IPG Water-Activated Paper Tape is Now Certified Recyclable!

In support of our sustainability efforts, IPG is proud to announce our line of Water-Activated Paper Tapes (unreinforced) has been certified recyclable. Our WAT paper tape has passed Western Michigan University OCC Equivalency (WMU OCC-E) testing protocol making it the first certified recyclable carton sealing tape!

The OCC-E test protocol was developed modeling guidelines from the Fibre Box Association (FBA). FBA members represent about 95% of the corrugators in the United States. The protocol was developed using untreated OCC (Old Corrugated Cardboard) as the control. OCC is a valuable and sought after source of secondary fibers.

Contamination rates are a major impediment to recycling programs in the US and reducing contamination in our recycling streams is important to successful recycling. IPG’s customers can now use a certified recyclable tape on their cartons which will help reduce contamination in the recycling stream.

IPG's line of curbside recyclable packaging products

Ahead of the Curb

E-commerce shipping volumes are rapidly increasing and consumers have become ever more aware of their environmental impact. In response to this trend, IPG has developed a line of curbside-friendly products, called Curby™, to promote a circular economy and help answer these E-commerce growth challenges.

With the certification of our Water-Activated Paper Tape, IPG is pleased to supplement our Curby line of products that now includes water-activated paper tape, paper void fill, cold chain solutions and fragile wrap.

What is WAT?

Water-activated tape (aka gummed tape, Kraft paper tape) is a carton sealing tape that bonds instantly to both virgin and recycled fiber surfaces of a box or carton and therefore, generates an immediate seal resulting in a tamper evident package - the seal welds the tape to the box. WAT is offered in both fiberglass reinforced and unreinforced plain paper, of which IPG's Unreinforced WAT is now certified "Recyclable" by Western Michigan University's OCC testing Protocols. IPG produces many styles available in standard prints or customized prints to display your corporate message. They all have one common feature, uncompromising quality.

Features and Benefits of IPG’s Unreinforced Water-Activated Paper Tape:

WAT – Water-Activated Tape

✔ Certified recyclable
✔ Contains at least 50% recycled fibers
✔ Custom-printable (while maintaining recyclability)
✔ Tamper evident
✔ Ideal for light to medium weight or standard size cartons shipped in unitized loads or full pallets
✔ Handy for deli and butcher wrap sealing, inner carton sealing, and more