Security tape

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Delamination and printing exposure of a security tape on a pallet load Security tape removed.JPG
Delamination and printing exposure of a security tape on a pallet load
Specimen test bottles with die-cut security strip indicators US Navy 040622-N-0684R-019 Master at Arms 2nd Class Johnny Henderson, from Greenwood, S.C., left, places a tamper seal a on a urine sample.jpg
Specimen test bottles with die-cut security strip indicators
Box with circular tamper-evident seal Carton with Tamper Evident Tape Seal.jpg
Box with circular tamper-evident seal

Security tape (or security label) is a type of adhesive tape used to help reduce shipping losses due to pilfering and theft. It helps reduce tampering or product adulteration. It is often is a pressure sensitive tape or label with special tamper-resistant or tamper-evident features. It can be used as a security seal in addition to a container closure or can be used as a security label. They are sometimes used as or with authentication products and as an anti-pilferage seal.

Contents

Security tapes and labels are sometimes used in conjunction with security envelopes.

Use

Security tapes can be used as packaging tapes on small primary packages such as bottles and cartons or on larger shipping containers such as corrugated boxes. They are also used on unit loads or palletized goods. The strength and adhesive bonding are important. Security labels are usually only used for their security features; backing strength is less important but the bonding characteristics are critical.

Some security tapes have an appearance similar to standard packaging tapes to help conceal the value of an item. Logistics and packaging professionals do not want to bring attention to the item or its package. [1] Other security tapes have bright colors with high impact graphics.

Security tapes and labels are one part of a broader security system: No one layer of security can provide full protection to shipments of packages. Most security products can be foiled by a knowledgeable person with sufficient time and with access to specialized tools, solvents, extreme temperatures, other security tapes and labels, adhesives, etc. [2] [3]

Security tapes and labels usually add security to one point of entry to a container. Other points of unauthorized entry are sometimes available.

Security tapes are also used on access doors for temporary area denial and as tamper-indicating seals for sensitive equipment. Some uses of security tapes require stable temperatures and the non-exposure of the tape to direct sunlight. [4] [ verification needed ]

Construction

A security hologram label on a box GatewayTracingHologramLabel.jpg
A security hologram label on a box

There are many types and constructions of tapes [5] [6] [7] and labels [8] [9] [10] used for security. The use of security printing, holography, embossing, barcodes, RFID chips, etc. is common. Some tape strips and labels have sequential serial numbers, bar codes, etc. Custom printing with corporate logo, etc. is useful but needs to be revised periodically because of creative counterfeiters.

Many security tapes have extra strong backings and high performance adhesives; a damaged or partially open package can be an invitation to theft or tampering. High graphics can draw attention to a package during shipment.

Security tapes often have special features to indicate opening, including:

Security tapes are usually wound on a roll for storage and dispensing. Either a release liner is used or a premium release coating is used on the top surface. Security labels typically employ a release liner and are die-cut.

Interpretation

Sometimes a tape or label is intended to provide a signal of removal or of container tampering: imaging, delamination, fracture, etc. The desired outcome is for the tape or label to correctly indicate attempted or unauthorized container opening. Conversely, it should not signal tampering when there has not been tampering. This is a type of binary classification.

It may be possible to have a "false negative": the label is (or appears to be) intact yet tampering has occurred. Depending on the specific security tape/label, there may be specialized means of removing and reattaching the label, covering or obscuring the signaled/activated label, etc. Also, tampering could have occurred in a different part of the container. A "false positive" may also be possible, either by accident or with intent. [13]

Tampering

No Tampering

Tape/label signalCorrect signalFalse positive
No signal from tape/labelFalse negativeCorrect signal

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Closure (container)</span> Devices and techniques used to close or seal a bottle, jug, jar, tube, can, etc.

A closure is a device used to close or seal a container such as a bottle, jug, jar, tube, or can. A closure may be a cap, cover, lid, plug, liner, or the like. The part of the container to which the closure is applied is called the finish.

Tamper-evident describes a device or process that makes unauthorized access to the protected object easily detected. Seals, markings, or other techniques may be tamper indicating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Label</span> Material affixed to a container or article with printed information

A label is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or product, on which is written or printed information or symbols about the product or item. Information printed directly on a container or article can also be considered labelling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamperproofing</span> Security methodology

Tamperproofing, conceptually, is a methodology used to hinder, deter or detect unauthorised access to a device or circumvention of a security system. Since any device or system can be foiled by a person with sufficient knowledge, equipment, and time, the term "tamperproof" is a misnomer unless some limitations on the tampering party's resources is explicit or assumed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Overwrap</span> Method of packaging

An overwrap or wrap is a method of sealing a contained product, typically as part of retail packaging. It is often made of plastic film or paper. The wrap is applied over the bare product or can be applied over another form of packaging. It is typically used to protect products, but can be used decoratively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Package pilferage</span> Theft of part of the contents of a package

Package pilferage is the theft of part of the contents of a package. It may also include theft of the contents but leaving the package, perhaps resealed with bogus contents. Small packages can be pilfered from a larger package such as a shipping container. Broader and related aspects of package theft may include taking the entire package, pallet load, truck load, shoplifting, etc. The theft may take place at any point in the parcel's journey from source to destination, including theft by rogue logistics employees and customs agents in international mail scenarios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filament tape</span> Reinforced pressure-sensitive film

Filament tape or strapping tape is a pressure-sensitive tape consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coated onto a backing material which is usually a polypropylene or polyester film and fiberglass filaments embedded to add high tensile strength.

The terms active packaging, intelligent packaging, and smart packaging refer to amplified packaging systems used with foods, pharmaceuticals, and several other types of products. They help extend shelf life, monitor freshness, display information on quality, improve safety, and improve convenience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamper-evident band</span>

A tamper-evident band or security ring serves as a tamper resistant or tamper evident function to a screw cap, lid, or closure. The term tamper-proof is sometimes used but is considered a misnomer given that pilfering is still technically possible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corrugated box design</span> Process of matching design factors for corrugated fiberboard boxes

Corrugated box design is the process of matching design factors for corrugated fiberboard or corrugated plastic boxes with the functional physical, processing and end-use requirements. Packaging engineers work to meet the performance requirements of a box while controlling total costs throughout the system. Corrugated boxes are shipping containers used for transport packaging and have important functional and economic considerations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drug packaging</span> Packaging for pharmaceutical preparations

Drug packaging is process of packing pharmaceutical preparations for distribution, and the physical packaging in which they are stored. It involves all of the operations from production through drug distribution channels to the end consumer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shrink tunnel</span> Machine to shrink labels on products

A shrink tunnel or heat tunnel is a heated tunnel mounted over or around a conveyor system. Items have shrink film loosely applied; with heat, the film shrinks to fit snugly around the wrapped object.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multi-pack</span> Packaging that combines or holds multiple items or smaller packages

A multi-pack also known as multipack is packaging that combines or holds multiple items or smaller packages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clamshell (container)</span> Type of consumer product packaging

A clamshell is a one-piece container consisting of two halves joined by a hinge area which allows the structure to come together to close. Clamshells can be made to be reusable and reclosable or can be sealed securely.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Currency packaging</span>

Currency packaging includes several forms of packing cash for easy handling and counting. Many systems use standard color-coding or are marked to indicate the amount in the package.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luxury packaging</span> Type of packaging

Luxury and specialty packaging is the design, research, development, and manufacturing of packaging, displays, and for luxury brands. The packaging of a luxury product is part of the brand’s image and research shows consumers are willing to spend more on products if the packaging looks appealing and luxurious.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Security bag</span> Heavy duty bag used to contain high-value products or documents or legally-sensitive items

A security bag is a heavy duty bag used to contain high-value products or documents or legally sensitive items. Envelopes with security features are called security envelopes as well as security bags. Cash for deposit in a bank is often placed in a special deposit bag with security features. When they are used to contain items related to a crime, special evidence bags are used. Authentication of signatures and chain of custody are often required.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tub (container)</span> Type of large bowl typically for washing or packaging

A tub is an open-top circular or oblong container. In earlier times they were made from wooden staves held together with iron hoops and were made by coopers. Modern tubs used in industry might be made from concrete, metal or plastic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shipping tube</span> Long and narrow cardboard shipping container

A shipping tube, mailing tube, or cardboard tube is a shipping container used to ship long items. It is usually a long package with a narrow cross-section: square, triangle, or round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evidence packaging</span> Specialized packaging for physical evidence

Evidence packaging involves the specialized packaging methods and materials used for physical evidence. Items need to be collected at a crime scene or a fire scene, forwarded to a laboratory for forensic analysis, put in secure storage, and used in a courtroom, all while maintaining the chain of custody. Items might include DNA, drugs, hair samples, body parts, blood samples, sperm, knives, vomit, firearms, bullets, fire accelerants, computers, checkbooks, etc.

References

  1. Green, FW (2009), "Export Packaging", in Yam, K L (ed.), Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology, Wiley (published 2010), ISBN   978-0-470-08704-6
  2. Johnston (2003). Tamper-Indicating Seals: Practices, Problems, and Standards. World Customs Organization, Security. Brussels. Retrieved Apr 12, 2019.
  3. Johnston, R G (1997). "Physical Security and Tamper-Indicating Devices". LA-UR-96-3827. Vulnerability Assessment Team, Los Alamos National Laboratory. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  4. Wright, B.W.; Wright, C.W.; Bunk, A.R. (1995), Accelerated Aging Studies and Environmental Stability of Prototype Tamper Tapes, US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, doi:10.2172/83846 , retrieved Apr 12, 2019
  5. US 6544615,Otten, Ulrich; Wenninger, Dieter& Röber, Stefan,"Adhesive security tape for detecting unauthorized broaching of a package",published 2003-04-08, assigned to Tesa AG
  6. US 4876123,Rivera, Raymond R.; VanVleet, Stephen B.& Wilson, Shari J.,"Tamper indicating tape and delaminating film therefore",published 1989-10-24, assigned to Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
  7. US 5633058,Hoffer, Erik&Sobel, Stephen G.,"Message-indicating self-wound tape and method of making same",published 1997-05-27
  8. US 5042842,Green, Alan; Reiss, Ronald J.& Wilson, Douglas W.,"High security label",published 1991-08-27, assigned to Avery International Corp.
  9. US 7594348,Oosterlinck, Marc F.,"Security label",published 2009-09-29, assigned to CCL Label Inc.
  10. US 8678289,Roseman, Morton F.,"Anti-tamper label and item embodying the same",published 2014-03-25, assigned to Custom Security Industries Inc.
  11. See Security Patterns a selection of security patterns from around the world
  12. US 6888509,Atherton, Peter S.,"Tamper indicating radio frequency identification label",published 2005-05-03, assigned to Mikoh Corp.
  13. Weingart, S H (2000). "Physical Security Devices for Computer Subsystems" (PDF). Workshop on Cryptographic Hardware. Springer. doi: 10.1007/3-540-44499-8_24 . Retrieved March 13, 2019.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)