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Are Tamper Evident Labels Recyclable? Here’s What You Need to Know

Harriet Chiles

Harriet Chiles General Manager at Tamper Technologies, with a passion for protecting and securing products, brands and people against counterfeiting, theft, and tampering. Harriet brings a wealth of experience and expertise to support companies with strategies and methods to reduce shrinkage throughout their organization, through security audits and tamper evident tape and label solutions. Graduating with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Business Management, including a Sales and Marketing Undergraduate year at JCB, this paved the way for her career at Tamper Technologies. With 6 years at Tamper Technologies and counting (not including her younger years helping in production during school holidays), Harriet is well placed to support you in increasing packaging security. From overseeing day-to-day operations to leading strategic initiatives, Harriet remains deeply committed to the pursuit of excellence in tamper evidence. Her unwavering enthusiasm for exploring new market opportunities and forging strategic partnerships has driven Tamper Technologies into new realms of success, ensuring its continued expansion into emerging markets.
How to recycle tamper evident labels

♻️ Are Tamper-Evident Labels Recyclable? Here’s What You Need to Know

In a world increasingly focused on sustainable packaging, many brands ask the same question:
“Are tamper-evident labels recyclable?”

At TamperTech, we believe product security and recyclability can — and should — go hand in hand. Our range of tamper-evident labels is designed to offer both robust protection and minimal environmental impact, helping your brand stay compliant, responsible, and future-ready.

What Are Tamper Evident Labels?

Tamper-evident labels are specialty materials engineered to show clear visual signs when a product has been opened or interfered with. This includes:

  • Frangible papers that tear when removed

  • VOID labels that leave a visible residue or message

  • Film-based labels that delaminate or destruct under tampering

TamperTech’s labels are widely used across industries — from wine and spirits, to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and logistics — where product integrity and consumer trust are paramount.

So, Can TamperTech’s Tamper-Evident Labels Be Recycled?

Yes — when designed thoughtfully. And that’s exactly what we do.

TamperTech’s product range includes:

  • 50 micron BOPP (polypropylene) labels

  • 23 micron polyester labels

  • Paper based security labels

Why That Matters:

According to leading industry guidelines like RAM (Recycle Assessment Methodology) and RecyClass, as long as labels account for less than 5% of the total packaging weight, they will not disrupt the recyclability of the packaging — regardless of whether it’s paper or plastic.

All TamperTech labels fall well within this threshold, meaning they’re safe for recycling systems and aligned with the latest packaging sustainability standards.

🟫 Recyclability of Tamper Evident Labels on Paper Packaging

Our paper-based tamper-evident labels are made with recyclable substrates and adhesives that comply with fibre recovery systems. These are ideal for:

  • Corrugated boxes

  • Paper sleeves

  • Folding cartons

  • Envelopes or tamper-seals in shipping

They offer visible tamper protection while remaining fully compatible with paper recycling processes.

🟦 Recyclability of Film Based Tamper-Evident Labels on Plastic Packaging

TamperTech also offers high-performance film labels made from BOPP and PET — commonly used on:

  • Bottles (wine, spirits, cosmetics)

  • Electronic product cases

  • Medical devices or equipment

  • Security pouches or hard goods

Thanks to their minimal footprint and the use of low-impact adhesives, these labels conform to the <5% rule and do not interfere with polyolefin or PET recycling streams.

In fact, they offer a security layer that’s invisible to the recycling process, but highly visible to humans.

✅ Key Sustainability Benefits of TamperTech Labels

  • Less than 5% of total packaging weight

  • Designed with recycling streams in mind

  • No impact on material separation or sorting

  • No need for removal during standard recycling

  • Supports circular economy goals

🔍 Why Brands Choose TamperTech for Secure & Sustainable Packaging

At TamperTech, we understand that your packaging must do more than just protect your product — it must also protect your reputation and meet growing sustainability expectations.

That’s why we:

  • Offer fully recyclable paper tamper-evident labels

  • Provide low-impact film options for plastic packaging

  • Stay up to date with global recycling standards and best practices

  • Work with you to develop custom solutions that meet both performance and environmental targets

Whether you’re looking to meet ESG targets, comply with OPRL labelling, or achieve zero-waste packaging goals, our team can guide you every step of the way.

📦 Ready to Go Sustainable with Your Security Labels?

Our tamper-evident labels combine the security you need with the sustainability the world demands. If you’re ready to future-proof your packaging, we’re here to help.

➡️ Contact us today to request recyclable samples, material specs, or sustainability documentation.

📧 sales@tampertech.com
🌍 www.tampertech.com

💬 Bonus Tip: Ask About Custom Branding

Did you know we can customise your recyclable security labels with your logo, QR code, or serial number? It’s a great way to boost both traceability and brand presence — while staying eco-conscious.

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