Security seals are tamper-evident devices used to restrict access to package contents. They come in various forms, including foil wrappers, push-top lids, vacuum lids, tape, plastic ties, shrink wrap, and metal tags. Seals can be engraved with serial numbers for tracking and are used to protect food products, shipping crates, cargo boxes, confidential documents, and hazardous materials. Heat-stamped seals change color if tampered with, and metal seals are difficult to replicate or replace if destroyed.
In industry, the term “security seal” is a broad descriptor for a large class of tamper-evident security devices. Some of the best known security seals are found on consumer products such as condiment jars and pill bottles. These seals usually come as foil wrappers or push-top lids. Other security seals are much more complicated and often involve thermal printing, laser engraving, and seals for large shipping crates and valuable or sensitive cargo.
Regardless of how a security seal appears, it is designed for only one primary purpose: content restriction. Manufacturers use seals whenever they want to keep the contents of a package isolated and contained. The reasoning and means of sealing technology can vary according to the interests at stake.
On food products, a security seal is usually designed to protect against tampering. These types of gaskets usually take the form of snug inserts located just below the container lids. Vacuum lids that pop when opened are also forms of the same technology. The goal here is to prevent people from altering the contents of the product, removing any part of the product or adding anything to the container.
Security seals are also used in many other contexts. In ground shipping, security seals are usually tape or package seals that prevent boxes from being opened before they arrive at their destination. The plastic ties that secure zipped suitcases and packs serve the same purpose.
Other gaskets are designed to hold materials together. Shipping pallets are often shrink-wrapped to prevent both theft and movement of the contents. Stretch wrap and plastic packing tape are also commonly used to seal and secure multiple packages in transit.
At a very basic level, a lock or latch is also a security seal, protecting the internal contents from being accessed by the outside. However, sophisticated criminals often have ways around this type of protection. Serious loaders usually invest in specialized locking tools or look for more particular locking measures.
Metal tags and bindings are often used to seal containers or cargo boxes. This type of security seal is usually engraved or stamped with a particular serial number which cannot be easily replicated or replaced if destroyed. Truck drivers, naval ship operators, and freight train operators can also use these numbers to track shipments.
Cargo cases and shipping containers can also often be sealed with lead or wire, which can make premature entry nearly impossible. These types of seals are especially popular for sensitive scientific material, including bacterial strains and other hazardous chemicals. Cap seals and metal seals can usually be engraved with serial numbers for easy tracking, as can metal tags and cargo seals.
Confidential documents can also be protected with a security seal. Security labels are often custom printed on highly adhesive paper that cannot be broken unless detected. More sensitive documents often require heat-stamped seals, many of which will change color if tampered with.
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