Tamper-evident band

break-away band on aluminum cap
Removal of integral band allows hinged snap-cap to function
Tearable metal band on pharmaceutical bottle
Shrink band for secondary seal on a bottle of Japanese shrimp

A tamper-evident band or security ring serves as a tamper resistant or tamper evident function to a screw cap, lid, or closure.[1] The term tamper-proof is sometimes used but is considered a misnomer given that pilfering is still technically possible.[2]

A security band can be integrated with the cap or can be a separate package component. It is a plastic or metal structure around the circumference (usually) of the closure that is often found attached below a closure in bottles, jars, and tubs.

Several variations have been developed for caps, lids, and closures.[3] [4][5][6] The use of custom printing and security printing is available. Perforations or other areas of weakness are often used to initiate and control a tear. Sometimes engineered frangibility is used for break-away functions.

While tamper-evident bands are not considered a challenge for recycling, it is important that the band stays attached to the cap in case of refillable bottles, because it is hard to remove the rings from intact bottles in an economical way.[1]

The opening ring is a tamper warning: if the seal between the ring and the cap is broken, it is an indication that the cap has been opened.[1][7]

  1. ^ a b c Ottmar Brandau (2012). Bottles, Preforms and Closures: A Design Guide for PET Packaging. William Andrew. pp. 134–. ISBN 978-1-4377-3526-0.
  2. ^ H. Lockhart; Frank Albert Paine (1996). Packaging of Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products. Springer. pp. 125–. ISBN 978-0-7514-0167-7.
  3. ^ US 3904062, Grussen, Jean, "Tamper-proof and loss-proof screw-type bottle cap", published 1975-09-09, assigned to Somepla SA 
  4. ^ US 5913437, Ma, Xiaoli, "Tamper evident bottle cap", published 1999-06-22, assigned to Portola Packaging Inc. 
  5. ^ US 6550626, Randall, Jeffrey T., "Closure lid and resealable closure system with tamper-evident features", published 2003-04-22, assigned to Seaquist Closures Foreign Inc. 
  6. ^ US 4732293, Landis, H. Richard, "Tear strip closure for a container with a security ring", published 1988-03-22, assigned to Landis Plastics Inc. 
  7. ^ A.J. Mitchell (1990). Formulation and Production Carbonated Soft Drinks. Springer. pp. 170–. ISBN 978-0-442-30287-0.