Packaging buyers are under growing pressure to reduce plastic packaging waste, improve material choices and gather better supplier evidence for the packaging they use. Under UK Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (EPR) and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), businesses are increasingly reviewing what their packaging is made from, whether plastic content can be reduced or replaced with recycled plastics, and more generally, how the overall recyclability of packaging materials can be improved in a supply chain.
For tamper-evident packaging, this creates a practical challenge. Security packaging still needs to protect goods, cartons, samples, documents, returns and supply-chain movements. If a package has been opened or interfered with, the tamper evidence needs to remain high.
The aim is not simply to remove plastic from every application. The aim is to choose tamper-evident packaging that supports EPR and PPWR-driven packaging reviews, while still providing the right level of security for the application.
Why EPR and PPWR matter for tamper-evident packaging
Tamper-evident products often form part of a customer’s packaging system. Security tape may be used to seal cartons. Void labels may be applied to packs, envelopes or transit boxes. Security bags may themselves be the packaging used to contain and protect goods, samples or documents.
This means buyers are increasingly asking whether there are better material choices available, including paper-based alternatives to plastic tape and labels, or recycled-content plastic options where paper is not technically suitable. Universeal can help customers review suitable tamper-evident packaging solutions and provide supplier information to support internal EPR, PPWR and packaging sustainability discussions.
Paper security tape for carton sealing
Plastic tape is still widely used for carton sealing, even where the rest of the pack is paper or cardboard. For customers reviewing plastic packaging use, UniTape Eco Paper Security Tape provides a paper-based tamper-evident alternative for carton sealing applications.
The tape is designed to protect cartons while providing clear visible evidence of interference. If removed, our security tape leaves a standard or custom void message, helping receiving teams identify cartons that may have been opened, substituted or tampered with during handling or transport.
It can be applied by hand or machine, and is typically supplied in 50mm box-tape format. Roll lengths can be produced from short manual rolls through to longer machine-applied formats, with custom print options available subject to specification and order quantity.
For customers looking to reduce reliance on plastic tape while maintaining carton sealing security, paper security tape is a practical solution to review.
View UniTape Eco Paper Security Tape
Paper security labels as an alternative to plastic void labels
Traditional void security labels are commonly produced using PET or polyester films. These materials can perform well from a security perspective, but they may not always be the preferred option where customers are reviewing plastic films used within their packaging system.
Paper UniLabel Security Labels provide a paper-based tamper-evident label option for suitable applications. They leave a visible tamper message on removal and can be customised with logos, text, barcodes, QR codes or serial numbering. They are especially relevant for cartons, envelopes, document packs and paper/card-based packaging where the customer wants tamper evidence without automatically defaulting to a plastic film label.
As with any tamper-evident label, suitability should be confirmed against the customer’s actual surface and application. Adhesion and performance can vary depending on the board, coating, surface energy, moisture, temperature and handling conditions.
View Paper UniLabel Security Labels
Recycled-content security bags
Some applications still require a plastic security bag. Where the bag itself needs to contain and protect documents, cash, evidence, samples, returns or sensitive goods, a paper-based version is not a practical or durable substitute. In these situations, the opportunity is to improve the material profile of the plastic packaging rather than compromise the security format.
Universeal Tamper-Evident Security Bags are available with 80% post-consumer recycled content, accredited to European sustainability standards. They retain the key features expected from a highly secure tamper-evident bag, including void tape, tear-off receipt, sequential numbering, barcode options and write-on panels. Standard A5, A4 and A3 sizes are available, with custom size and print options subject to minimum order quantities.
For customers reviewing plastic packaging under EPR, PPWR or internal sustainability targets, recycled-content security bags provide a practical route: maintain secure chain-of-custody protection while reducing reliance on virgin plastic content.
View Tamper-Evident Security Bags
Choosing the right tamper-evident packaging solution
The right product depends on the customer’s packaging format, application surface, supply chain, security risk and reporting requirements. A carton sealing application may suit paper security tape. A pack or envelope may suit a paper security label. A secure document or sample movement may still require a tamper-evident bag, ideally with recycled-content options where appropriate.
| Customer requirement | Solution to review | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce plastic tape use on cartons | Paper security tape | Paper-based carton sealing with visible tamper evidence |
| Avoid unnecessary plastic film labels | Paper security labels | Paper-based tamper evidence for suitable packs and surfaces |
| Security bags combining durability with sustainability | 80% PCR security bags | High-quality tamper evidence with recycled-content material |
Important: EPR, PPWR, RAM and recyclability treatment can depend on the final packaging system, application and market route. Universeal can support customers with product options, samples and supplier information, but final compliance assessment remains specific to the customer’s own packaging use.
Supporting EPR and PPWR packaging projects
EPR and PPWR are changing customer expectations. Buyers increasingly want packaging products that are easier to understand, easier to evidence and better aligned with plastic-reduction or recycled-content goals.
Universeal can support customers by offering paper-based tamper-evident solutions where plastic can be reduced, recycled-content security bags where plastic remains the right format, and supplier information to assist with internal packaging assessments.
If you are reviewing tamper-evident packaging as part of an EPR, PPWR or wider plastic-reduction project, speak to Universeal about suitable security, label and security bag solutions.