Tamper-evident packaging is any container, wrapper, or seal designed to provide visible evidence that a product has been opened, altered, or accessed before reaching the consumer. Common tamper-evident solutions include shrink bands, seals, labels, and other packaging components that must be broken, removed, or visibly altered to access the product.

AFM offers tamper-evident shrink bands made from PVC, PET-G, PLA, or OPS films that are applied to the top of a container over the lid or cap.  AFM also offers shrink sleeve labels that cover the full body of the container, including the cap, with tamper-evident film.

How Does Tamper-Evident Packaging Work?

1. Band Application – The process begins with a tamper-evident component, such as a shrink band or shrink sleeve label, being applied to the product container by a shrink sleeve machine or tamper-evident machinery.
2. Positioning – Once the sleeving machine’s mandrel has placed the full body sleeve loosely around the product, a brush-down mechanism positions the sleeve appropriately.
3. Heat Shrinking – The product then moves on a conveyor belt into a shrink sleeve tunnel that uses heat to shrink the film tightly around the product container.
4. Tamper-Evident Protection – Once the film has been heat-shrunk around the container, the tamper-evident component forms a secure barrier around the closure, helping indicate whether the container has been opened or accessed.
5. Visible Evidence of Opening – If the container is opened, the tamper-evident component must be broken, removed, or visibly altered, providing consumers with visible evidence that the package may have been accessed.

AFM manufactures several different types of shrink sleeve label applicators and shrink sleeve tunnels that work with various products and production lines.

Tamper-Evident Banding Equipment | AFM Sleeves

Shrink Sleeve Labelers | Vibrant Graphics by AFM Sleeves

Shrink Tunnels | Shrink Tunnel Solutions by AFM Sleeves

What Are Examples of Tamper-Evident Packaging?

Several types of tamper-evident packaging are designed for a wide range of products.

• Tamper-evident shrink bands – are pieces of plastic film (usually PVC) placed over a container’s cap and neck that tighten when heated.
• Neck bands – are a specific type of shrink band that covers only the upper neck and cap area of a bottle or jar.
• Tamper-evident labels – are specialty adhesive stickers placed across a lid, cap, carton opening, or seam.
• Cap seals – are protective covers or integrated rings placed directly over or around a cap or lid.
• Tear strips – are narrow, built-in ribbons or strips of plastic or foil embedded into a carton, cap, or container rim.
• Induction seals – are foil liners sealed directly across the mouth (rim) of a bottle or jar underneath the screw cap.

AFM is a leading provider of shrink sleeve labeling, tamper-evident shrink bands, neck bands, and tamper-evident labels, as well as machinery used to apply them.

What Is a Tamper-Evident Band?

A tamper-evident band is a type of shrink packaging that fits around a container’s closure and provides visible evidence if the package has been opened. Heat is used to shrink the band tightly around the container, creating a seal between the closure and container.

What Is the Difference Between Tamper-Evident and Tamper-Proof Packaging?

Tamper-evident packaging shows visual proof that a product has been breached, while tamper-proof packaging aims to prevent access entirely.

In the packaging industry, “tamper-evident” is the more accurate term because these solutions provide evidence of tampering rather than completely preventing access.

Feature	Tamper-Evident Packaging	“Tamper-Proof” Packaging
Core Goal	To reveal that an opening attempt happened.	To block or completely prevent unauthorized entry.
How It Works	Uses single-use, fragile elements that break or alter permanently (e.g., leaving a “VOID” message).	Uses heavy-duty physical barriers (e.g., steel bolt seals, padlocks, heavy wire ties).
Ease of Consumer Use	Very easy for the end consumer to open normally.	Difficult to open without specialized tools or heavy force.
Common Examples	Shrink bands, induction foil seals, and breakaway rings.	Shipping container locks and high-security cash transit bags.

What Are the Benefits of Tamper-Evident Packaging?

• Product integrity
• Consumer confidence
• Visible evidence of package opening
• Brand protection
• Packaging security
• Regulatory or industry requirements, where applicable

What Industries Use Tamper-Evident Packaging?

AFM works with a wide range of industries, container shapes, and materials.

Industries include:

• Food & beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmetics & personal care
• Household products
• Consumer packaged goods

How Do You Choose a Tamper-Evident Band Applicator?

AFM is here to help you find the correct tamper-evident band applicator for your business. Every production line is different, but there are several key factors to consider when choosing a tamper-evident band applicator:

• Container size and shape
• Band dimensions
• Production speed
• Automation level
• Product changeovers
• Conveyor integration
• Shrink tunnel requirements