KNOWLEDGE HUB

How Printed Paper Tape Can Help Reduce Plastic Packaging

By Millie Hill
Print & Bespoke Products Lead
Last updated: 07/10/26

Printed paper tape used for sustainable packaging and branding as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging tape.

Looking for a simple way to reduce the amount of plastic in your packaging?

Switching from traditional plastic packing tape to printed paper tape is one option worth considering. Paper tape can provide the same essential job — sealing your boxes securely — while replacing a plastic-based tape with a paper alternative.

For businesses sending hundreds or thousands of parcels, that small change can make a meaningful difference to the materials used across their packaging operation.

In this guide, we’ll look at how printed paper tape works, its environmental advantages, how it compares with plastic tape, and whether it’s the right choice for your packaging.

Paper Tape vs Plastic Tape

Feature Self-Adhesive Paper Water-Activated ‘Gummed’ PaperVinyl Polypropylene
Best forPlastic-free packagingPlastic-free packagingPremium brandingHigh-volume packaging
CostFrom £3.50 per rollFrom £6.08 per rollFrom £2.68 per rollFrom £1.86 per roll
Plastic free✅ Yes – Paper based✅ Yes – Paper based❌ No❌ No
RecyclabilityRecycling-process friendlyFully recyclable & biodegradable Recycling-process friendlyRecycling-process friendly
Print qualityGoodGoodExcellentGood
Flood coating YesYesYesNo
Reverse PrintingYesYesYesNo
Design ColoursUp to 4-colour designs Up to 4-colour designs Up to 4-colour designs Up to 3-colour designs
DurabilityGoodGood – but lacks water resistanceHighHigh
NoiseQuieterQuieterQuieterCan be noisier
ApplicationBy hand / dispenser Requires a water bath dispenserBy hand / dispenser By hand / dispenser

What does “recycling-process friendly” mean?

Recycling-process-friendly tape is designed so that it can be separated during the recycling process rather than requiring the consumer to remove every piece of tape from a cardboard box.

However, recycling systems vary, so businesses should always check the requirements of their local recycling provider.

Want to know more? Read: What does “recycling-process friendly” mean? 

Not all paper tape is the same

There are different types of paper packaging tape, and their environmental credentials aren’t identical.

Le Mark’s self-adhesive printed paper tape is a plastic-free alternative to conventional plastic packing tapes and is recycling-process friendly when used with cardboard packaging.

For businesses specifically looking for a fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable solution, Custom Printed Water-Activated ‘Gummed’ Paper Tape is the alternative to consider

Self-adhesive paper tape vs Water-activated ‘gummed’ paper tape

Not all paper packaging tape works in the same way. The two main options are self-adhesive paper tape and water-activated ‘gummed’ paper tape, and each has its own advantages depending on how you pack, seal and dispatch your products.

So, which one is right for your business?

In the video below, we demonstrate both types of tape in action, showing how they are applied and the dispensing equipment required.

Watch the demo to see the difference for yourself and find the paper tape solution that best suits your packaging process.

Self-adhesive Paper Tape

  • Apply directly from the roll
  • No water required
  • Familiar application process
  • Good choice for straightforward packaging operations

View Le Mark’s Custom Printed Paper Packaging Tape

Water-Activated Paper Tape

  • Requires activation with water
  • Strong carton seal
  • Fully recyclable/biodegradable/compostable
  • Particularly suited to businesses prioritising recyclability

View Le Mark’s Custom Printed Water-activated Packaging Tape

Which printed paper tape is right for your business?

Choose self-adhesive printed paper tape if you want to:

  • Reduce your reliance on plastic packaging materials
  • Use a plastic-free packing tape
  • Add your branding directly to your packaging
  • Create a more natural, premium appearance
  • Continue using a familiar self-adhesive tape application

Consider water-activated paper tape if your priority is:

  • Fully recyclable packaging
  • Biodegradable and compostable materials
  • A paper-based carton sealing solution
  • Minimising plastic across the packaging process

Switching to paper packing tape is easy

Switching over to paper for your custom printed tape is easy, even if you’re already using polypropylene or vinyl materials. We can move your existing design straight over to paper on your next order. Furthermore, if your artwork does require any tweaking, we’ll help you every step of the way.

Paper Tape designs we love

Custom printed water activated gummed paper tape providing secure, tamper-evident and recyclable carton sealing for sustainable packaging.
Custom printed water activated gummed paper tape providing secure, tamper-evident and recyclable carton sealing for sustainable packaging.
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Green) + Flood Coat
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Green) + Flood Coat
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Red) + Flood Coat | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Red) + Flood Coat | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Orange) | Positive print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Orange) | Positive print
Custom Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Custom Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Black), with natural brown base material | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 | Reverse Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 | Reverse Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Blue) | Positive Print
Printed Paper Tape | Colours - 1 (Blue) | Positive Print
Custom Printed Paper Tape - 1 Colour (Black) - Positive Print - Topology
Custom Printed Paper Tape - 1 Colour (Black) - Positive Print - Topology

Design your own printed paper tape

Printed paper tape is fully customisable. Your design can contain up to four colours and can even be flood coated or reverse printed. Furthermore, paper tape has a premium matt finish, unlike traditional ‘glossy’ printed tapes. As a result, your packing tape can standout from the crowd as well as minimise the use of plastics.

Need some design inspiration? Read our guide on How to design your custom printed tape

Download a design template

Get a Quote | Start Your Design

Summary

Choosing paper for your printed tape is a great way to reduce your use of plastics. Water-activated paper offers the greenest credentials, and self-adhesive paper is an easy to use plastic-free alternative to poly and vinyl printed tape materials. Ultimately, both self-adhesive and water-activated paper tapes are a great way to reduce the use of plastics in your packaging.

Key Takeaways

  • Using a paper-based tape can help reduce the use of plastics
  • Paper tape offers a premium matt finish
  • Water-activated paper offers the greenest credentials
  • Self-adhesive paper is the easiest to use.

Talk to a human

Hi, I’m Millie

We are a family run business with traditional family values.
If you’d rather talk to a real human, just give me a call.

01480 494540
millie@lemark.co.uk

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