Tamper-proof labelling with artimeltsurface

Not only drug manufacturers are faced with the essential obligation to tamper-proof their cardboard packaging as a result of the new European anti-tampering guideline which took effect on 9 February 2019. Other manufacturers are also increasingly looking for new ways to label or seal their products in such a way that consumers can clearly recognise whether the packaging is still in the originally sealed manufacturer’s condition or if it has already been opened. Labels with exceptional adhesive properties that damage the carboard when removed play a crucial role in this. Conventional adhesives in particular fail to provide strong enough adhesion of labels on high-quality lacquered surfaces and the labels can be removed relatively easily. With artimeltsurface, artimelt has developed an adhesive that attaches itself increasingly more powerfully to the surface as time passes by. Whenever it is attempted to remove a label coated with artimeltsurface, the label will tear, or the surface of the underlying packaging will be damaged.

The new adhesive artimeltsurface will be presented at ICE – the leading international trade fair for the finishing and processing of paper, film, and foil – from 12 to 14 March 2019 in Munich.

artimeltsurface also adheres to surfaces that contain silicones

Many cardboard boxes do more than just packaging and protecting the actual product: they should also look attractive, leave a sophisticated impression, and stimulate the customer to buy, especially with quality contents. Representative packaging is elaborately printed, partially embossed, and coated with a high gloss or matte varnish to protect against soiling and damage. “Varnishes must have special additives to fulfil the desired functions,” explains Wolfgang Aufmuth of artimelt AG. Silicone is often used as one of these additive components. With its low surface tension, silicone repels greases, dirt, and dust. At the same time, adhesives also stick very poorly to surfaces that contain silicones.

artimeltsurface has been designed to create a stronger connection with the silicone-containing surface as time goes by. “Laboratory analyses on siliconised surfaces have shown that the adhesive properties grow ever stronger.” Already after a few days, the label can no longer be removed from the underlying surface without leaving traces. During the tests, the labels were destroyed completely. Only small label parts could be removed from the packaging while leaving clearly recognisable cracks in the previously covered varnishing of the packaging, showing that the cardboard has been tampered with.

artimeltsurface can also be used for adhesions under submerged conditions. Tests have shown that adhesive tapes fitted with artimeltsurface adhere properly to smooth, submerged surfaces. This also allows, for example, for the covering of cracks in swimming pools from the inside without having to let the water out.