Protecting Products Through Capping and Sealing
Most people think about capping products to avoid making a mess through spilling or splashing liquid everywhere as the product is transported from the production facility to the retailer to the end user. This is one way that product is protected by different sealing types, while also offering a level of convenience for consumers by allowing the resealing of products that are not single use items. However, capping and sealing can also offer a level of protection against product tampering, allowing end users to feel safe in using or consuming liquids.
Capping
Some closures used for capping bottles provide tamper evidence right within the cap. ROPP capping machines, for example, take an aluminum blank and roll it onto the threads of the bottle, creating the threads and ensuring that any tampering with the product will be clear and obvious. Spindle cappers and chuck capping machines can apply threaded caps with the anti-theft rings which will break upon opening, also providing evidence of tampering. Choosing a cap that also offers tamper evidence is one way that a packager can help to protect their products once off the production floor.
Induction Sealing
Some caps or closures will contain a layered seal inside the cap as well. Running these caps through an induction sealing machine allow an added layer of protection and provides the consumer with visual evidence of tampering. Once filled and capped, the containers move through the induction sealing unit which uses a coil to heat the seal inside the cap. The heated foil then cools to seal on the bottle opening providing an additional layer of protection for both the product being packaged and the customer making the purchase.
Neck Banding
Some packagers may also choose to use a neck bander to provide an additional seal over or around the cap itself. Shrink sleeves will be placed on the bottle neck and move down a conveyor through a heat shrink tunnel. As the heat hits the sleeve, it shrinks to tightly fit over the neck and cap. Not only is the bottle sealed using the whichever closure type the packager desires, but the shrink wrapped neck and cap again allow the consumer visual evidence of tampering before making a purchase.
Capsule Spinners
Capsule spinners work similar to the neck banding machine but without the heat. Capsules are generally tin or aluminum blanks that are molded to the neck and over the closure on a bottle. Popular in the wine and distilled spirits industry, just like the other options discussed here, the capsule provides an additional level of protection when added to the corking or other capping of products. In addition, consumers can purchase products with confidence that no tampering has occurred absent a broken capsule.
With several different methods to both protect products and the consumer, one manner may work better for an individual packager depending on factors such as the product, bottles, closures and more. To learn more about tamper evident packaging and the ideal machinery for your own project, contact Liquid Packaging Solutions today!