How tamper-evident packaging helps protect product integrity
Marc Martens
Valuable materials can pass through multiple handling, storage and transport steps before reaching their destination. Being able to see whether packaging has been opened or interfered with helps users assess its status on receipt and helps protect product integrity throughout the supply chain.
Make unauthorized opening visible
For pharmaceutical and fine-chemical products, an unexpected opening of the packaging can have serious consequences. It may lead to uncertainty about the condition of the contents, product loss, delays or the need for additional investigation.
Tamper-evident packaging helps address this risk by providing visible evidence when a package has been opened. This gives operators and recipients an additional means of checking the packaging before the contents are used or transferred to the next process step.
Closing and sealing have different roles
Correctly closing the packaging is the first step in protecting its contents. A security seal adds another function: it makes subsequent opening or interference visible.
A security seal therefore does not replace the correct closing procedure or other controls within the supply chain. Instead, it provides an additional visual indication that helps users determine whether the packaging has remained sealed since the security feature was applied.
Support confidence throughout the supply chain
Tamper evidence can be relevant at several stages: after filling and closing, during internal handling and storage, in transport and when the packaging is received at its destination.
A clearly intact security feature allows the recipient to verify the condition of the packaging before opening it. If the seal has been broken or removed, this is immediately visible and can trigger the appropriate checks before the product moves further through the process.
This makes security seals a simple but useful part of a wider approach to protecting valuable materials.
Security sealing options by packaging
CurTec packaging uses different tamper-evident solutions depending on the packaging design. Some products support one specific sealing method, while Click Pack and Fold Pack pails offer a choice between different security sealing options.
| Packaging type | Security sealing option | Product code |
|---|---|---|
| Wide neck drums 70XX | Separate security seal | 7800-00-625 |
| Total opening drums 69XX | Separate security seal | 7800-00-625 |
| Nestable drums 72XX | Separate security seal | 7800-00-625 |
| Nestable drums 75XX | Separate security seal | 7820-00-402 |
| ECO LITE drums 76XX | Separate security seal | 7800-00-625 |
| Square drums 74XX | Separate security seal | 7800-00-625 |
| Fold Pack pails 41XX | Separate security seal or integrated security pins |
7800-00-625 |
| Click Pack pails 44XX, 45XX | Separate security pins and seals |
|
| Packo jars | Integrated security seal |
The principle is the same in each case: once the packaging has been correctly closed and its security feature is in place, opening it leaves visible evidence.
Consider the complete handling process
Protecting product integrity does not end when a lid is closed. How packaging is sealed, handled, transported, received and opened also forms part of the process.
CurTec considers these practical steps alongside the packaging itself, helping customers select a packaging and security solution that fits the way their materials move through their operation and supply chain.
Do you have a specific product-integrity or tamper-evidence challenge? We will help you identify the security solution that best fits your packaging and process.
Learn more about product integrity
Want to explore the subject in more detail? Read our white paper on security and tamper-evidence protection systems in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
