In June 2018, the members of the International Federation of Manufacturers of Gummed Paper (FIPAGO) met for their annual congress in Sarasota (Florida/USA) and discussed the latest developments at the industry meeting.
In line with the objective of the association, which was founded in 1957, to promote the continuous optimisation of paper adhesive tapes and their processing and to set international standards with regard to applications and processing semi-automatic and fully automatic sealing machines, the topics of the congress revolved around current challenges in the industry. The discussion centred not only on the increased requirements on paper adhesive strips, but also New fields of application for the environmentally friendly technology.
The so-called water-activated paper strips, in English water activated tape (WAT), have decisive advantages over self-adhesive material. In contrast to self-adhesive tapes made from PVC, they seal the package and can be recycled with the cardboard packaging.
Wet adhesive strips on the rise
Currently, a worldwide Rethinking WAT, was the conclusion of the congress. In addition to the Recyclability also the Fast and safe processing of the wet adhesive strips. Wet adhesive tape is on the rise, especially in countries with special climatic conditions. This is because products packaged in this way are optimally protected against climatic influences such as cold, heat, humidity and dust. In addition, once sealed with wet adhesive tape, packages cannot be opened without destroying them.
The WAT technology therefore fulfils decisive criteria in the packaging industryEasy handling, high strength and security in the event of mechanical stress - e.g. if the parcel is dropped - high security, protection against theft and climatic influences on the often long, global transport routes.
