We are in times of several security challenges, with respect to packaging, such as shoplifting, counterfeiting, tampering, and bioterrorism which implies the company is totally safe from these activities which are sales-sapping and brand damaging.
The good thing is that there are security packaging measures that can be taken to protect products of companies suffering this from harm and still protect their brand. Several innovative advancements have been designed to counter and prevent things that will pose as threats to brands and we are going to take a look at some of them.
Here are a few designs:
Security Seals
Sealed packaging is one method of security packaging used in providing protection against several hazards likely to occur such as pilfering, counterfeiting, tampering and many others. One popular sealing methods are the shrink film applied as a full-body sleeve, band or wrap, generally consisting of unprinted or printed polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate glycol or oriented film.
Sleeves run the bottom of the containers up to the top of closures and are printed vividly in 8 or more colors for carrying out double duty as product labels. This design provides a 360º surface giving room for graphics which enhances shelf appeal.
Bands have different opinions by designers, on whether they should be removed easily or not. This is because some companies believe that a band difficult to be removed provides better confidence that the product hasn't been tampered with. On the other hand, a packager might want an easy-opening option of which he could make the bands tabbed or perforated. The perforated design is able to enhance evidence of tamper if the band's fragility is increased to the extent that when it is removed, it disintegrates and it is no longer possible to for it to be repositioned around the cap.
The last of them is the tape, which is a tamper-evident form of security sealing, usually for cartons and corrugated shippers. There is a trending design which addresses the requirement of tamper evidence using temperature sensitive ink that changes color or reveals a hidden graphic whenever the material gets exposed to a certain temperature. Security seals also used in steb bag, tamper evident cash bags and so on.
Induction Sealing
Induction sealing is another form of security packaging which uses an electromagnetic field for adhering to the openings of the container using speeds of about 800 rpm. The harmonic seal that is produced provides tamper evidence as well as prevents leaks, deters pilferage and protects the freshness of products.
Accomplishing sealing is by capping containers under an electromagnetic sealing head generating heat for releasing the membrane seal form the closure liner and adhere it to its lip.
Clamshell Packaging
This is designed as an inexpensive alternative to RF (radio frequency)-sealed clamshells with its paperboard/film structure deterring pilferage and also reinforcing die-cut holes so that much heavier items can be merchandised on hanging displays.
RF-sealed clamshells and their indestructible, attractive seals have been proven to be attractive to retailers which have resulted in consumer products having an interest in them.
Holographic Distinction
Holographic materials are very significant for security packaging. Not only do they offer a different appearance with colors and patterns shifting, but their production process presents prevention to counterfeiters because it needs specialized equipment and is expensive.
