FAQs
Please find some of the frequently asked questions (faqs) and should ask questions (saqs) to help your tamper evident journey!
As world leading tamper evident tapes and labels manufacturers we are experts in this, as it’s all we do, if your question is not answered below please do get in touch!
Do you offer any customisation options for tamper evident solutions?
- Yes, TamperTech offers a variety of customisation options for our tamper evident solutions, including:
- Custom printing: We can print your logo, brand name, or other relevant information on tamper evident tapes and labels for authentic, unique security.
- Security feature selection: Choose from various security features like void messages, sequential numbering, or even sub-surface QR and barcodes.
- Material selection: We offer different materials to suit your specific needs, let’s talk application.
What is tamper evident technology and how does it work?
Tamper evident technology incorporates features into tapes or labels that indicate if someone has tried to tamper with the contents. Tamper Technologies offers a huge range of tamper evident technology options, to increase security levels and stop shrinkage whilst boosting reputation and consumer confidence. Get in touch to find out.
What are the different types of tamper evident solutions available?
Tamper evident solutions come in various forms, including:
- Security pull tight seals: Applied to doors, bags, or containers to show unauthorized access.
- Tamper evident tapes and labels: voiding security labels either permanent or non residue, revealing a hidden message upon opening.
What are the benefits of using tamper evident packaging?
Tamper evident packaging offers several benefits:
- Deters tampering: The presence of tamper evident features discourages attempts to tamper with the product.
- Detects tampering: Tamper evident features provide clear signs of tampering if it occurs.
- Increases product security: Enhances the security of your products throughout the supply chain.
- Builds consumer trust: Shows consumers you take product security seriously.
What makes TamperTech’s tamper evident solutions unique?
TamperTech offers a variety of features, including:
- High-quality materials for strong adhesion and durability.
- Customization options like custom printing and security features.
- Solutions for various applications, from food packaging to pharmaceuticals.
- Sub-surface QR codes, barcodes, unique numbering systems to quickly integrate in to existing business systems.
- Custom roll widths and lengths to suit application method and physicality required.
Can tamper evident labels be used with pharmaceuticals?
- Yes, tamper evident labels with security features like void messages or unique numbering are ideal for pharmaceuticals. This ensures the medication hasn’t been tampered with and helps with track and trace purposes.
Do you offer tamper evident solutions for consumer electronics?
- We offer tamper evident security seals for electronics packaging. These seals deter unauthorised access and leave a clear mark if someone tries to remove them.
X22 – Our standard most versatile non residue or no transfer security label. Leaving the hidden security message in itself upon removal/tampering, completely irreversible.
X22FU – a more specialist version of X22 which has additional features to highlight what it has been attacked with; security cuts, reacts to solvent and heat in different ways.
X2005 – non residue with outline void, designed to be applied to high surface energy materials like car doors and fuel pumps as it will not leave any residue behind when removed.
X22G UV – clear non residue gloss labels with UV hidden ink making them glow under blacklight, making it easier to check covert security labels for tampering.
PL – Total transfer permanent tamper evident labels can never be removed! Permanent labels can have surface OR sub-surface numbers and/ or barcodes.
P22H – Total transfer label which leaves a permanent security void message behind on the surface, which can be rubbed off leaving no permanent damage, so the packaging can be re-used.
P22G UV – clear permanent gloss labels with UV ink making them glow under blacklight, both the label and the void message will glow, making it easier to check covert security labels for tampering.
LLP – Liner Less Labels Permanent The liner-less label solution is easy to apply and reduces packaging waste. Liner-less labels increases roll capacity by 50%, which delivers extra advantages in the reduction of waste, shipping, carriage, and storage costs.
Box TP – Total transfer permanent tamper evident tape that can never be removed! Permanent tape can have surface OR sub-surface numbers and/ or barcodes.
Tamper Evident Bag Tape
Level 2 – Void at ambient temperature and when attacked with cold, Void Cold.
Level 3 – Void, Void Cold and shows when tampered with heat (using thermochromic ink).
Level 4 – Void, Void Cold and shows when tampered with heat and security cuts in the tape making it tear when tampered.
Level 5 – Void, Void Cold and shows when tampered with heat and security cuts in the tape, making it tear when tampered with and has a hidden UV print.
Level 6 – Void, Void Cold and shows when tampered with heat and security cuts in the tape, making it tear when tampered with and has a hidden UV print, plus the addition of water activated ink.
A DR is a Design Reference, everything that we make has one of these and each one has key information.
Tamper evidence is a security measure that indicates if someone has tried to access or alter a protected item. It comes in various forms, like seals, markings, or tapes.
While some tamper evidence might be difficult to tamper with without leaving a trace, the main goal is to clearly show evidence of tampering, not necessarily prevent it altogether, but always to deter.
Void, also called the hidden security message is a key part of tamper evidence, it is the message or pattern revealed when the tape or label is removed.
- Overt: Designed to be obvious security tape, deterring tampering through its visual presence. Regular security features remain hidden.
- Covert: Looks like regular tape until removed, revealing a “void message” and potentially allowing tracking to pinpoint tampering location.
Self-wound tamper evident tape (TamperTech’s specialty) offers several advantages:
- Reduced waste: No liner means less material to discard.
- Efficient shipping: More tape per roll due to no liner.
- Easier application: Works well by hand or machine due to the special non-stick coating.
Sub-surface printing: This printing is embedded within the adhesive layer of the tape.
It’s only revealed as a “void message” when the tape is removed, often accompanied by a message printed on the surface.
This allows tracking which tampered package and potentially where tampering occurred (since the message can’t be removed).
Surface printing: This is the standard printing on the top layer of the tape, visible before tampering. It can include logos, warnings, QR codes to drive brand awareness or instructions.
- NEL (Narrow Edge Leading): The narrowest edge of the label feeds off the roll first. Imagine a rectangular label – the shorter side feeds first. This is the most common way labels are fed into printers.
- WEL (Wide Edge Leading): The widest edge of the label feeds off the roll first. Using the same example, the longer side feeds first.
Why does it matter?
Knowing NEL vs WEL is important for a few reasons:
- Printing compatibility: Some printers might specify a preferred feeding direction (NEL or WEL) for optimal performance.
- Label orientation: NEL and WEL determine how your labels will be oriented after printing. This is important if the design requires a specific orientation.
- Label efficiency: Depending on the label size and printer capabilities, NEL or WEL might allow for more labels per roll.
The application you choose tamper evidence for is crucial because it dictates the type of security needed and the best way to achieve it. Here’s why:
- Threat Level: Different applications face varying degrees of tampering risk. High-value items or those with safety implications might need more robust tamper evidence than everyday products.
- Environmental Factors: The environment where the tamper evidence is used matters. For example, water-resistant seals might be necessary for outdoor applications, while heat resistance might be important for products exposed to high temperatures.
- Functionality: The chosen tamper evidence solution shouldn’t hinder the product’s intended use. For instance, a security seal shouldn’t make it difficult to open legitimate packaging.
By considering the application, you can choose tamper evidence that:
- Provides the right level of security to deter and detect tampering attempts relevant to the threat.
- Functions effectively within the specific environment it will be used in.
- Maintains the usability of the product it’s applied to.
In short, choosing the right tamper evidence for the application ensures it effectively protects against potential threats while remaining practical and user-friendly.
TamperTech’s security audit focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the tamper evident products integrating in to existing processes. This involves evaluating factors like:
- Material Strength: Testing the tamper evident materials to ensure they’re strong enough to resist tampering attempts.
- Adhesive Properties: Verifying the adhesion of the tamper evident material to various surfaces to ensure a strong bond.
- Security Feature Functionality: Ensuring features like void messages, security cuts, or UV inks function correctly as tamper evident indicators.
- Manufacturing Processes: Assessing the manufacturing procedures to confirm they consistently produce high-quality tamper evident products.
Potential Benefits:
A security audit by TamperTech offers several benefits to their clients:
- Increased Confidence: An audit provides independent verification of TamperTech products’ effectiveness in deterring and detecting tampering.
- Regulatory Compliance: The audit might help ensure TamperTech’s products meet relevant industry standards or regulatory requirements for tamper evident security.
- Improved Security Measures: The audit process might identify areas for improvement in TamperTech’s products or processes, ultimately leading to more robust tamper evident solutions.
Dual Number Tabs (DNT’s) offer a double numbering system: The label has a number printed on the main label and also on a dedicated tab. This could be:
- A serial number for individual item tracking.
- A lot number for identifying a batch of products.
- A customer reference number and an internal tracking number.
This is used for:
- Customer receipt with details of the purchase.
- Proof of delivery with tracking information.
- Warranty registration tab with product information.
The adhesive coating method of stripe coating.
Labels often lack adhesive on edges (finger lifts) for easier application by hand. This is useful for various purposes, including:
- Security seals: Break easily to indicate tampering (e.g., on doors).
- Specialty labels: Like dumbbell labels that seal containers without contaminating the opening (e.g., test tubes, wine bottles).
In label making, die cutting is the process of using a specialized tool called a “die” to precisely cut labels into specific shapes. Imagine it like a cookie cutter, but for labels instead of dough.
- The Die: This is a metal tool with a sharp edge formed into the desired shape of the label.
- The Process: After the labels are printed on a large roll of material. The die presses down on the material, cutting out the individual labels in their designed shapes. The excess material, called the “matrix”, is removed.
- Benefits: Die cutting allows for a wide variety of label shapes beyond just rectangles. This can enhance the visual appeal of your labels and make them more functional for specific applications.
Here are some reasons why die cutting might be used for labels:
- Unique Branding
- Functional Shapes
- Easier Application
Overall, die cutting is a versatile technique in label making that allows for customization, functionality, and enhanced visual appeal.
A security cut in a label is a deliberate weakening pattern incorporated during the manufacturing process. This pattern makes the label very difficult, if not impossible, to remove in one piece.
Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
- The Cut: A special die creates a series of slits or perforations in a specific design throughout the label material. These cuts are usually very thin and might not be readily noticeable on the surface.
- Tamper Evident: When someone tries to remove the label, it breaks or tears along the pre-cut lines due to the weakened areas. This leaves a clear visual sign that tampering has occurred.
There are two main benefits to security cuts in labels:
- Deterrence: The presence of security cuts discourages tampering in the first place, as it’s obvious the label will be damaged if removed.
- Detection: If someone does tamper with the label, the tears or breaks along the cuts clearly indicate it has been tampered with.
Overall, security cuts are a simple yet effective way to add a layer of security to labels and deter tampering.
In tamper evident labels, UV ink acts as a hidden security feature. Here’s the breakdown:
- Invisible Ink: UV ink is invisible under normal light. It only becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, often referred to as a blacklight.
- Hidden Message: The UV ink can be used to print a hidden message or logo on the label. This message might only be visible under a blacklight, making it a covert security measure.
- Verification Tool: When the label appears intact but the hidden UV message is missing under a blacklight, it indicates tampering. This helps verify the label’s authenticity and detect attempts to remove or replace it.
Here’s why UV ink is useful for tamper evident labels:
- Harder to Forge: Since the message is invisible and requires a blacklight to see, it’s more difficult to counterfeit a genuine label with UV ink.
- Covert Security: The hidden nature of the message deters tampering, as potential tamperers might not be aware of the security feature.
Overall, UV ink adds an extra layer of security to tamper evident labels by providing a hidden verification tool that’s only revealed under a blacklight.
Water fugitive ink used in tamper evident bag tape is a special ink that disappears or smudges when exposed to water.This adds another layer of security to the tape, working in this way:
- Hidden Security: The ink is printed with a message or pattern on the tape, but it’s invisible or faint under normal circumstances.
- Tampering Detection: When someone tries to tamper with the bag by opening it and reclosing it, they might come into contact with the tape. If water fugitive ink is used, the message or pattern will be destroyed or smeared by the moisture, leaving clear evidence of tampering.
Here’s why water fugitive ink is beneficial for tamper evident bag tape:
- Discourages Reuse: The ink makes it impossible to reseal the bag and maintain a pristine appearance, discouraging attempts to reuse the bag for unauthorized purposes.
- Obvious Tamper Indication: The smudged or missing ink is a clear indicator that tampering has occurred, even if the tape itself isn’t broken.
Cold chain logistics is the specialized storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring they stay within a specific temperature range throughout the supply chain. This is critical for items like:
- Food
- Medicine
- Chemicals
Why is it important?
Maintaining the proper temperature is essential for these products for quality, safety and to meet regulations.
How does it work?
Cold chain logistics involves a coordinated effort across different stages:
- Storage: Refrigerated warehouses and specialized containers maintain consistent temperatures.
- Transportation: Refrigerated trucks, ships, and airplanes ensure temperature control during transit.
- Packaging: Insulated packaging materials and temperature monitoring devices help maintain product temperature.
- Monitoring: Temperature loggers and tracking systems ensure products stay within the required range.
Benefits of cold chain logistics:
- Reduces spoilage
- Maintains product efficacy
- Compliance with regulations
- Efficiency and cost savings
Overall, cold chain logistics plays a vital role in ensuring the safe, high-quality delivery of temperature-sensitive products to consumers around the world.
Surface energy plays a role in choosing tamper evidence because it affects how well the tamper evident material adheres to the surface it’s applied to. Here’s how:
- Strong Bond for Security: Tamper evident materials need to form a strong bond with the surface they’re securing.High surface energy on both the material and the surface it’s applied to creates a strong adhesive bond, making it difficult to remove the tamper evidence without causing damage.
- Compatibility Matters: Different materials have different surface energies. Choosing a tamper evident material with compatible surface energy to the target surface ensures optimal adhesion.
Here’s why surface energy matters:
- Prevents Easy Removal: A strong bond discourages tampering because it’s difficult to remove the tamper evidence cleanly, leaving a clear indication of tampering.
- Maintains Effectiveness: Proper adhesion ensures the tamper evidence stays secure throughout its intended use,even in challenging environments.
Not all tamper evidence relies solely on high surface energy. Some might use additional features like security cuts or water-sensitive inks to deter tampering even if the bond is broken.
In summary, surface energy is an important factor in choosing tamper evidence, as it influences the strength of the adhesive bond and ultimately the effectiveness of the security measure.
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