printed paper tape in water-based inks.
Where Carewell fits
Carewell Group supplies the full paper tape range across Australia: self-adhesive kraft, water activated (gummed) and reinforced gummed tape, flatback kraft, and printed options, with dispensers. Carewell can meet all your packaging needs in one place. Talk to our team and we will work to your required minimum order quantity. Request a quote and samples or call +61 (02) 8760 1491.
Frequently asked questions
Is paper packing tape strong enough for shipping?
Water activated (gummed) paper tape bonds into the carton fibres, so one strip holds where plastic tape needs two or three passes. Reinforced grades handle heavy and export cartons. Self-adhesive paper tape is for lighter work.
Which paper tape recycles with the box?
Water activated (gummed) kraft tape and its reinforced version. Self-adhesive kraft tape has a pressure-sensitive adhesive and is a less clean recycling story.
Does paper tape meet APCO requirements?
A kraft carton sealed with paper gummed tape is mono-material and kerbside recyclable, which aligns with APCO’s sustainable packaging guidelines and most retailer scorecards.
Can paper tape be composted?
Non-reinforced kraft gummed tape can meet industrial compostability (AS 4736). Reinforced tape cannot, because of the fibreglass.
What widths does paper tape come in?
Commonly 48, 70, 72 and 76 mm for carton sealing, on rolls of roughly 100 to 150 m.
Written by Alif Vasaya, digital and content strategy, Carewell Group. Carewell Group is an Australian packaging, food packaging, tape, industrial safety and 3PL supplier serving all of Australia. Last updated 10 September 2026.