What Are Tamper-Evident Labels? Uses & Compliance Explained

In industries where safety, integrity, and authenticity matter, the question often arises: what are tamper evident labels? At their core, these specialized labels are designed to reveal clear visible evidence when a product or package has been opened, altered, or compromised. This is not just a packaging enhancement – it’s a safeguard against fraud, theft, and health risks.

Tamper evident features act as a visual cue to both consumers and inspectors. Once applied, they create irreversible changes when removed or tampered with. These might include messages like “VOID” appearing on the surface, the security label tearing apart, or color shifts. In regulated sectors, evident labels help maintain chain-of-custody integrity and regulatory compliance – protecting both end users and brand credibility.

Tamper Evident vs. Tamper Resistant

The terms tamper resistant vs. tamper evident are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct functions. Tamper-evident labels are designed to reveal any unauthorized access. Tamper-resistant solutions, on the other hand, aim to prevent tampering altogether – but may not always leave visible signs.

Tamper-evident labels notify consumers and retailers that a product has been compromised. They don't stop tampering, but they make it obvious. In contrast, tamper-resistant packaging involves engineering barriers – such as blister packs or child-proof caps – to deter interference.

So when should you use one versus the other? The best approach depends on your industry, risk profile, and regulations. In many cases, both strategies are combined: tamper evident packaging paired with a structurally secure container provides layered protection and assurance to customers and regulatory bodies alike.

Types of Tamper Evident Labels

There are several types of tamper evident labels to suit different packaging needs and surfaces:

Each type provides a unique response to tampering, and selecting the right one depends on the packaging format, user interaction, and surface materials. For instance, bottles or cartons may benefit from shrink sleeves with perforation, while high-value electronics might require serial-coded labels that integrate into packaging seams.

Label Materials and Technologies

Material choice plays a key role in label effectiveness. Tamper-evident labels are commonly made from polyester, vinyl, acetate, or ultra-destructible substrates. Adhesives vary based on application surface, expected handling conditions, and exposure to moisture or chemicals.

Adhesive behavior is crucial – some activate instantly while others require dwell time for full bonding. Meanwhile, destructible materials, such as those used in a destructible label, are engineered to break apart with minimal effort, discouraging tampering while retaining evidence.

Technology continues to raise the bar. Smart features like RFID, QR codes, serialization, and color-shift inks allow real-time tracking and authentication. Integrating these into evident labels gives brands additional visibility across their supply chain while deterring counterfeit attempts.

Industry Applications

From pharmaceuticals to retail, tamper evident solutions are essential for compliance and consumer trust. Let’s look at where they matter most:

With pressure mounting to comply with FDA, EU MDR, and other safety standards, tamper proof labeling is more than a deterrent – it’s a documented control measure. And in a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, tamper-evident solutions must also work within sustainable frameworks, such as our EARTH+ Recyclable Packaging line.

Benefits of Tamper Evident Labels

Why invest in these security measures? Because the benefits go beyond regulation:

And don’t forget versatility – tamper-evident solutions can be applied across formats like Pressure Sensitive Labels, Extended Content Labels, Shrink Sleeves, and even embossed foil seals, allowing seamless integration with your existing packaging operations.

Secure Your Brand, Protect Your Product

Tampering is a reality facing every supply chain. That’s why tamper-evident labeling has become a core requirement for brands across healthcare, nutraceuticals, food beauty as well a and other consumer goods. By implementing solutions like void seals, tamper proof labels, and serialized packaging, you reinforce both safety and trust.

At Premium Label & Packaging Solutions, we offer a wide range of evident labels tailored to your product, industry, and regulatory needs. From high-durability void patterns to sustainable label formats, our services help you strike the right balance between security, design, and functionality.

If you're looking to elevate your packaging protection or evaluate your current format, contact us today. Our experts will help you customize tamper-evident solutions that match your compliance goals and protect what matters most – your brand and your customers.

PLPS Featured in Beauty Packaging Magazine

Check out our article about Flexible Packaging in Beauty Packaging magazine, which thoroughly examines this popular packaging format. Click here for more information about our flexible packaging capabilities.

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PLPS Featured in Packaging Technology Magazine

Check out our article about Flexible Packaging in this month's Packaging Technology magazine, which thoroughly examines this popular packaging format. Click here for more information about our flexible packaging capabilities.

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Case Study: Quick-Turn Clinical Trial Labels

SNAPSHOT

At our core, we are not just printers; we provide components for crucial products, including life-saving drug therapies.

Every day, our employees come to work knowing they impact the health and wellness of people worldwide and that the products our clients produce could one day save the life of someone they love.

So, when the Label Control Manager at a global biotechnology company informed us of a dire situation, our team sprang into action.

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PROBLEM

Our global biotechnology client approached us to develop a new wrap label for one of their critical clinical trial cancer drugs. This label was crucial for the trial's progress, so we needed to swiftly source raw materials and develop a production process compatible with personalization by the clinical packager. Although this was a new label that required non-standard materials, we managed to turn around this project in 3 weeks.

Unfortunately, the client's transportation company had an issue, and the labels were not delivered and could not be located. This packaging delay would have impacted cancer patients around the world who depend on this crucial medication. Compounding the situation was that the medication was part of a clinical trial, so missing the scheduled dose could effect the study and create a huge delay in the FDA drug validation.

SOLUTION

Emergency turnaround in one day. Fortunately, we had extra raw materials in stock, so we pulled together a group of key production people to work over the weekend to redo the job. Then, we hand-delivered the labels directly to our client on Monday at 9:30 am.

This situation reinforces why people work with PLPS. Our clients get the best of both worlds: the personal touch of a small business and the infrastructure of a large organization.

BENEFITS

1

Most importantly, the drug's production wasn't held up because of missing packaging components, so there was no delay in the patients receiving their medication or invalidating the trial.

2

A very happy client stated in a thank you note, "Simply Amazing! … I can't thank you guys enough and your priceless value to our operations."

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PLPS Featured in Packaging Technology Magazine

Check out our recent article in Packaging Technology Magazine titled "Reconsidering Rigid Packaging? Take A Deep Dive Into The Future With Flexible Packaging". Click here for more information about our flexible packaging capabilities.

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PLPS Wins Gold at the FSEA Awards

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Awarded Gold at The Foil & Specialty Effects Association Gold Leaf Awards

Deer Park, New York, April 22, 2024 -- Premium Label & Packaging Solutions (PLPS) announced today that it won first place at the 31st Annual Gold Leaf Awards for Best Use of Cold Foil (Label or Carton).  The winning shrink sleeve label was produced for longtime client OL Products for its Infatuated Tanning Lotion and was printed at Overnight Labels, the company’s Deer Park, NY plant.

At first glance, the label's black background with red inverted triangles design looks simple, but the visual reveals a spectacular  3D kaleidoscope effect when it hits the light. PLPS used multiple processes to achieve the look. First, the black and red ink was laid down, followed by a holographic Pillars of Light cold foil and a second coat of black and white ink. Finally, the web was turned to apply a silk screen UV to the red triangles to amp up the dimension.

Infatuated

Renowned for its expertise in both specialty finishes and shrink sleeves, the company has garnered numerous industry awards. This latest accolade further cements their position as an industry leader.  Leslie Gurland, VP of Sales and Marketing at PLPS, expressed the company's enthusiasm, stating, "We are always driven to maintain a level of excellence in everything we print, particularly when a job demands intricate details. This win is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and the artistry of label printing.”

The Gold Leaf Awards, a globally renowned competition, serves as a beacon for the best in the industry. It evaluates submissions that showcase a wide range of specialty finishing techniques, from foil stamping and embossing to specialty coating, film laminating, laser cutting, die-cutting, and cold-foil applications. The competition is a tribute to the industry's innovation and excellence.

“We had a record number of entries in our 31st annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards, which highlighted a variety of print embellishment technologies,” stated FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “The creativity and new uses for labels, cartons, direct mail, and other applications continue to amaze me.”

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions was formed in 2021 to bring together a group of award-winning converters with decades of experience in the Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, Beauty, Food & Beverage, and Household Product industries. Forming one company with redundant capabilities, a large fleet of state-of-the-art equipment, and market proficiency offers the personal touch of a small business with the infrastructure of a large organization and a unique quick-turn model that puts exceptional quality, speed, and customer service first.  They supply best-in-class pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, extended content labels, and flexible packaging to companies nationwide. 

Unveiling the Reality of Sustainable Packaging: Beyond a Fairy Tale?

In the realm of packaging, the conversation inevitably gravitates toward sustainability. These discussions are commonplace: clients request packaging like waterproof labels with metallic or holographic effects, yet insist these be 100% recyclable—all on a tight budget. 

Although the idea of full sustainability is commendable, the packaging industry currently struggles to meet such ambitious criteria fully.

There’s More to the Story: Diving Deeper into Sustainable Packaging

For over a decade, the focus on sustainable packaging has intensified, highlighting the importance of educating stakeholders about the attainable levels of sustainability. 

Is it possible to obtain a waterproof label with metallic finishes that is also 100% recyclable? Potentially, but likely not within a constrained budget. 

Even with unlimited financial resources, achieving complete sustainability remains a challenge. To assess your packaging's sustainability, consider these critical questions:

  1. Optimization: Is your packaging designed to be as light and compact as possible?
  2. Eco-friendly Materials: Are the inks used low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
  3. Recycling Compatibility: Does the adhesive used allow for easy separation during recycling?

Making Sustainable Packaging Choices Like Goldilocks

While the perfect solution may be elusive, there are numerous sustainable options available today that align with your packaging vision. It’s more about choosing what works best for your brand. 

Many have gone the recycled paper stock route, though it presents limitations related to design aesthetics, and shelf life.  We are probably a few years away from packaging that offers the right combination of being fully sustainable, affordable, protective, and can showcase high-end finishes but we are closer than ever.

Consider these steps to enhance your packaging’s environmental profile:

The Evolving Landscape of Sustainable Packaging

Although the packaging industry is only beginning to explore the depths of sustainability, significant progress has been made. The gap between what brands desire and what is achievable is narrowing. 

Recent advancements suggest that sustainable packaging isn't merely a fanciful notion but a practical reality that is here to stay. As we continue to innovate and test new materials, the dream of fully sustainable packaging becomes increasingly attainable.

Ready To Upgrade Your Packaging?

If you're currently exploring the path to more sustainable packaging, contact Premium Label & Packaging Solutions today. We have deep domain expertise in the world of sustainable packaging.

PLPS Featured in Contract Pharma Magazine

Check out our article in this month's Contract Pharma magazine, which discusses how next-gen biotherapeutics and direct-to-patient (DTP) trials are disrupting traditional clinical trial supply models, including the need for quick-turn/small-batch labels.  Click here for more information about our clinical trial capabilities.

Contract Pharma - "Clinical Supply CDMOs Rejig Service Models"

Has Inflation Deflated Packaging Design? Embracing Affordable Luxury Through Innovative Specialty Label Techniques

In the dynamic landscape of packaging design, where visual appeal and brand differentiation are paramount, the recent spike in prices poses significant challenges.

The rising costs associated with premium packaging materials and sophisticated embellishments compel companies, particularly within the beauty and personal care industry, to rethink their design strategies. 

The goal remains unchanged: to captivate consumers' attention on crowded shelves and in the competitive online marketplace. 

Yet, the approach to achieving this amidst budget constraints is evolving.

Forward-thinking brands and their label suppliers are challenging the narrative that luxury must come with a hefty price tag. These partnerships are pioneering cost-effective solutions without compromising on the product's aesthetic appeal or perceived value. 

According to Leslie Gurland, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Premium Label & Packaging Solutions (PLPS), the secret lies in harnessing innovative label techniques.

Gurland elaborates on how specialty inks, varnishes, laminations, and unique substrates are leveraged to produce label effects that mimic high-end packaging aesthetics. 

Skilled converters are at the forefront of this innovation, using shrink sleeves to emulate the appearance of expensive tinted or metallic containers, UV silkscreen to duplicate high-cost embellishments, and developing custom textures that replicate luxurious materials like leather or snakeskin.

Adding dimensionality to labels is a game-changer, offering a spectrum of design possibilities to make products stand out in the saturated personal care and beauty sectors. "The range of options can vary from bold to nuanced, allowing us to collaborate closely with a client’s creative team to bring their unique vision to fruition," Gurland states.

Providing Specialty Label Luxury For Less

At PLPS, popular label options that provide a luxe look for less include:

These innovative solutions not only maintain but elevate the brand experience, proving that financial constraints can be a catalyst for creativity and ingenuity in packaging design. 

They offer a pathway to achieving a luxurious presentation that resonates with consumers without the need to pass on cost increases.

For brands looking to explore these revolutionary labeling techniques and discover how they can transform their product packaging into a compelling story of luxury and innovation, PLPS invites you to witness the possibilities firsthand. 

Whether you’re interested in a sample of their award-winning specialty finishes, need a quote, or wish to discuss a project, the team at PLPS is ready to bring your vision to life.

In the current economic climate, where every penny counts, embracing these creative, cost-effective packaging solutions can help brands stay competitive and appealing to consumers. 

The journey towards affordable luxury in packaging is not only about adapting to financial pressures but also about reimagining the boundaries of design and innovation to captivate and enchant consumers in new, meaningful ways.

Ready To Upgrade Your Labels?

To learn more about how your brand can benefit from these advanced labeling techniques, contact Premium Label & Packaging Solutions today. Rediscover the potential of your product's packaging and ensure that inflation does not deflate the design or desirability of your offerings.

Clinical Trial Labels and Patient Education: Bridging the Gap

The world of clinical trials is a complex ecosystem where scientific rigor meets stringent regulatory requirements; all orchestrated to advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes. 

Clinical trial packaging and labeling are key but often underappreciated players in this process. While they may seem peripheral compared to the high-stakes research and development (R&D) and patient care aspects, the role of clinical trial labels and packaging in patient education is pivotal and profound. 

This article explores how thoughtfully designed clinical trial labels can bridge the gap between complex trial protocols and participant understanding, ultimately enhancing trial success and patient safety.

The Role of Labels in Clinical Trials

Clinical trial labels go beyond the mere function of identifying a product. They are critical communication tools designed to convey essential information to trial participants, healthcare professionals, and researchers. 

This information includes dosage instructions, storage conditions, expiry dates, and a unique identifier for traceability. In an environment where the margin for error is slim, the clarity, accuracy, and accessibility of this information become paramount.

Bridging The Information Gap

One of the biggest challenges in clinical trials is ensuring that participants fully understand their role, the trial's procedures, and the medication they are using. 

Misunderstandings can lead to non-compliance, jeopardizing the individual's safety and the integrity of the trial results. Herein lies the critical role of labels in patient education:

1. Enhancing Understanding

Labels can be designed to break down complex medical jargon into understandable language. This is crucial in ensuring that participants, regardless of their medical literacy level, can comprehend the instructions and the purpose of the medication.

2. Promoting Compliance

Clear, concise, and visually appealing labels promote better compliance. Including pictograms or color coding to denote different times of the day for medication intake can help patients follow the regimen more accurately.

3. Supporting Informed Decision Making

Labels empower participants to make informed decisions about their involvement in the trial by providing essential information at their fingertips. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the trial process.

4. Adapting to Patient Needs

Clinical trial populations can be diverse, requiring labels that are adaptable to different languages and cultures and even cater to those with visual impairments. Tailoring labels to meet these varied needs is a step towards more inclusive and equitable research.

Innovative Solutions in Clinical Trial Label Design

The adoption of expanded content labels (ECLs), such as booklet labels, fold out labels, and wrap labels has seen a remarkable surge in the world of clinical trials. 

This momentum is fueled by the critical need to provide comprehensive trial information, patient instructions, regulatory compliance data, and multiple languages in a concise, accessible manner.

Examples of these Expanded Content Labels include:

Clinical Trial Booklet Labels:

As their name suggests, these pressure sensitive labels look just like miniature paper books or fold-out leaflets and are well-suited for studies that require extended content information to be included with the products. 

You can print multiple colors and up to 60 pages on each of these multi-layer labels in order to maximize content efficiently and in an aesthetically pleasing way. Companies can also add:

Clinical Trial Fold Out Labels:

Unlike booklet labels, clinical trial fold-out labels allow content to be printed on a large piece of paper before being folded and laminated to pressure-sensitive label stock. 

This single process happens all in-line and can be constructed to allow for removability or resealability. For clinical trial applications, fold out labels can be printed to include ingredients, directions, and regulatory information in multiple languages and can be manufactured for automatic or manual applications.

Clinical Wrap Labels:

Wrap labels are typically used on small-diameter cylindrical packaging to extend the print area beyond the circumference of the container while maintaining a simple appearance. 

As the name suggests, the wrap label securely wraps onto itself but can be easily unwrapped without the adhesive compromising the printed content. 

Wrap labels can be printed with fixed information or completely by the end-user via thermal transfer printing. Options include 100% opaque, partially clear, or fully transparent label stocks and are available for manual or automatic applications.

Clinical Trial labels can be customized by adding:

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential of innovative labeling is vast, there are challenges to navigate. Regulatory compliance is at the forefront, as any information provided must meet stringent guidelines to ensure it is accurate, not misleading, and protects patient privacy. 

Moreover, the cost of implementing advanced technologies in labels can be prohibitive for some trials. Balancing innovation with practicality and regulatory requirements is a delicate task that requires ongoing collaboration between regulatory bodies, trial sponsors, and packaging experts.

Connect With Clinical Trial Label Experts

The intersection of clinical trial labels and patient education is a testament to the multifaceted nature of patient care within the context of clinical research. 

Labels are not just about compliance and regulation; they are a vital bridge to understanding, empowering participants to take an active role in their healthcare journey. 

As we progress, the focus should remain on innovative, patient-centered design that respects diversity, ensures safety, and fosters trust in the clinical trial process. 

In doing so, we can achieve better trial outcomes and advance the broader goal of patient education and engagement in healthcare. Have a need for a clinical trial label? Get in touch with a member of our team today.