Tamper-evident packaging is an important function of pharmaceutical packaging that improves user safety and ensures products are used as intended. But what does tamper-evident mean, and what importance does choosing this type of packaging have for your business?
Read on to find out the function of tamper-evident packaging, its benefits, important relevant regulatory and legislative changes, and how to choose the best type for your product.
What Is Tamper-Evident Packaging?
Tamper-evident packaging is a form of packaging that is designed to protect products and provide additional security for users. Tamper-proof packaging is used in many industries, and it offers a wide range of benefits for organisations and their customers. In some sectors, for example pharmaceuticals, companies must adhere to government requirements linked to the use of tamper-evident primary packaging. In other sectors, it provides security throughout the supply chain and purchase by the consumer.
The main aims of utilising tamper-evident packaging include:
- Protecting and preserving the contents.
- Preventing unwrapping and opening by unauthorised parties.
- Preventing access to the container or product.
- Providing advice and information for the customer to eliminate the risk of using goods that may have been tampered with (for example, instructions, including ‘do not use if the seal is broken’).
What Does Tamper-Evident Mean?
Within packaging, tamper-evident means to clearly indicate that a container’s contents have been previously accessed.
If tamper-evident packaging has been used, the user will be able to see that a seal or a covering is missing or that it has been disturbed or damaged. Sometimes, it is possible for signs of disturbance to be covered up or concealed, leading brands to choose some more secure packaging styles over others. Tamper-evident packaging has at least one barrier. If this barrier or multiple indicators are damaged, breached, missing or disturbed, there will be a clear, visible sign.
Common examples of tamper-evident packaging include:
- Blister packaging
- Lid films
- Resealable packaging pouches
- Foil linings
- Plastic seals
- Tamper-evident tape
- Breakable rings
What Is the Difference Between Tamper-Evident Packaging and Child-Resistant Packaging?
Tamper-evident and child-resistant packaging are two of the common requirements for certain products by law. However, these vary in their functions. While tamper-evident packaging is designed to clearly indicate that a container’s contents may have been tampered with, child-resistant packaging instead relates to child safety. Child-proof packaging is designed to prevent children from accessing its contents, with the unintended ingestion of particular substances having the potential to cause serious harm and even death to children.
Though distinctly separate functions, tamper-evident packaging and child-resistant packaging features can both be included in certain forms of packaging. You can read more about our innovative child-resistant packaging and how our offerings can benefit your business on our site.
What Are the Benefits of Tamper-Evident Packaging?
There are multiple benefits of using tamper-evident packaging, which makes it useful for everything from wellbeing product packaging to controlled substance packaging. Here are some of the primary reasons to use tamper-evident designs:
Enhancing Safety
The most significant benefit for most organisations, particularly those within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, is to enhance safety. It is vital to ensure that products, such as medicines, reach the end user in pristine condition and to prevent tampering at all costs. Consuming drugs that have been tampered with could have very serious implications. There is a risk that the medicine could have been altered or that users receive counterfeit or unsafe goods.
A UK survey suggests that over 30% of consumers who have bought counterfeit medications have experienced adverse effects (source). If a product has been tampered with, there is a risk that it could be counterfeit or that it could spoil or expire, which could also cause health issues.
Using robust tamper-evident packaging not only reduces the risk of tampering, but it also provides a clear warning sign for the recipient. If a seal has been broken on a drug bottle or a blister pack, for example, the customer or patient will be able to identify evidence of tampering.
Protecting the Product
Using tamper-evident packaging reduces the risk of damage in transit, protecting the product and increasing the chances of the user receiving the item in pristine condition. This is beneficial for customers and businesses. Companies can benefit by reducing the risk of losses and enhancing brand reputation. If customers receive products that have been damaged or disturbed and they can’t use them, this will impact their perception of the brand. Negative experiences can be costly, as over 90% of consumers will leave a business due to poor customer service (source).
Lowering the Risk of Counterfeit Medicines
Counterfeit medicines are a significant problem within the pharmaceutical industry. In some countries, the proportion of counterfeit drugs is as high as 19% (source). Using tamper-evident packaging helps to stamp out falsification and discourage parties from distributing fake products, which also protects customers.
Providing Peace of Mind
Tamper-evident packaging can provide peace of mind for customers. They can rest assured that the item they receive has not been tampered with or disturbed if there are no indicators, such as broken seals. Every consumer wants to have confidence that the products they buy and use meet the relevant quality and safety standards.
Regulations Affecting Tamper-Evident Packaging
There are regulations in place within some industries to offer additional protection and safety benefits for consumers and lower the risk of counterfeit or dangerous products. Tamper-evident packaging plays a critical role in protecting customers and product users within the pharmaceutical sector.
Guidelines introduced in 2019 as part of the Falsified Medicines Directive mean that prescription medications and some over-the-counter drugs sold and distributed in the EU must have an anti-tamper device and a unique identifier code. The anti-tampering device is fitted to the outside of the container or packaging to provide visible evidence of tampering, for example, a broken or damaged seal.
Post-Brexit, the pharmaceutical industry in the UK adheres to guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). From January 2021, companies and organisations were given a maximum of 36 months to ensure that products that are intended for UK customers are fully compliant with MHRA regulations. According to guidelines, medicines which have a marketing authorisation valid only in Great Britain do not need a unique identifier, but the MHRA strongly recommends the use of anti-tamper devices.
More information on the implementation of the Safety Features Regulation can be found using the included resource.
How to Choose the Best Tamper-Evident Packaging?
When choosing your tamper-evident packaging, there are a few top considerations:
- Ensure your tamper-evident closure is compatible with the container. For example, bear in mind the shape of a bottleneck, which provides for the break-off tamper band.
- If your packaging also requires child resistance, consider a container that offers both functions in the same packaging combination. This may save you time and resources in manufacturing and filling.
- Finally, be sure to opt for a product that will be easy for the consumer to use once the product is open.
Effective Tamper-Evident Packaging at Origin
At Origin, we offer a wide range of tamper-evident packaging options, helping you to keep your product safe for use whilst being well-protected. This includes many quality tamper-proof packaging choices, such as our HDPE bottles and PET bottles and more that adhere to stringent industry standards.
If you have any questions about our range of tamper-evident packaging options, get in touch and we can advise you on choosing the best option for your product.
