What Is Considered a Tamper-Evident Container & Why They Matter
How Can I Keep Products Safe & Fresh?
Products in the food, beverage, hardware and cosmetic industries want their products to be sealed and fresh in the right containers to meet customer needs. To maintain that airtight seal and freshness without any tampering, companies rely on tamper evidence and protection in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes.
It is important to understand what a tamper-evident container is and why it matters to products, companies and especially customers.
What Is a Tamper-Evident Container?
A tamper-evident container can be described as a tub-shaped container with a lid that produces a tight seal. This airtight seal is able to keep products safe for consumption and use. To prevent any tampering from occurring, a visible deterrent is put on or around the container.
There are certain components of a tamper-evident container that should be present in order for certain packaging to be considered as such.
What Is Required to Be Considered Tamper-Evident?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), any tamper-evident container needs to have some form of visible deterrent that can show users that tampering has occurred. Tampering can be anything from physical damage to the packaging or the fact that it has been opened at some point.
These visible deterrents can be seen on a wide variety of tamper-evident products. They include:
Airtight Seal from Container Lid
An "open" tab is commonly found on a tamper-evident tub. It is the area where the lid and container meet to create the tamper-evident airtight seal. It also assists in the opening process.
Tear Strip (Capseals)
Capseals, commonly used on IBC totes and drums, will have a tear strip across. An open capseal is noticeable when the the strip has been removed or pulled.
Tear Strip on Pail Lids
In addition to capseals, these tear strips are also commonly used on plastic pails lids for a similar airtight seal. The tear strip can be torn off around the tamper-evident lid.
Ratchet Ring on Beverage Caps
Some beverage caps, also known as tamper-evident ratchet caps, are built with a ring on the bottom. When the ring is pulled from the cap, it is clear from the cap that the bottle has been opened.
Tamper-Evident Priorities
The main priorities with tamper-evident packaging are to:
1. Provide both fresh and safe products to customers.
2. Make sure that damage does not occur.
3. Ensure that nothing has been stolen.
How Can People Achieve This?
Users can help make tamper-evidence and protection possible by:
1. Recognizing products have been tampered with.
2. Keeping products safe by putting them in areas they are supposed to be (certain shelves, storage spaces, etc.).
3. Always being on the lookout for objects that may cause tampering, whether by accident or on purpose.
Tamper-Evident Components & Examples
There are a few things that make tamper-evident packaging stand out. Here are some popular components and examples.
The container and lid combine for an airtight seal. Both parts of the packaging need to be used in order to be classified as tamper-evident. One of the most important things that matter to customers is making sure the products they order are fresh and safe for either consumption or use.
This can be the case for fast-food restaurants handling quick to-go orders or grocery stores and bars having products on shelves to sell. With tamper-evident packaging, it makes it happen.
Some tamper-evident containers come with a tab in the front to show users where it can be easily opened. The container will have a tab near the front that can help users align the lid and tub as well as create the tamper-evident airtight seal by putting the two together.
Tamper-evident tubs are available in different shapes and sizes, all designed to fit various products. Some of the more popular examples include:
Round Containers
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Airtight guarantee and “open” tab to keep products fresh
- Commonly for grocery stores, restaurants and bars, hardware and cosmetic applications
- Durable Polypropylene (PP) material
- Popular sizes ranging from 7 oz. to 85 oz.
Square Containers
There are also square shaped tamper-evident containers, which are:
- Polypropylene (PP) material
- Disposable
- High Heat Resistance
- Open tab designed on one of the four corners
- Popular sizes ranging from 7 oz. to 48 oz.
In-Mold Labeling
In-mold labeling allows companies and business owners to customize certain plastic packaging options with their labels, logos and more. It is a popular choice with tamper-evident containers in the food, personal care, household and cosmetic industries.
Benefits
- Custom colors and labels
- Environmentally friendly
- Scratch resistance as well as high quality
- Strong construction that resists humidity and temperature changes
Looking for a Tamper-Evident Container & Lid for Your Product?
The Cary Company offers a wide variety of tamper-evident containers and lids as well as other tamper-evident products (beverage caps, capseals for drums and IBC totes, etc.), all for your business and industry. Explore our large collection and learn more about tamper evidence 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.