Tamper evident packaging is a stalwart of safety and awareness in the packaging industry. Not only does tamper evident packaging feature strong materials that keep the products inside safe, they also alert consumers to the reality of contamination or foul play.
Before we get started though, what exactly is tamper evident Packaging? Here is the definition from the Food and Drug Administration:
"A tamper-evident package, according to the regulations of the FDA (21 CFR § 211.132), "is one having one or more indicators or barriers to entry which, if breached or missing, can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred." In addition, the indicator or barrier must be "distinctive by design," which means the tamper-evident feature is designed from material not readily available to the public. Therefore, it can't be easily duplicated. The labeling must also include a description of the safety feature. For blister packaging, each tablet or capsule is individually sealed, so any form of tampering is immediately visible. The product label needs to include a statement similar to the following: "Do not use if blister is cut or broken."
Need Protective Packaging But Don't Know Where to Start?
Tamper evident packaging is generally very strong and prevents not only tampering but damage to the products contained within as well.
From induction seal liners on over the counter pain killers to blister packs used for pharmaceuticals, these special packaging options ensure that the product is safe. If damaged or tampered with, the customer will know not to consume the product.
While there is a slew of various products being developed in the tamper evident packaging realm, some of the most popular include:
Jars With Button Top Security Lids Being Shrink Wrapped On Packaging Machinery
As with all packaging products there are pros and cons to tamper evident packaging. PKG Branding out of Chicago, IL. has this to say about the main problem with these particular packaging supplies:
"The potential drawback, which all brands that use tamper-evident packaging must keep in mind, is when protective features make packaging feel impenetrable. The companies that use protective packaging to their best advantage are the ones that learn how to tread the fine line between safety and customer-friendliness. Believe it or not, “wrap rage” is a real phenomenon, and can, in fact, cause consumers to avoid certain products or brands if they believe the packaging will be too difficult to open.
Tamper-evident packaging is not only here to stay, it is being applied to more categories of products than ever before. When people receive packages from an e-commerce provider they will never physically visit, they want to be confident that the products they receive are fresh and have not been altered in any way."
Another issue with tamper evident packaging such as the blister packs used for over the counter pharmaceuticals includes complicated dynamics with recycling.
These packages tend to feature at least two types of material often times being inseparable from each other and preventing them from being able to be properly recycled, thus ending up in landfills or the ocean.
However, many companies are becoming aware of these environmental concerns and producing tamper evident packaging supplies that are 100% recyclable in light of consumers demand for products that have less of an impact upon planet earth and it's environment.
For example, PLACON company out of Madison, WI has developed easy to break down 100% recyclable tamper evident food containers.
The absence of removable byproducts or pieces on these items allows for the minimization of choking hazards and makes these food containers tamper-evident while also being environmentally friendly as they eliminate the need for shrink bands or additional labeling. These products' offset and recessed cavity instructional tabs allow for truly easy gripping and opening in addition to the dynamic of leak resistance which ensures that there are no messy spills during transportation and storage of said products.
With safety being the main concern, this secure packaging ensures high resistance to tampering while simultaneously alerting customers if their product has been compromised. These environmentally friendly tamper-evident containers can and will allow consumers to rest assured that their food has not been contaminated after it is initially packaged.
These products are strong and stack-able. They can get separated by hand or automated processes. Made for retailers and food processors alike, these recyclable containers display food well.
However, the potential drawback for these fully recyclable options is a greater financial cost than some of their non-recyclable counterparts.
All in all, the pros of tamper evident packaging far outweigh the cons. The safety and health of all companies customers must always take precedence over other dynamics.
The fact remains that tamper evident packaging not only protects consumers, they have the potential to save lives.
As technological advances continue to deepen, tamper evident packaging may eventually evolve into the realm of reusable packaging or zero waste.
Until then, tamper evident packaging remains the best option for protecting drugs, food and other products that must be protected from contamination.