Sustainable tamper-proofing

Whether packaging happens to contain valuable consumer electronics, spirit drinks, spare car parts or even prescription medicines, security labels or tape are often used to protect against tampering and theft. When this is the case, every attempt to open the packaging leaves a lasting mark. The downside of using this solution is that when plastic labels and tape are used, the cardboard packaging cannot be recycled. However, there are now sustainable solutions made of paper on the market – and even a compostable alternative.

Sustainable solutions for tamper-evident sealing of cardboard boxes during transport or shipping also help to reduce the environmental footprint along the supply chain. Schümann’s varieties of wet adhesive tape is one example. These are made of kraft paper and gain their adhesive properties from a thin coating of potato starch. Before being applied, they are simply moistened with water and then form an inseparable material bond with the corrugated cardboard or paperboard, which can only be broken open by destroying the material. As soon as someone tries to open an item of packaging without authorisation at any point in the supply chain, a written message or pattern will remain visible as evidence of tampering. Unlike some types of plastic tape, wet adhesive tape cannot be separated from the cardboard packaging by heating it up. Instead, it can be recycled together with the discarded cardboard without the need to undergo elaborate separation processes.

Film manufacturer Futamura has joined forces with UK-based label material producer Tamperguard to bring a sustainable, tamper-proof tape to market. The solution utilises Futamura’s compostable NatureFlex film. The adhesive tape features security elements that make it easy to detect tampering. If an attempt is made to remove the tape, it leaves a non-stick “void” message on the surface, indicating interference. The tape’s adhesive remains on the surface, preventing resealing. 

NatureFlex films are sourced from renewable wood pulp from PEFC-certified forests and meet global standards for industrial composting, including BS EN13432 and ASTM D6400. They are also certified by TÜV Austria for home composting. As well as being an environmentally friendly solution, the NatureFlex films also offer good technical performance. Their inherent antistatic properties make them ideal for thin tape applications.

The tamper-evident tape seamlessly integrates into existing product lines, ensuring a smooth transition for customers seeking to switch to sustainable solutions. The new tamper-proof tape variants are suitable for a wide range of markets from e-commerce and retail to industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.