Update date: Jul 13, 2026 | 300 Pages | Report ID: PPS-PS-007286
Reinforced Water Activated Tape Market
DMA IntelligenceReinforced Water Activated Tape Industry Insights & Forecast Analysis 2033
Segments: Product Type (Natural Kraft, White Kraft, Custom Printed, Others), Reinforcement Type (Fiberglass, Polyester, Others), Application (Carton Sealing, Packaging, Shipping & Logistics, Others), End-Use Industry (E-commerce, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Goods, Others), Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts
$3.1B
Market Size, 2025
$3.3B
Market Estimate, 2026
$5.2B
Market Forecast, 2033
6.5%
CAGR, 2026–2033
Market Definiton and Strategic Context
The Reinforced Water Activated Tape Market refers to the global industry engaged in the production, distribution, and sale of specialized adhesive tapes that derive their stickiness from water activation, enhanced with reinforcing materials such as fiberglass, polyester, or tri-directional fibers. These tapes are primarily used for sealing and securing packaging, particularly in applications requiring superior strength, tamper-evidence, and durability compared to traditional pressure-sensitive tapes. The inherent strength and eco-friendly nature of water-activated tape (WAT), especially its reinforced variants, make it a crucial component in various end-use industries, including e-commerce, food and beverage, manufacturing, and logistics. The market is driven by increasing demand for secure packaging solutions, the growth of online retail, and a rising emphasis on sustainable packaging materials. The global Reinforced Water Activated Tape market size was estimated at USD 3.12 billion in 2025, showcasing robust industry expansion. The market's growth outlook is positive, with continuous innovation in material science and manufacturing processes contributing to its market forecast. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the market's current landscape, key trends, competitive dynamics, and future projections, providing stakeholders with critical insights into this evolving sector. The market's resilience is underpinned by its ability to offer reliable and cost-effective packaging solutions that meet stringent industry standards for shipping and handling, further solidifying its position within the broader packaging industry. The growing awareness about package integrity and theft prevention also significantly contributes to the sustained demand for reinforced water activated tapes, ensuring a steady trajectory for market expansion.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 3.12 Billion |
| Revenue forecast in 2033 | USD 5.16 Billion |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2033 |
| Actual data | 2021 - 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025 - 2033 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments covered | Product Type, Reinforcement Type, Application, End-Use Industry, Distribution Channel |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Rest of Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | United States; Canada; Germany; France; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; China; Japan; South Korea; India; Australia; South East Asia (SEA; All; Mexico; Brazil; Rest of Latin America; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; United Arab Emirates; Rest of Middle East & Africa |
| Key companies profiled | 3M; Intertape Polymer Group (IPG); Shurtape Technologies; Nitto Denko Corporation; Tesa SE; Berry Global Inc.; Pro Tapes & Specialties, Inc.; Vibac Group; Scapa Group plc; Can-Do National Tape; Cantech Industries Inc.; Harwal Group; Windmill Tapes & Labels Ltd.; International Tape Company (ITC); Crown Packaging Corp.; Advance Tapes International Ltd.; Gummed Papers Pvt. Ltd.; Shanghai Yongguan Adhesive Products Corp.; Bolex (Shenzhen) Adhesive Products Co., Ltd.; Powerpack Industries Pvt. Ltd. |
| Customization scope | Free report customization (equivalent to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
| Pricing and purchase options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Growth Catalysts & Market Constraints
The Reinforced Water Activated Tape market is experiencing dynamic shifts, propelled by a confluence of growth catalysts and restrained by certain market challenges. Understanding these underlying forces is crucial for stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape of the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market. The market's growth forecast remains robust, driven by macro-economic trends and specific industry demands. As the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market size continues to expand, businesses must strategically adapt to capitalize on emerging opportunities while mitigating potential risks. This section delves into the key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that collectively shape the trajectory of this essential packaging solutions sector, offering a comprehensive overview of its operational environment.
Growth Drivers
- The exponential rise of the e-commerce sector globally is a primary driver, as online retailers require secure, tamper-evident, and durable packaging solutions to ensure product integrity during transit. Reinforced water-activated tapes provide superior adhesion and strength, critical for protecting goods from damage and pilferage, thereby boosting demand across logistics and fulfillment operations worldwide.
- Increasing environmental consciousness and regulatory pressures for sustainable packaging solutions are significantly propelling market growth. Reinforced water-activated tapes, often made from recyclable paper and starch-based adhesives, offer an eco-friendly alternative to plastic-based tapes, aligning with corporate sustainability goals and consumer preferences for greener packaging.
Restraints
- The initial cost of water-activated tape dispensers and the tape itself can be higher than conventional pressure-sensitive tapes, posing a budget constraint for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or businesses with high-volume, low-margin packaging operations. This upfront investment can deter adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive markets where price remains a dominant purchasing factor.
- The requirement for specialized dispensing equipment and a water source introduces an operational hurdle for some users, particularly those with limited workspace or who are accustomed to the immediate application of pressure-sensitive tapes. This additional step in the packaging process can impact efficiency and necessitate training for packaging line personnel.
Opportunities
- Expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia Pacific and Latin America, presents significant growth opportunities. Rapid industrialization, increasing disposable incomes, and the burgeoning e-commerce penetration in these regions are creating a vast untapped consumer base for secure and efficient packaging solutions, fostering new avenues for market players.
- Innovation in tape formulations, such as the development of reinforced water-activated tapes with enhanced cold-temperature performance or specialized coatings for challenging surfaces, offers a strategic opportunity. These advancements can broaden application scope and cater to niche industry demands, differentiating products and capturing higher market share.
Challenges
- Maintaining consistent quality and performance across diverse environmental conditions, especially variations in humidity and temperature, poses a challenge for manufacturers. Ensuring reliable adhesion and reinforcement strength in extreme climates or during prolonged storage and transit is crucial for customer satisfaction and brand reputation, requiring robust product testing and quality control.
- Intense competition from conventional packaging tapes and alternative sealing methods necessitates continuous product differentiation and competitive pricing strategies. The market faces pressure from established plastic-based tapes that are often perceived as more convenient, requiring reinforced water-activated tape manufacturers to highlight superior security, sustainability, and tamper-evident benefits effectively.
Market Level Breakdown
The Reinforced Water Activated Tape market is segmented by Product Type into Fiberglass Reinforced, Polyester Reinforced, Tri-Directional Reinforced, and Other Reinforced tapes. Fiberglass reinforced tapes typically dominate this segment due to their exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty packaging and high-security applications where resistance to tearing and puncturing is paramount. Polyester reinforced tapes offer good strength and moisture resistance, while tri-directional tapes provide enhanced burst strength, catering to diverse packaging needs. This segmentation highlights the varied material compositions and their specific performance characteristics that contribute to the overall Reinforced Water Activated Tape market size.
By Reinforcement Type, the market is categorized into Single-Ply and Multi-Ply tapes. Single-ply tapes are suitable for general packaging and lighter loads, offering a balance of strength and cost-effectiveness. Multi-ply tapes, on the other hand, incorporate multiple layers of reinforcement for superior strength and resilience, designed for heavier or more valuable packages requiring maximum security. The choice between single and multi-ply reinforcement significantly influences the tape's performance and cost, reflecting different market demands and end-user preferences across the industry, driving specific segments of the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market.
The Application segment divides the market into Packaging, Sealing, Bundling, and Other Applications. Packaging and sealing represent the largest application areas, driven by the need for secure closure of corrugated boxes across various industries, particularly e-commerce. Reinforced water-activated tapes provide a strong, permanent bond that prevents tampering and ensures package integrity. Bundling applications utilize the tape for securing multiple items together, while other applications may include specialized industrial uses, contributing to the diversified Reinforced Water Activated Tape market growth and adoption.
Based on End-Use Industry, the market includes Food & Beverage, E-commerce & Logistics, Manufacturing, Automotive, and Other End-Use Industries. The E-commerce & Logistics sector is a major consumer, requiring reliable sealing for high-volume shipping. The Food & Beverage industry uses these tapes for secure and often temperature-sensitive packaging. Manufacturing and Automotive sectors leverage reinforced WAT for heavy-duty carton sealing and industrial bundling, demonstrating the broad utility and substantial market footprint of reinforced water activated tape across various industrial verticals.
The Distribution Channel segment comprises Direct Sales and Distributors. Direct sales involve manufacturers selling directly to large industrial clients or specific end-users, allowing for customized solutions and direct relationships. Distributors play a crucial role in reaching a broader customer base, including small and medium-sized businesses, by providing wider access to products and local inventory. Both channels are essential for market penetration and ensuring the widespread availability of reinforced water activated tapes, supporting overall market expansion and accessibility.
Reinforced Water Activated Tape Segmentation Breakdown
- Product Type
- Natural Kraft
- White Kraft
- Custom Printed
- Others
- Reinforcement Type
- Fiberglass
- Polyester
- Others
- Application
- Carton Sealing
- Packaging
- Shipping & Logistics
- Others
- End-Use Industry
- E-commerce
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceuticals
- Consumer Goods
- Others
- Distribution Channel
- Online
- Offline
Geographic Performance & Regional Trends
North America emerged as the largest market for Reinforced Water Activated Tape in 2025, driven by a well-established e-commerce infrastructure, stringent packaging standards, and a high adoption rate of automated packaging systems. The region's robust manufacturing sector and increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging also contribute significantly to its market dominance. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market, primarily fueled by rapid industrialization, surging e-commerce penetration, and a growing awareness of eco-friendly packaging solutions in developing economies like China and India. This regional forecast underscores the shifting dynamics and investment opportunities globally.
Regional Growth Drivers
- North America: The advanced e-commerce ecosystem and strong logistics infrastructure in the United States and Canada are major drivers, necessitating high-security and tamper-evident packaging. Furthermore, increasing corporate sustainability initiatives and consumer demand for recyclable packaging solutions bolster the adoption of reinforced water activated tapes across various industries in the region.
- Europe: Strict environmental regulations and a strong focus on sustainable packaging practices across countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are key growth drivers. The region's mature industrial base and robust manufacturing sector also contribute to the consistent demand for high-performance sealing and bundling solutions, supporting the market's steady expansion.
- Asia Pacific: Rapid economic growth, coupled with the burgeoning e-commerce market and expanding manufacturing capabilities in countries such as China, Japan, and India, fuels significant demand. Growing awareness regarding package security and the increasing adoption of automated packaging lines further accelerate the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market growth in this dynamic region.
- Latin America: Modernization of logistics and supply chain networks, alongside the expansion of e-commerce platforms in Brazil and Mexico, is driving the demand for efficient and secure packaging solutions. Increased foreign investment in manufacturing and consumer goods sectors also contributes to the rising adoption of reinforced water activated tapes in the region.
- Middle East & Africa: Infrastructure development projects, growing industrialization, and improving trade relations are stimulating market growth. Enhanced focus on secure packaging for exports and increasing awareness about sustainable practices in countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are expected to boost the demand for reinforced water activated tapes in this region.
The regional forecast indicates a clear divergence in market trajectories, with mature markets like North America and Europe demonstrating consistent, albeit moderate, growth driven by innovation and sustainability. In contrast, emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America are poised for accelerated expansion, propelled by fundamental economic development and e-commerce proliferation. This presents strategic implications for suppliers, who must tailor their market entry and expansion strategies to address the unique regulatory landscapes, consumer behaviors, and competitive dynamics inherent in each region, optimizing their product portfolios and distribution networks accordingly.
Competitive Insights & Leading Companies
The Reinforced Water Activated Tape competitive landscape is characterized by a moderately consolidated structure, featuring a mix of global industry giants and specialized regional players. Leading companies such as 3M, Intertape Polymer Group (IPG), and Shurtape Technologies command a significant market share, leveraging extensive distribution networks, strong brand recognition, and diverse product portfolios. These global players often compete on the basis of advanced material science, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic partnerships. Regional manufacturers, on the other hand, focus on catering to specific local demands, offering customized solutions, and maintaining competitive pricing. The primary competitive levers in this market include product innovation, particularly in developing tapes with enhanced adhesion, sustainability features, and application-specific properties. Effective distribution channels, including direct sales to large industrial clients and robust distributor networks for SMEs, are crucial for market penetration. Moreover, adherence to industry standards and obtaining relevant certifications for food contact or heavy-duty packaging plays a vital role in gaining customer trust and market share. The competitive intensity is also influenced by the growing demand for automated packaging solutions, prompting manufacturers to innovate tapes compatible with high-speed dispensing equipment. This dynamic environment necessitates continuous R&D investment and agile market strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
Companies in the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market employ various strategies to differentiate themselves and strengthen their market position. Mergers and acquisitions are common, allowing firms to expand their product offerings, penetrate new geographies, and consolidate market share. For instance, acquiring smaller, innovative players can provide access to new technologies or specialized customer segments. Product launches focusing on sustainable and high-performance tapes are frequent, with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials and superior bonding strength for challenging applications like cold storage. Geographic expansion into high-growth regions, especially Asia Pacific and Latin America, is a key strategy to capitalize on burgeoning e-commerce and industrial development. R&D investments are critical for developing next-generation tapes that offer improved moisture resistance, tamper-evidence, and compatibility with automated systems. Differentiation is also achieved through a superior service model, offering technical support, custom printing, and inventory management solutions to clients. However, the industry faces challenges such as margin pressure due to fluctuating raw material costs and intense price competition. Ensuring supply chain resilience and navigating complex regulatory landscapes for packaging materials across different regions also remain significant hurdles for market participants. Companies that can effectively balance innovation with cost-efficiency and robust customer support are best positioned for long-term success in this competitive market.
Reinforced Water Activated Tape Key Companies
- 3M
- Intertape Polymer Group (IPG)
- Shurtape Technologies
- Nitto Denko Corporation
- Tesa SE
- Berry Global Inc.
- Pro Tapes & Specialties, Inc.
- Vibac Group
- Scapa Group plc
- Can-Do National Tape
- Cantech Industries Inc.
- Harwal Group
- Windmill Tapes & Labels Ltd.
- International Tape Company (ITC)
- Crown Packaging Corp.
- Advance Tapes International Ltd.
- Gummed Papers Pvt. Ltd.
- Shanghai Yongguan Adhesive Products Corp.
- Bolex (Shenzhen) Adhesive Products Co., Ltd.
- Powerpack Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Reinforced Water Activated Tape Market Ecosystem
Ecosystem Participants
- Raw Material Suppliers — provide essential components such as Kraft paper, fiberglass filaments, polyester fibers, and starch-based adhesives. These suppliers are critical for ensuring the quality, consistency, and sustainability of the final tape product, directly impacting manufacturing costs and product performance. Their ability to deliver high-quality, eco-friendly materials is paramount.
- This involves sourcing sustainable paper pulp and recycled content for the paper backing, as well as developing advanced adhesive formulations that offer strong bonding while remaining environmentally benign. Collaboration with these suppliers is key for innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.
- Tape Manufacturers — convert raw materials into finished Reinforced Water Activated Tape products. These companies range from large multinational corporations to specialized regional players, focusing on various product types (e.g., fiberglass, polyester) and applications. They invest in R&D to develop tapes with enhanced properties like improved adhesion, moisture resistance, and compatibility with automated dispensing systems.
- Manufacturers are responsible for quality control, ensuring that the tapes meet industry standards for strength, durability, and tamper-evidence. They also manage production efficiency and scalability to meet fluctuating market demand, often incorporating advanced manufacturing technologies to optimize output and reduce waste.
- Distributors & Wholesalers — act as intermediaries, connecting manufacturers with a broad base of end-users. They manage inventory, logistics, and often provide local customer support and technical assistance. Their extensive networks are crucial for market penetration, especially for reaching small to medium-sized businesses and diverse geographic regions.
- These participants play a vital role in ensuring product accessibility and timely delivery. They often offer value-added services such as custom tape printing, inventory management solutions, and advice on optimal tape selection for specific packaging requirements, thereby enhancing customer experience and market reach.
- End-Use Industries — comprise the ultimate consumers of Reinforced Water Activated Tapes, including e-commerce and logistics, food and beverage, manufacturing, and automotive sectors. Their demand dictates product specifications, volume requirements, and application trends. The growth of these industries directly drives the demand for reinforced WAT.
- Each end-use sector has unique packaging needs; for example, e-commerce prioritizes tamper-evidence and speed, while food and beverage emphasizes food-safe adhesion and moisture resistance. Understanding these diverse requirements is essential for manufacturers to tailor their product offerings and marketing strategies effectively.
- Equipment Manufacturers — produce specialized water-activated tape dispensers (manual and automated) that are necessary for efficient application of the tape. These manufacturers often collaborate with tape producers to ensure compatibility and optimize performance, playing a key role in promoting the use of WAT.
- Innovations in dispenser technology, such as automated systems that integrate into existing packaging lines, can significantly improve operational efficiency for end-users, thereby increasing the attractiveness and adoption rate of reinforced water-activated tapes. Their solutions streamline the packaging process.
Report Coverage & Key Deliverables
The report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Reinforced Water Activated Tape, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights. It provides an in-depth exploration of market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic opportunities, designed to empower businesses with actionable intelligence for informed decision-making. Our meticulous research methodology ensures accuracy and reliability, offering a panoramic view of current market trends, historical performance, and future growth projections. This extensive coverage encompasses detailed segmentation across various parameters, regional breakdowns, and profiles of key industry players, making it an indispensable resource for market entry strategies, product development, and competitive benchmarking. The report's scope is tailored to address the critical information needs of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors seeking to capitalize on the evolving Reinforced Water Activated Tape market. It clarifies the market's trajectory, highlights potential growth avenues, and identifies key challenges, enabling stakeholders to navigate the complexities of this dynamic sector with confidence and strategic foresight. The inclusion of both historical data and forward-looking forecasts allows for a robust understanding of market evolution and anticipated changes, providing a solid foundation for strategic planning.
Report Coverage
- Market Size Estimates (historical and forecast)
- Our report provides granular market size estimates from 2021 to 2025, alongside comprehensive forecasts extending to 2033. This data is meticulously compiled through a blend of primary and secondary research, utilizing bottom-up and top-down approaches to ensure accuracy. It offers a clear trajectory of market growth, enabling stakeholders to understand past performance and project future opportunities within the Reinforced Water Activated Tape sector.
- Detailed Segmentation And Revenue Analysis
- The study offers an exhaustive breakdown of the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market by Product Type, Reinforcement Type, Application, End-Use Industry, and Distribution Channel. Each segment is analyzed for its revenue contribution, growth rate, and market share, providing insights into the most lucrative areas and emerging trends. This detailed segmentation allows businesses to identify niche markets and tailor their strategies effectively.
- Regional And Country-Level Insights
- We provide a comprehensive geographical analysis, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, with specific country-level data for key economies. This section highlights regional market maturity, growth drivers, regulatory landscapes, and competitive dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of global market disparities and localized opportunities for the Reinforced Water Activated Tape industry.
- Competitive Benchmarking Of Key Players
- The report profiles leading companies in the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market, offering insights into their business strategies, product portfolios, recent developments, and market positioning. This competitive benchmarking helps stakeholders understand the competitive intensity, identify key differentiators, and assess potential partnership or acquisition targets within the industry, informing strategic competitive responses.
- Customization Options Based on Specific Requirements
- We offer flexible customization options to meet specific client needs, allowing for deeper dives into particular segments, regions, or competitive aspects not extensively covered in the standard report. This ensures that the intelligence provided is highly relevant and directly applicable to individual strategic objectives, delivering maximum value and enabling precise decision-making.
Recent Industry Insights
In the last 12-18 months, the Reinforced Water Activated Tape industry trends have been significantly shaped by a push towards sustainability and heightened demand from the e-commerce sector. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in R&D to develop tapes with higher recycled content and biodegradable adhesives, aligning with global environmental initiatives. Strategic partnerships between tape manufacturers and packaging automation companies have emerged to integrate WAT solutions into high-speed packing lines, enhancing operational efficiency for large-scale logistics and fulfillment centers. Regulatory changes in several regions favoring eco-friendly packaging have further accelerated the adoption of reinforced WAT. Furthermore, product launches have focused on specialized tapes offering superior performance in extreme temperatures or with improved tamper-evident features, addressing evolving security concerns in the supply chain. These developments collectively underline a dynamic and responsive Reinforced Water Activated Tape market.
Key Market Developments
- October 2024: Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) introduced a new line of sustainable reinforced water-activated tapes featuring a higher percentage of recycled content, aiming to meet growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions across North America.
- July 2024: Shurtape Technologies announced a strategic partnership with a leading packaging machinery manufacturer to develop integrated automated dispensing systems for reinforced water-activated tapes, enhancing efficiency for high-volume e-commerce operations in Europe.
- April 2025: 3M launched an advanced reinforced water-activated tape designed for superior adhesion in cold and humid environments, targeting the food and beverage industry and cold chain logistics across Asia Pacific.
- January 2025: Several key players in the United States and Canada reported increased investment in expanding manufacturing capacities for reinforced water-activated tapes, driven by sustained growth in online retail and demand for secure packaging.
Analyst Opinion
The Reinforced Water Activated Tape market presents a compelling growth trajectory, characterized by its increasing attractiveness across various end-use industries. Our analysis indicates a moderately consolidated competitive intensity, where a few dominant global players coexist with numerous regional specialists. This structure fosters healthy competition, driving innovation in product development and service offerings. The demand-supply balance is currently favorable, with increasing adoption rates in e-commerce and logistics sectors consistently outpacing traditional packaging tape alternatives. The market's attractiveness is further bolstered by the growing emphasis on sustainable packaging, positioning reinforced WAT as a preferred choice due to its eco-friendly attributes and superior sealing performance. Regulatory tailwinds supporting plastic reduction and recyclability are also playing a significant role in shaping a positive Reinforced Water Activated Tape market outlook. Manufacturers who prioritize continuous innovation in material science and expand their distribution networks, particularly in emerging markets, are well-positioned to capitalize on this robust demand. The market is not merely growing in volume but also expanding in value, as end-users are willing to pay a premium for enhanced security, durability, and environmental benefits, signaling a mature yet expanding sector with significant upside potential for strategic investors and industry participants.
Looking ahead, the long-term outlook for the Reinforced Water Activated Tape market remains highly optimistic, underpinned by sustained growth in global trade and the irreversible shift towards online retail. The innovation landscape is dynamic, with ongoing research into bio-based adhesives, advanced fiber reinforcements, and smart tapes capable of indicating tampering or environmental exposure. Key risk factors include the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for paper pulp and synthetic fibers, which can impact manufacturing costs and profit margins. Additionally, intense competition from new entrants or alternative packaging solutions necessitates continuous product differentiation and aggressive market strategies. However, the inherent benefits of reinforced WAT in terms of security, sustainability, and brand image are likely to outweigh these risks, driving continued adoption. Strategic implications for businesses include focusing on R&D to develop next-generation products, optimizing supply chains for cost efficiency and resilience, and forging strong partnerships with e-commerce giants and logistics providers. The market is poised for significant evolution, with players who can adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments set to gain a substantial competitive advantage.