Tamper Evident Security Tape Options
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Tamper Evident Security Tape Options |
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Security
Tapes: What Are The Options?
There are numerous options today
when buying security tape. The first point to realize is that
nothing is tamper proof or tamper resistant. If someone wants to
tamper with a product they will be able to. Security tape comes
into play by providing tamper evidence, or an indication that
something has been tampered with. This tamper evidence or tamper
indication is achieved with the aid of pressure-sensitive
adhesives and materials. Here we will examine some pros and cons of the different array of tamper evident tapes that are available today. This should help in selecting the appropriate type of security tape for the particular application. The first question to ask is “what are you trying to secure, and on what surface (substrate)?” In most cases the answer is simply high valued items packaged in corrugated cartons. While corrugated cartons are a common substrate, there are different types: smooth, rough, recycled, or coated. Some tapes work great on some surfaces, but work poorly on others. The most common type of security tape is simply custom printed carton sealing tape. This is also the least expensive option. The tape is usually a PVC or polypropylene with an aggressive adhesive suitable for boxes. It can be any color, but usually the imprint is printed diagonally, with patterns. If the tape is cut and then covered over by clear tape, the imprint will need to line up exactly, or else tampering is indicated. Proper imprints make lining up tampered tape very difficult. One of my favorite examples of this choice is the tape that sealed my laptop computer carton. It was a simple, clear 2” wide tape, with the name surrounded by a pattern of x’s. If the tape was peeled away it was aggressive enough to tear the box fibers; if the tape was cut it would be very difficult to line back up.
How secure is this form of tape? When asked how they open cartons, most people say that they simply cut the tape, rather than peel it away anyway. If a person plans on tampering with a carton, they will more than likely cut the tape (assuming they have resealing tape in-hand), then seal it over with clear or other tape. This is where the imprint is important; usually a small pattern that when cut, will need to be lined up if the box is resealed. Small, diagonal imprints are preferred over large ones. We saw one brand that actually had a yellow strip down the middle. If it is sealed over with clear tape the yellow portion is activated and displays a message. This is a nice premise except that the tape can easily be covered over by a colored or wider tape, and it is extremely expensive. Some brands of carton security tape are silicone coated, which makes sealing over with new tape difficult. In addition to tamper evident anti-cut patterns and silicone coatings, special printing referred to as "hidden identity" graphics help validate or authenticate some tapes. The hidden graphic is actually an "invisible" ink that can be viewed under UV lights. The end recipient needs to be aware of the graphic, so they can authenticate and confirm under a UV lamp. Another consideration for security is the availability of the tape. Today all tapes mentioned here are much more widely available than they were a coupe of years ago. There are companies on the internet selling as little as one roll of tamper evident tape. One of the companies we tested has been supplying their stock tape with their name and web site address imprinted on it. This compromises the whole point of tamper indicating products, since anyone, mainly employees, can easily purchase one or eight rolls of tape. At that point they can tamper with products and simply reseal with the tape they purchased. Therefore we strongly urge people who are candidates for this style of tape to purchase custom tape with custom, or unique imprints such as company logos. And when they do, they need to make sure the tape itself is stored in a secure location. TAMPER EVIDENT SECURITY LABELS, SECURITY SEALS, & SECURITY TAPE
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One
way to combat the above style of tape is to simply cover it over
with wider tape, so that the original tape is totally hidden.
Another
style of tape, which is used more widely on consumer medicines and
food packaging is the destructible film that flakes when an
attempt is made to peel it away. This is generally too expensive
for carton sealing applications, but is a good choice for the
smaller jar or bag sealing applications. The tape is usually
imprinted with a diagonal message that says “do not purchase if
seal is broken.” The tape may also have serrated edges to
further prevent peeling away. The tape can also be cut, but again
with a proper imprint, relining up is very difficult.
The
most common type of tape people seem to be looking for today is
often called VOID tape or evidence tape. When the tape is peeled
away it leaves behind an adhesive residue that displays a VOID or
OPENED message. This type of tape can be used to seal cartons,
drums, doors, and anything really. While this is the most
expensive security tape option, there are different brands on the
market, and prices differ. While all brands work on the same
premise of leaving behind a message when peeled away, the
adhesives and release properties vary. For example we tested a tape from the leading
manufacturer in