The gland packing is a contact-type sealing element.

Compared with other types of shaft seals, they are adjustable

and suitable for use with pressures and circumferential
speeds higher than those radial shaft seal rings are used for
(see also Shaft seal).

Gland packing is a braided, rope like material that is packed

around the shaft - physically stuffing the gap between the
shaft and the pump housing. ... Packing needs to press
against the shaft in order to reduce leakage – this means that
the pump needs more drive power to turn the shaft, wasting
energy.

Why is gland packing used?

A gland is a general type of stuffing box, used to seal a
rotating or reciprocating shaft against a fluid. ...
The gland nut allows the packing material to be compressed
to form a watertight seal and prevent water leaking up the
shaft when the tap is turned on.