Everything You Need to Know about Water Activated Tape
Everything You Need to Know about Water Activated Tape
Everything You Need to Know about Water Activated Tape
What Is Water Activated Tape?
Zhongfu Packaging contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Water Activated Tape (WAT) is a paper-based tape with an adhesive that is dry to the touch until activated by water. Water turns the dried adhesive into a tacky, fluidic adhesive that is designed to adhere to corrugated boxes. Unlike some other tapes in the packaging market, water activated tape has a singular focus – secure closure of corrugated boxes.
Water Activated Tape is available in reinforced and non-reinforced varieties. The reinforced product is strengthened by reinforcement fibers traditionally made of fiberglass or polyester. The addition of reinforcement enhances the durability of the tape closure and is ideal for boxes bound for parcel shipping. The reinforcement is sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper along with a laminate adhesive, thus fully encapsulating the reinforcing filament.
Non-reinforced water activated tape does not have any reinforcement fibers and therefore does not have the same level of durability as reinforced tape. However, non-reinforced tape has some advantages including cost and environmental benefits. The most common applications for non-reinforced tape are lightweight boxes and packages that are unitized on pallets, not bound for individual parcel shipping.
What separates Water Activated Tape from other packaging tapes, both the non-reinforced and reinforced grades, is the adhesive migrates into the fibers of the corrugated box. Once the adhesive dries – within 5-7 seconds – the adhesive has fused the tape and box together. The only way to remove the tape is to destroy the seal; leaving behind a tamper evident footprint that the box has been intentionally opened.
Water Activated Tape is sold in roll form. There are several roll sizes that are popular with the most popular domestic US size being 72mm (2.83 IN) wide, 137m (450 FT) long. The rolls are packaged in corrugated boxes and for the 72mm x 137m roll size there are 10 rolls per box. Higher volume users often elect to purchase tape in longer length rolls to reduce the number of roll changes, increasing packaging station productivity. 500 FT, 600 FT, and even FT rolls are all common roll lengths in the water activated tape market.
Why is water activated tape used? Who uses it?
There are many reasons why water activated tape has seen a resurgence in popularity. The driving force of the popularity is the growing demand for parcel shipping. The eCommerce revolution has made it easier for customers to order the goods they desire and receive the items directly to their front door. For the vendors, the eCommerce model has allowed for a cost-effective sales model without the expenses of store fronts and other associated overhead costs.
Water activated tape is ideal for eCommerce shippers. Here are the reasons why:
- Security – no shipper wants their package to be tampered with. Today, shippers are sending all types of items including foods, pharmaceuticals, valuable electronics, and many other sensitive items. The tamper evident closure of water activated tape assures the box stays closed until intentionally opened. Security of closure is the #1 reason why water activated tape is used today for eCommerce packages.
- Branding – The appearance of your eCommerce packaging is statement about your brand. Do you value your customer’s experience when they receive your package? The majority of eCommerce shippers are turning to branded water activated tape to seal packages. The paper based, water activated tape prints well and is easy to apply to the box without folding or creasing the tape – a major problem for plastic pressure sensitive tape.
- Environmental – there is a growing war against plastic packaging. Paper based packaging is trending due to its recyclability and sustainability given current forestry regulation and recycling practices within the paper making industry. Corrugated boxes, paper void fill, and water activated tape create a secure, protective, and an environmental responsible package. Consumers are pushing vendors to be environmentally conscious. We received a lot of questions from customers about the environmental factors and recyclability of water activated tape. Here is how we answer this question:
Reinforced Water Activated Tape is an environmentally friendly product, especially when compared to plastic pressure sensitive tape. The majority of the product’s construction is made from renewable resources. Reinforced tape, by itself, is not recyclable. Non-Reinforced water activated tape is curbside recyclable.
Reinforced water activated tape is made of 4 basic components.
- Paper – this material is bio-degradable, recyclable, and repulpable.
- Corn Starch Based Adhesive – like paper, this material is bio-degradable, recyclable, and repulpable.
- Laminate Adhesive – This joins the papers together – this is a petro-chemical material. This does not help the environmental claims of the product.
- Fiberglass – This is not Recyclable, Repulpable or Biodegradable material.
In the application of the tape to a box, the tape is a small percentage of the overall weight of the box. The curbside recyclable standards that we are aware of call for 80% of the overall mass must be recoverable in the recycling process in order to be considered recyclable. The laminate and fiberglass are a very small percentage of the overall weight of the overall box – probably 1% or less of the weight. Therefore, in its application, it is possible reinforced water activated tape can be considered recyclable.
A roll of tape on its own would not pass this standard as the weight of the laminate and fiberglass would exceed 20% of the overall mass of the tape roll. However, rolls of tape are not showing up in the recycling stream normally. The tape is intended to be adhered to a corrugated carton and in that application, curbside recyclability standards should be met.
Holland Manufacturing does not have current 3rd party testing to verify this hypothesis as most testing services will only test the product itself. Holland is currently engaged in development work to see how best to further reduce environmental impact of reinforced WAT.
Non-reinforced water activated tape is recyclable, repulpable, and bio-degradable. One could argue that non-reinforced WAT is the most environmentally friendly carton closure product.
The paper used in Holland’s WAT products is 100% virgin fiber based for strength and performance reasons. All sources of kraft paper used by Holland are in compliance with SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) Standards.
- Ease of Application – Ecommerce shippers are under pressure to deliver products quickly and maximize the output of their labor force. Packing and carton closure needs to be efficient. Water Activated Tape, when dispensed from a quality water activated tape dispenser, is presented to the packer at the correct length and is ready to be applied to the box. This presentation of a finite length of tape is much different than using a pressure sensitive tape gun to apply carton closure. Closing with a pressure sensitive tape gun depends on the skill, speed, and endurance of the packer, these variables, while still important, vary less with water activated tape. This consistency is a key advantage of water activated tape carton closure.
Adding Your Branding
As mentioned previously, the opportunity to brand water activated tape provides packagers with a cost-effective method to engage customers. An undeniable factor is that when a customer opens a package sealed with water activated tape, they are forced to look at the tape. Custom printed water activated tape provides an opportunity to share a message, promotion, new product detail, cross-selling offer, and countless other options to make an impression on a customer you are already selling to.
At Holland Manufacturing, we custom print water activated tape with all types of designs and objectives for our customers. Over the years, we have seen what works and what looks makes the biggest impact. In short, we recommend simpler designs to make the best statement for a brand. There are many options and design choices. To help customers, we have outlined the following design guide to provide ideas and concepts for your printed tape design.
Step 1: Understand Your Canvas
In flexographic printing, photopolymer plates are used to imprint the images on the substrate (WAT). The plates are fixed size making the width and length of the plate important and set the first characteristic of your design. We can this width and length dimension the size of your canvas.
Water Activated Tape
The WIDTH of your print area coincides with the WIDTH of the tape. The most common WIDTHS for Water Activated Tape are 2.83 Inch (72mm) and 3 Inch (76mm).
The LENGTH of the print area is called the REPEAT SIZE. The REPEAT is defined as the distance from any reference point in the art to the next time that same reference point is printed.
Width Measurements
Step #2: Select a Tape Stock
Choice #1: Natural or White
Choice #2: Reinforced or Non-Reinforced
PURE WHITE REINFORCED TAPE
Step 3: Select a Print Style
Selecting a print style is a needed step for any printed tape design. In recent years, a popular trend in printed water activated tape are designs with a high level of ink coverage. The trend has established printed tape as a highly recognizable and prominent feature of a package.
Despite the popularity of flood coated tape designs, there are several design strategies to match your brand message from dramatic to understated.
Seasonal, Promotional, Short Term Campaigns
Another trend in printed water activated tape is promotional or seasonal designs. Alert your customers to a special incentive, a product release, or simply brand the tape to the present time of year. Beyond branding, the printed tape can deliver a clear message to your customers they cannot ignore.
Logo Printing
Timeless design where the logo is printed and repeated consistently.
Advantages: Understated Look, Sophisticated, Easy to Read, Natural Look
Flood Coat Printing
Heavy Ink coverage for the most dramatic tape design.
Advantages: Eye Catching, highly visible from a distance, brand impact
Pro Tip: By printing a lighter background color and a darker accent color, you can avoid the cost of an engraved cylinder and still achieve the dramatic presentation of full coverage printing.
Random/Pattern Printing
Series of shapes, images, or logos in a full coverage layout.
Advantages: Unique, recognizable, can be understated or dramatic, cost savings compared to a flood coat print.
Process Printing
Printing complex images for a true visualization of a product or service.
Advantages: Eye-catching, detailed visuals for maximum customer experience
Facts about Process Printed Water Activated Tape
Recommended article:Biomass Shredder - Rectech Solution LLP
10 Questions You Should to Know about Wheat Flour Milling Plant
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Adhesive Tape Packaging Machine.
- The complex images seen above are created from dot pattern layering of ink.
- Most colors can be created with 4 color processes – meaning there are 4 printing plates printing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black inks.
- The printing plates for process printing are more expensive than standard plates for logo printing.
- Holland typically produced process printed tape in our Williamston, SC location.
For customers that require a specific ink color, Holland uses the Pantone color system to identify custom ink colors. As part of the Holland Proof Approval process, Holland will send an ink swatch sample of the ink printed on the tape of your choice. Ink colors often look different when printed on kraft substates.
Pro Tip: Water Activated Tape is classified as an “Uncoated” base stock. When looking for Pantone Colors, select a color (s) with a “U” suffix for “UNCOATED” base stock.
Pro Tip: If you have selected a Kraft Colored Tape when selecting an ink color opt for 1 shade lighter than you expect. The kraft background will “darken” the appearance of the ink color.
More About Ink
- Holland only uses the highest quality, water-based inks – good for the environment & our operations.
- Top Coat Varnish – for heavy ink coverage designs, Holland recommends a clear coat varnish over the top of the print. This mitigates ink transfer and gives the tape a slight increase in gloss.
- Natural Kraft Paper – There is variation in the shade of natural kraft paper. Our mill partners are highly consistent; however, Holland recommends our white tape stocks for customers with the highest sensitivities for ink color accuracy.
Step 6: Submitting Your Request Online
Holland has created an easy to navigate web tool for obtaining a quotation for printed water activated tape. Follow the steps to receive a recommended tape grade for your application, set your printing requirements, uploading art files and provide your contact information. You will receive a quote within 24 hours.
https://www.hollandmfg.com/custom-printed-water-activated-tape/
How to apply the product?
There are several ways to properly activate and use water activated tape. The equipment and sophistication of the method varies depending on the user’s operational set up and budget. We will start with the simplest method and progress to the most automated solution.
For new users of water activated tape that are not sealing a large number of boxes in a day, we often see the use of a sponge to wet the tape and scissors to cut the tape to length. This is definitely not the most efficient way to use the product; however, with proper activation of the tape, the user can seal a box with the same level of security as more automated methods of dispensing and applying water activated tape.
Some keys to success with the sponge and scissor method are:
- Cut the tape to length before applying the water.
- The length of the tape should be approximately 6 Inches longer than the major panel length of the box. This will allow 3” to extend down the side of the box – needed for a secure closer.
- Water temperature matters – use warm, not hot water – 110°F is the ideal temperature.
- Wet the sponge and make sure that it is fully saturated – the sponge should not be dripping as you apply the sponge to the tape.
- Apply the sponge to the adhesive side of the pre-cut length of water activated tape. Use light pressure and move across the tape adhesive surface in one fluid motion at a moderate speed.
- Avoid more than one swipe across the adhesive surface. The repeated wiping of the sponge against the tape adhesive surface will remove adhesive from the tape and reduce performance.
- Apply the tape to the major panel flap of the box within a few seconds of the activation of the adhesive. Close the box and wipe the tape down with firm pressure to help drive with water activated adhesive into the corrugated box. The video below will show you the proper application of the tape.
Advantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method
- Low Cost
- Good for low volume users
- Easy to move equipment to seal in different locations
Disadvantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method
- Tape performance will be more variable if too much adhesive is wiped off the tape.
- Slow and time consuming – only good for low volume applications.
Tape Dispensing Machines
Utilizing a tape dispenser that properly activates the adhesive with water and cuts the tape to the desired length is the most common method of applying water activated tape.
There are two basic types of water activated tape dispensers – manual and electronic machines.
The manual machine has a pull handle which the user manually pulls to dispense the tape. The machine translates the lever pull into driving a feed wheel inside the tape machine, driving the tape across a brush system which wicks water from a reservoir system. The mechanism is tied to a cutting assembly which cuts the tape to the desired length. The machine is easy to use, portable, and cost effective. We recommend manual machines to users that do not have access to electric or wish to have the machine portable.
The electric tape machine is similar to the manual machine with the same basic action; however, all actions are driven by a push button system. The user presses the bottom on the keypad corresponding to the desired length of tape (inches). The tape is quickly dispensed and cut to length. The electric tape dispenser is the workhorse of the eCommerce industry used by the companies big and small to securely close eCommerce boxes.
The electric machine has some significant advantages over the manual tape machine. First, the process is more consistent. The tape is dispensed at a set speed, unaffected by the user’s action (speed of dispensing). Next, electric tape dispensers typically have a brush heater which heats the water interface. Warm water helps to activate the tape and enhances adhesion to the corrugated box. Finally and most importantly for high volume eCommerce packagers, the speed and reduction in packager fatigue make the electric machine the clear choice for volume shippers.
Automated Case Sealing
While tape dispensing machines are the dominate method for using water activated tape, there are applications that demand more automation. For these applications there are automated case sealers that close boxes with water activated tape.
Automated case sealers can help operations that have high volumes and wish to automate the sealing of the boxes. At Holland Mfg, we utilize case sealing equipment to close the high volume of water activated tape cartons we produce. For our application, the case sealer is well suited as we are sealing similar size boxes that are heavy and most are filled with automated case packers. Our operations are not pick and pack which is the most common use of water activated tape.
Here is a short video case sealer operation:
There are some disadvantages to automated case sealers. First, they are expensive. Next, they have many moving parts that can become a maintenance challenge if neglected. Finally, there are several machines on the market, not all of them reliably perform. Holland uses and recommends the Schneider Packaging case sealer as a highly robust, reliable, and well-built unit.
Keys to Success in using Water Activated Tape
Water Activated Tape is a unique packaging product as the user completes making the adhesive in the field by activated the adhesive with water. This fact introduces an added variable which requires recognition and attention by the user.
It sounds trivial, but water activated tape requires water to work correctly. Over the years, our technical team has troubleshot several user issues where not enough water or no water remained in the tape machine reservoir. The first key to success with water activated tape – make sure you have enough water.
Next, water activated tape is activated best with water that is warm, not hot, not cold. We recommend a water temperature of 110°F for optimal adhesive activation. This point accentuates the advantages of the electric tape dispenser. These machines have a brush heater that warms the activating water, this improves the adhesive tack time. By using a manual tape dispenser without a brush heater, the water in your machine will equalize with the ambient room temperature. The adhesive will still activate and achieve a secure bond to your corrugated box; however, the tack time will be slightly longer. Users will see the tape slide on the box slightly longer before the adhesive sets. This could be an advantage for some applications where a longer open time (time before the tape adhesive sets) provides the user a chance to straighten the tape on the corrugated box. Imagine a long strip of tape intended to seal a long box; the added open time gives the user more time to reposition before the tape adhesive sets.
Properly maintaining your tape machine (manual, electric or a case sealer) is imperative to your success with water activated tape. Most machines have brushes that apply the water to the tape. The brushes need to be clean to properly apply the water to the adhesive. Over time adhesive will build up in the brushes and that adhesive residue can restrict the water from activating the tape. The brushes need to be removed and cleaned. Soaking the brushes in hot soapy water and then thoroughly rinsing the brushes is the best method to clean the brushes. If the build up is excessive, consider changing the brushes. Additionally, brushes will wear and should be replaced; frequency will depend on usage.
Success is also dependent on the selection of the correct water activated tape product. As previously described, there are both reinforced and non-reinforced tape grades. The majority of applications are better serviced with reinforced tape, but advantages for non-reinforced tape do exist including environmental and cost. Regardless of tape style, there are various grades available within each classification. It is recommended to select a grade of tape that can securely close the heaviest box that will be shipped. All grades the Holland produces have a recommended box weight limit. In today’s shipping environment, packages take abuse. The cost differences between reinforced water activated tape grades is not overwhelming so a conservative approach with slightly more robust tape is recommended.
For more information about application success, please check out the following video.
Current Trends in the Carton Closure Market
Water Activated Tape has seen a renewed level of interest by the packaging market due to ecommerce. The product is not new. Water Activated Tape has been used for more than 70 years. During the ’s and ’s the product fell victim to the rise in popularity of plastic pressure sensitive tape. The cost difference and ease of hand application of pressure sensitive tape made the product compelling for many users at the time.
Today, however, for ecommerce packaging, water activated tape is a clear choice. Excelling in pick and pack situations which the same worker is filling and closing the box, water activated tape is the best option – at least according to the top e-commerce companies in the world – Amazon, Walmart, Mercado Libre, Target, and others.
As previously mentioned, branding has become very important to eCommerce shippers. As retailers transition from a traditional in-store experience for customers to goods arriving in a corrugated box, packaging must be memorable, engaging and represent the brand. Printed water activated tape is therefore quickly gaining market share from the non-printed water activated tape product. A current trend with printed tape is the preference for nearly full ink coverage. This style of printing is highly recognizable, often colorful and contrasting tape helps to highlight the brand among a sea of eCommerce packages.
Related to the rise in printed tape has been the noticeable interest in white reinforced tape. With the importance of branding and integrity of color accuracy for a brand as well as visual impact, white reinforced tape provides an ideal substrate. Holland has developed a True White reinforced tape to meet the needs of the market. The market response has been excellent for this product and should be considered by any brand attempting to maximize visual contrast and impact of their printed tape.
Another trend seen in the water activated tape market is the user preference for a longer length roll. Traditionally, 375 LF and 450 LF rolls have been the predominant roll lengths in the market. Today, users are under more pressure to increase efficiency and reduce downtime. An easy and effective way to do this is to increase the roll length to reduce roll changes. 500 LF, 600 LF, and LF roll lengths are become increasingly popular.
Likely the most prevalent trend in the overall packaging market is the effort to reduce the use of plastic. Water activated tape is obviously a great closure method in the war against plastic packaging. This trend is having ripple effects across the industry. Long term, this trend will push more paper-based material into the packaging market which will stress paper supplies. Paper mills are large facilities requiring time and tremendous capital to start. A likely trend is the steady increases in costs of paper-based packaging materials as demand outpaces the development of additional paper making capacity. The trend could impact corrugated boxes, paper void fill, paper-based mailers and water activated tape. Hopefully costs will be contained, and the users recognize the value of paper based materials.
Similar in scale to the war on plastic is the drastic labor shortages existing within the US packaging market. Automation will become increasingly important and relied upon in the next decade. This factor is a challenge for water activated tape as the product is most effectively used in pick and pack operations and is handed applied. The continued development of automated case sealers applying water activated tape will be important to the product’s continued success as a carton closure method. Solutions do exist; however, increasing reliability and controlling upfront equipment costs will be important factors for equipment manufacturers.
Summary
The company is the world’s best Automatic Pillow Packing Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Crash course 101 on adhesive tape (typoe of scotch tape David ...
links to myself being in UK (where I could be improved by having an improvement then just using/having 1 regular roll of Sellotape - you understand
Research/facts about scotch tape.
Draft one of writing:
ITM
Post about scotch tape on david allen forum.
I see something in book to get:
Is scotch tape.
At first - didn’t actually know what it was, but must be linked to Sellotape.
This related to myself - because myself I just have one Sellotape in my bedroom regular type, which maybe doesn’t have best stickiness.
And has the issue - when use it , when stopped using it - you forget where the end of Sellotape was (unless you fold it and make a note to always fold it) - Ive see sold/advertised before type “Sellotape dispenser”.
"-maybe I could get something a uk type Sellotape dispenser and just use that instead of scotch tape?"
Myself tim was thinking of using Sellotape for specific reason related to diet? E.g. I was thinking literally - using tape on top paper note to note the weight of item used to hold foods (on top of scale) for tracking macros- should note weight of everything used, for this I need some kind of transparent tape (so doesn’t get washed off the label when trying washing up the equipment) - you understand?
What else would Sellotape or tape or scotch tape have uses for for persons? Should I be using more? For packaging stuff (don’t do that much) maybe … - gon right don’t really do that much designing stuff myself ,so not sure has complete use for myself to invest in tape? [end of paragraphs writing about What use tape for).
When searched online I see “Scotch Tape is a brand name used for pressure-sensitive tapes developed by 3M.
[Scotch tape | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/scotch-tape
Its just a brand of a usa tape - so david properly put it in book being from America (but - its also possible use other tapes styles/brands instead - why didn’t david just write tape in the book?)
[Scotch Tape - Wikipedia] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_Tape]
[Tapes (scotchbrand.com)] on the official website have 3 different main sub types of tape [https://www.scotchbrand.com/3M/en_US/scotch-brand/products/all-tape/clear-tape/]
So scotch tape clear is basically same as Sellotape in UK? Or very similar. [in conclusion scotch and Sellotape are types of adhesive tape - maybe allen would have been better writing adhesive tape in book]
*I also personally have 1 black tape (small diameter) and 1 thick black duct tape (large diameter) which I barely use
end question poll below
Idea occurred make a poll for users reading in this thread series - should I try something:
- Obtain some type normal Sellotape normal quality not low quality.
- Obtain sellotape with a tape dispenser not low quality.
- Try purchase online some scotch tape brand which is shipped overseas(so worse for environment.
The purpose of this post - is for myself to gain knowledge/understand of what actually scotch or adhesive tape is.
,clarify the uses of it, what would use it for (does it have practical application).
Is it worth I invest in better product right now.
By making this post - I could also help other users using internet (do same thing of gain knowledge of three points written above (because when searched scotch or adhesive tape myself I couldn’t actually find anything - a specific forum post about this topic.
I would be very happy if other uses added and interacted ideas about this post.
I think I have cleared up all the 5 Ws of English in this post.
Anything else - make note at end of it .
Myself tim would be willing to totally delete this one post off forum and re write it (if users agree it makes sense because this post is low quality).
This image attached (did it first time for some reason, just pasted from weblink upload (why is that this happens I don't know))
I show Pic just took trying say what about writing here: that my sellotape doesn't have best stickiness .
2 other problem is that having find end of the tape (which is why tape dispensers were invented) I see most tape dispensers (are for smaller sized sellotapes?) so need research - unless you write some note "to leave a fold on your Sellotape" my mother was saying.
When I was talking to her about this topic - first thing says is that don't need scotch tape, its American tape ...
[https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=67...YQNIBCDcwNDZqMGoxqAIAsAIA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=HCTS] If I search tape dispenser UK in to my browser things come up - mostly for smaller sized tape - there are some which look normal size - you probably if buy sellotape dispenser - it probably has to be used with a specific type of branded sellotape to work properly, unlikely that it will just fit any regular sellotape
+so if have sellotape which is sub optimal 8cm diameter -makes sense I could get new Sellotape as well.
W STN?
and users @René Lie or @Mrs-Polifax or @gtdstudente "to start with 9 red lines Dear @TimBourne:
You say David Allen recommends scotch tape on his list of office supplies. Scotch tape is a brand name of the 3M company. However, "scotch tape" has become a generic name in the U.S. for any invisible or transparent tape that sticks, so it is not a special kind of tape from the U.S. I don't know what kind of tape you have in the U.K., but I am guessing it should work fine.
Since you can't think of any use you have for tape right now, you could wait to buy tape until you do have a use in mind for tape. This would save money on office supplies.
However, since you say the big rolls of tape you now have lack stickiness, which is an essential feature of tape, you could buy one roll of normally sticky tape now, in case a need for it arises, and you could wait to buy more tape until later, if needed.
If you do decide to buy one roll of tape now, then you could also buy one tape dispenser for that roll. This would prevent the cut end of the tape from sticking to itself, which would spare you unnecessary frustration.
I use invisible tape, which has a matte finish, meaning that it is dull or non-reflective and not shiny. I buy this size: 0.75 inches wide by inches long (19 mm wide x 32.9 m long). It has a one-inch core (hole) in the center. This is typical scotch tape used for everyday things. Here is a link to one roll of this size and kind of tape:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like to use a small, lightweight, hand-held tape dispenser for my tape. This dispenser fits the tape mentioned above. The dispenser does not include tape. Here's a link to the dispenser I have and use:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may not need some of the supplies David Allen recommends. For instance, having a label maker would be a convenience and would save time. However, if costs are a concern, you can manage without a label maker, and when you need labels, you can print them from a printer or hand print them.
To print labels legibly by hand, it helps a lot to slow down, take a deep breath, and take your time. A good marker or pen makes a big difference. One pen I use for dark legible lines is a black Sakura Pigma Graphic 1.0 mm pen. Here is a link to the Sakura pen:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I had a laser printer, I used Avery file folder labels. These are long, narrow, half-letter size sheets of labels. These Avery file folder labels are about 3.4 inches wide x 0.66 inches high, and they fit on manila file folders with 1/3 cut tabs. I had more options than a label maker usually offers because I was printing them from MS Word, which has lots of font choices. I think these labels were a lot less expensive than label-maker tape, and they looked very legible and neat. It was easy to print them from the auxilliary paper tray without removing paper from the main tray. However, I think a label-maker is faster and more convenient because an organizing coach I knew highly recommended using one. Here is a link to these Avery labels:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats all for now.
Best wishes, @TimBourne
Emily Polifax
Dear @TimBourne:
You say David Allen recommends scotch tape on his list of office supplies. Scotch tape is a brand name of the 3M company. However, "scotch tape" has become a generic name in the U.S. for any invisible or transparent tape that sticks, so it is not a special kind of tape from the U.S. I don't know what kind of tape you have in the U.K., but I am guessing it should work fine.
Since you can't think of any use you have for tape right now, you could wait to buy tape until you do have a use in mind for tape. This would save money on office supplies.
However, since you say the big rolls of tape you now have lack stickiness, which is an essential feature of tape, you could buy one roll of normally sticky tape now, in case a need for it arises, and you could wait to buy more tape until later, if needed.
If you do decide to buy one roll of tape now, then you could also buy one tape dispenser for that roll. This would prevent the cut end of the tape from sticking to itself, which would spare you unnecessary frustration.
I use invisible tape, which has a matte finish, meaning that it is dull or non-reflective and not shiny. I buy this size: 0.75 inches wide by inches long (19 mm wide x 32.9 m long). It has a one-inch core (hole) in the center. This is typical scotch tape used for everyday things. Here is a link to one roll of this size and kind of tape:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like to use a small, lightweight, hand-held tape dispenser for my tape. This dispenser fits the tape mentioned above. The dispenser does not include tape. Here's a link to the dispenser I have and use:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may not need some of the supplies David Allen recommends. For instance, having a label maker would be a convenience and would save time. However, if costs are a concern, you can manage without a label maker, and when you need labels, you can print them from a printer or hand print them.
To print labels legibly by hand, it helps a lot to slow down, take a deep breath, and take your time. A good marker or pen makes a big difference. One pen I use for dark legible lines is a black Sakura Pigma Graphic 1.0 mm pen. Here is a link to the Sakura pen:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I had a laser printer, I used Avery file folder labels. These are long, narrow, half-letter size sheets of labels. These Avery file folder labels are about 3.4 inches wide x 0.66 inches high, and they fit on manila file folders with 1/3 cut tabs. I had more options than a label maker usually offers because I was printing them from MS Word, which has lots of font choices. I think these labels were a lot less expensive than label-maker tape, and they looked very legible and neat. It was easy to print them from the auxilliary paper tray without removing paper from the main tray. However, I think a label-maker is faster and more convenient because an organizing coach I knew highly recommended using one. Here is a link to these Avery labels:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats all for now.
Best wishes, @TimBourne
Emily Polifax
"However, "scotch tape" has become a generic name in the U.S. for any invisible or transparent tape that sticks, so it is not a special kind of tape from the U.S." Yeah - that's what my mother claimed that is US only, but told her that it is a brand.
In the U.K. Sellotape (transparent tape) is popular brand - Can I just order this instead?
"ait to buy tape until you do have a use in mind for tape. This would save money on office supplies." Yeah but what other supplies would help myself?
"rolls of tape you now have lack stickiness, which is an essential feature of tape, you could buy one roll of normally sticky tape now," it was just the 1 tape shown in picture transparent sellotape which said that for - probably because its old? True I could get a new one right now or later?
"also buy one tape dispenser for that roll. " yeah I would have to get the right sized dispenser, searched about that a bit...
Never herd of invisible tape.
I had searched "label maker" into net - comes up results different machines?
Not so long ago - was sorting through all my pens in room, trying to categorise them a certain amount.
I mean clicked open the hyper links you shared:
The one of tape dispenser is too small for any tape have right now.
P.S. thought came to mind I bought a while ago and still have "sticky labels" cheap from amazon - type of paper labels which have a stick side also (about 3x5cm maybe 20 on a sheet you can peel off)
I think yea right now I'm just - can do labels by hand? Don't use labelling that much, but these sticky labels aren't best quality. For example they may peel off (what stick them on after maybe few days) (which is why I put Sellotape on them also - so its worth I get better new Sellotape?)
I scanned over your writing maybe three times now.
Thanks for the detailed reply to this thread, clarifying things about adhesive tape. l'
Just to confirm Sellotape is the main brand in the UK, but you can also get 3M's Scotch tape. Both are good quality. Shops like WHSmith also sell their own brands. I usually get Sellotape or Scotch tape, whichever is the cheapest and fits my dispenser. I don't trust own brands as they are often thin and tear easily, or don't stick very well. I've just been googling for large tape dispensers in the Uk, and there are hardly any available. Ryman's stationers has one - see https://www.ryman.co.uk/ryman-tape-dispenser-large . There are probably some on Amazon UK, but I try to avoid Amazon where possible. Lots of places sell the smaller sized sellotape ready fitted in a disposable dispenser. Unless you use lots and lots of sellotape the smaller roll should be enough. Mine lasts for ages - I mostly use it when I'm making a parcel to post.
ITM and also @m
You're welcome, @TimBourne!
*"see there is option this fourm - double quote (or more than one quote in a thread - never used before*
words were I didn't get notified of these posts
Ruth here gives suggestion of Rayman brand - never herd of that, says link was out of stock
1 one
I had thought updating this thread drag and dropping pictures
explaining literally I obtained from shop I work at - type of ne Sellotape role - cheap good quality, local just one pound
* 1 = side showing offical brand sellotape image, below showing (what wrote about in previous post - about trying using sellotape
Picture after that shows type normal sellotape compared to offical brand new version
the final picture above - shows type line of selopate (hanging from desk - a bad habit that just left a strand...
These next 2 images: show also what writing about in previous thread (that one of uses for this tape: is to put on these type cheapo "sticky labels" I got lots from amazon (because lost stickiness, don't work)... - showing myself trying label type pencil cases in bedroom (but still came off because of problem of Sellotape I was having
here quote from wrote to mother "
next actions for tape
Are you sure that Poundland should - have type of dispenser used for normal sized Sellotape? is it something which is shown on website? - if wanted to do look at in shop should measure it and see it matches to regular tape size you think?
IWA think - with two other sellotapes which don't work don't work so well well at all put downstairs in cupboard , it could also be worth donate them since "
STN SV
P.S. background thoughts which came back to myself , while previewing this post
I'm using this as a memento/cue that investing more in sellotape links to an action: using sellotape to try to pack/package types items - on online auction websites such as e-bay - which is something myself having Voice thoughts I should do more off to be better financially and help mother earth etc
That I recently since moving - tried using facebook market place list items locally for selling online and doesn't seem work so well, so maybe go back to e-bay ???
Because thats a use for tape/Sellotape which occurred to myself
" idea/question : what other uses for Sellotape are there
"NA when x responds could be adding more tags to this post such as charity/ethics and packaging/sellingonline
"STN x3
Dear @TimBourne:
You say David Allen recommends scotch tape on his list of office supplies. Scotch tape is a brand name of the 3M company. However, "scotch tape" has become a generic name in the U.S. for any invisible or transparent tape that sticks, so it is not a special kind of tape from the U.S. I don't know what kind of tape you have in the U.K., but I am guessing it should work fine.
Since you can't think of any use you have for tape right now, you could wait to buy tape until you do have a use in mind for tape. This would save money on office supplies.
However, since you say the big rolls of tape you now have lack stickiness, which is an essential feature of tape, you could buy one roll of normally sticky tape now, in case a need for it arises, and you could wait to buy more tape until later, if needed.
If you do decide to buy one roll of tape now, then you could also buy one tape dispenser for that roll. This would prevent the cut end of the tape from sticking to itself, which would spare you unnecessary frustration.
I use invisible tape, which has a matte finish, meaning that it is dull or non-reflective and not shiny. I buy this size: 0.75 inches wide by inches long (19 mm wide x 32.9 m long). It has a one-inch core (hole) in the center. This is typical scotch tape used for everyday things. Here is a link to one roll of this size and kind of tape:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like to use a small, lightweight, hand-held tape dispenser for my tape. This dispenser fits the tape mentioned above. The dispenser does not include tape. Here's a link to the dispenser I have and use:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You may not need some of the supplies David Allen recommends. For instance, having a label maker would be a convenience and would save time. However, if costs are a concern, you can manage without a label maker, and when you need labels, you can print them from a printer or hand print them.
To print labels legibly by hand, it helps a lot to slow down, take a deep breath, and take your time. A good marker or pen makes a big difference. One pen I use for dark legible lines is a black Sakura Pigma Graphic 1.0 mm pen. Here is a link to the Sakura pen:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When I had a laser printer, I used Avery file folder labels. These are long, narrow, half-letter size sheets of labels. These Avery file folder labels are about 3.4 inches wide x 0.66 inches high, and they fit on manila file folders with 1/3 cut tabs. I had more options than a label maker usually offers because I was printing them from MS Word, which has lots of font choices. I think these labels were a lot less expensive than label-maker tape, and they looked very legible and neat. It was easy to print them from the auxilliary paper tray without removing paper from the main tray. However, I think a label-maker is faster and more convenient because an organizing coach I knew highly recommended using one. Here is a link to these Avery labels:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats all for now.
Best wishes, @TimBourne
Emily Polifax
'
You say David Allen recommends scotch tape on his list of office supplies. Scotch tape is a brand name of the 3M company. However, "scotch tape" has become a generic name in the U.S. for any invisible or transparent tape that sticks, so it is not a special kind of tape from the U.S. I don't know what kind of tape you have in the U.K., but I am guessing it should work fine.'
said
"
I came back to this after I got some
do you know what is "scotch giftwrap" , that is the type I got " s @TimBourne:
Hi, Tim.
I've never used Scotch Gift Wrap Tape, so I don't know anything about this Product. However, I found a link that might help.
Tape does have minor but definite importance because it serves a useful function, and many of us use it. However, if your tape sticks, which is its function, and if it is fast and easy to use (possibly with an appropriate dispenser), and if it does not frustrate, annoy, or bother you in any way, then I think your selection of tape is fine. There is no reason to spend more of your precious time on tape, unless you believe that researching tape is an important use of your time.
I want to remind you of your purpose: You wanted to get tape because it is on the list of office supplies in David Allen's book. He suggested that those are the basic office supplies needed by most people who want to create a GTD system. Your purpose was to get the office supplies you need, so you can start your GTD system.
Is this stlll what you want to do?
If so, I would view getting the office supplies you need to set up your GTD system as a Project. Your Desired Outcome (which is where you want to end up, or what "done" will look like when you get there) could be this: you have acquired all the basic office supplies you need to start a GTD system, and you are feeling happy and satisfied with these office supplies.
I believe that your first Next Action for this Project was to buy tape. I believe you have tape now that works fine and does not bother you in any way. In that case. you are done with your first Next Action. I seem to recall that you once got an Inbox, so you may have acquired certain other office supplies, and if so, you may have already completed other Next Actions on this Project.
What office supply item do you want to acquire next? You can add acquiring that item to your Next Actions list now, so you can begin to move this Project forward toward your Desired Outcome.
I'm not sure you have a Next Actions list yet. If not, get out an A4 page and write NEXT ACTIONS at the top. Below that start a list, and enter the first item on the list this way: "Go shopping for a two-pocket red folder at Office Discount Warehouse and list the prices found." (You will need to substitute the office supply item you want and your local store in the underlined places).
You can see here that the Next Action is very specific. It is not "Buy X" but clarfies more specfically what exactly you need to do, so you are not left with more decisions to make when you choose a Next Action. This is really very interesting because things can be broken down to an even more granular small level, so the question is: how much breaking down is really needed? I guess exeprience is the best teacher about this.
Where will you put your Next Actions List so you can find it? For now, put it anywhere you will easily be able to find it again. Gradually, as you keep working on setting up your GTD system, you will be creating spaces in your room to hold all the things that need homes.
Here is one idea for a place to put your Next Actions List, so you can find it at the moment. This is a red two-pocket folder. It is easy to find because of the red color, and if you buy it as a single item, it is not is costly. See the link below:
________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Hope this helps!
Warmly,
Emily
24
0
0
Comments
All Comments (0)