5 Tamper-Evident Packaging Examples for Enhanced Product Security

Tamper-Evident Packaging Article BannerTamper-Evident Packaging Article Banner

Keep Containers Tight & Tamper Free with Tamper-Evident Packaging!

When companies in the food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical industries rely on keeping items fresh, the airtight seal with tamper-evident packaging can work for food, beverages and other products. Tamper-evident packaging works to ensure that no one has tampered with the product inside and allows for safe consumption.

There are containers, caps and other packaging options available that have tamper-evident capabilities. Read more about what tamper-evident packaging is, how different industries rely on them and how exactly they can keep your products secure.

What Is Tamper-Evident Packaging?


Tamper-evident packaging is designed to both produce a tight seal that keeps products safe for consumption and let users know that the container or product has not been tampered with. Whether the seal forms from a cap or a container, tamper-evident packaging has a distinct way of showing users that tampering has occurred. Tampering can be a container being opened before using or noticeable damage (a tear to the container or seal).



Closures, containers and pails are popular choices for tamper-evident packaging. Here are some popular applications across industries.

Tamper-Evident Food Containers


Tamper-evident packaging is a popular choice in the food industry. Outside of being used for fast food to-go orders, these containers are available in square, round and rectangular sizes. Additionally, the containers are commonly used in grocery stores, restaurants and bars. 

Tamper-evident containers are commonly made of polypropylene (PP) plastic, which offers good impact resistance and some hot fill applications. The air-tight containers are used with plastic container lids to create a seal that keeps the food and other products fresh, essential for repeat purchases. Tamper-evident containers are also popular due to their in-mold labeling capabilities, opening the door for companies to creatively promote brands with a cost-effective option.

Tamper-Evident Food ContainersTamper-Evident Food Containers

Beverage Bottles & Caps


Some beverage bottles are designed to work with tamper-evident caps to hold and keep a wide variety of beverages fresh, from teas and cold pressed juices to water and milk. There are different bottle styles available ranging from classic round and square styles to bullet and rectangular.

Plastic Bullet Beverage BottlePlastic Bullet Beverage Bottle

One of the most popular examples of tamper-evident beverage caps is a ratchet cap. Commonly used on top of milk jugs, it is tamper-evident due to the ring on the bottom of the cap. When the ring is separated from the cap, it is a clear indication that the jug or bottle was previously opened.

Ratchet Beverage Bottle CapRatchet Beverage Bottle Cap

Industrial Plastic Pails & Lids


Most plastic pails are widely considered to be tamper-evident when paired with the right lid. A classic example of a tamper-evident lid has a tear tab or tear strip.

It is important to keep in mind that when the tear tab has been removed, it will not have the same sealing and tamper-evident capabilities. This type of pail lid is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE).

Plastic Pails Without LidsPlastic Pails Without Lids

Both the plastic pails and lids are versatile because they are commonly used to store dry products, food and more in the retail and industrial industries. Most plastic pails are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) and are available in a wide variety of colors.

Plastic Pail Lid with Tear StripPlastic Pail Lid with Tear Strip

Drum & IBC Tote Capseals


To protect the contents inside of drums and IBC totes, primarily liquid products across different industries, some capseals are made with a tamper-evident seal on the drum or IBC's plug. There are different options and designs available that all produce a secure seal.

Capseals are commonly sized at 3/4" and 2" to work with most drum and IBC tote fittings. Some capseals require crimping tools in order to have a secure fit on all sides and allow for tamper-evident protection. They are available in a wide variety materials and colors.

Watch the video below to learn more about the wide selection of capseals.

Tear Strips

Some capseals for drums and IBC totes include a tear strip. The strip is primarily located near the front of the capseal and can help to provide extra protection from any damage, contamination, leaks or spills.

Capseal with a Tear StripCapseal with a Tear Strip

Gaskets

Capseals can be designed with gaskets on both sides of the closure. They are designed to assist against spills and leaks. Some include side gaskets that require crimping tools. On the other hand, some capseals have corner compound gaskets that can be removed with a simple pull.

Capseal with Side GasketsCapseal with Side Gaskets

Rings

Finally, some capseals come complete with an aluminum or steel ring around it. The purpose of the ring is to provide a tighter seal and tamper-evident protection. Additionally, the ring offers additional protection from contamination, leaks and spills.

Capseal with an Aluminum RingCapseal with an Aluminum Ring

Shrink Bands


Tamper-evident shrink bands are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. It is designed to wrap around and fit on the cap, neck, or cover of a container. They provide great tamper-evident protection for a wide variety of caps, canisters and other packaging options. Shrink bands are applied using heat guns or a heat tunnel to get a secure fit. Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and designs, they are sure to make your container or packaging stand out.

Some popular shrink bands styles that are available in clear or black include: heat shrink neck bands, shrink roll stock, shrink wrap preforms and shrink wrap combo bands.

Tamper-Evident Shrink BandsTamper-Evident Shrink Bands

SHOP ALL TAMPER-EVIDENT PACKAGING

The Cary Company offers a wide variety of tamper-evident containers, bottles, caps and more based on your product and industry-specific needs. Shop our wide collection today!

If you have any questions or need more information about our packaging and containers, give us a call at 630-629-6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com.