There has been a lot of confusion between biodegradability, compostability and oxo-degradability. In this blog post, Seals HQ will explain the difference between these three processes, and why you should trust Seals HQ's biodegradable security seals.
1) WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS: Biodegradable plastics are a relatively small subset of bioplastics which can be converted into water, carbon dioxide and bio-mass over time with the help of micro-organisms. This process is called biodegradation.
COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS: Compostable plastics are those plastics which have been tested and certified by a third party to adhere to international standards such as ASTM D6400 (in the US) or EN13432 (in Europe) for biodegradation in an industrial composting facility environment.
OXO-DEGRADABLE PLASTICS: They are neither a bioplastic or a biodegradable plastic, but rather a conventional plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegradation. Oxo-degradable plastics quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces, called microplastics, but don’t break down at a molecular or polymer level. The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down.
Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Seals are 100% biodegradable. This means that once our security seals are disposed in landfills, microbes digest it and the plastic disappears (that’s why we get the byproducts of biogas and water).
Oxo-degradable (or now marketed as oxo-biodegradable) are not biodegradable. The claims made by these oxo manufacturers is that the plastic will break and break and break again, eventually breaking into nothing. However, we know that this is not true as we have already seen reports that microplastics have been found in human lungs.
2) WHAT'S THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND SEAL HQ'S BIODEGRADABLE SECURITY SEALS?
Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Seals uses a very special additive called BioSphere to encourage natural biodegradation in our security seals. Watch this video below to find out more about BioSphere:
Now that you understand how BioSphere works, you might be interested to know that Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Seals contain 1% of BioSphere additive. In some cases, the concentration can be increased upon request by the customer. This is usually done to encourage a faster rate of biodegradation.
3) WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR BIODEGRADATION?
The only requirement for biodegradation to occur is the presence of microbes. In the video above, you learnt that the BioSphere additive attracts over 600 different types of microbes.
Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Seals are designed to biodegrade in both aerobic (oxygen rich i.e. compost) and anaerobic (oxygen starved i.e. landfill) environments. Temperature also plays an important role in encouraging biodegradation.
4) WHAT ARE THE BY-PRODUCTS OF BIODEGRADATION?
Another question we usually get is the by-product of biodegradation. When biodegradation occurs, the by-products are a combination of biogas (Carbon Dioxide and Methane) and water.
Methane gas is harmful to the environment at high concentrations. However, Landfills across Australia are required to capture the biogas in order to avoid paying the Carbon Emission Tax. The Australian Government also offers an Emissions Reduction Fund to encourage landfill operators to install equipment to capture biogas. Around 130 landfills in Australia are capturing methane and using it to generate electricity.
5) DO SEAL HQ'S BIODEGRADABLE SECURITY SEALS MEET AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS5810:2010 OR AS4736:2006?
One of the main requirements is minimum 90% biodegradation within 180 days in compost (AS4736:2006) or 12 months in home compost (AS5810:2010). Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Seals are compostable, but not at the rate required to fulfil either standards.
6) SHOULD YOU STILL CONSIDER BIODEGRADABLE SECURITY SEALS?
The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES!! Although the Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Seals can't meet the rate of biodegradation required in AS4736:2006 and AS5810:2010, evidence of biodegradation still enforces the fact that this is an environmentally friendly security seal. Comparing with conventional security seals which do not degrade at all, Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Seals will completely degrade in years.
7) ISO14021:2018 ENVIRONMENTAL LABELS AND DECLARATIONS - SELF DECLARED
It is also noted that according to Australian Standard ISO14021:2018, Environmental Labels and Declarations – Self Declared, it is stated in the appendix that ASTM D5511 (which is the test standard we use to determine biodegradability) is an acceptable standard for self-declaration.
If you have any other questions regarding Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Seals, please contact us using one of the methods below:
PHONE: 1300 920 778
EMAIL: sales@sealshq.com.au
WEB: https://www.sealshq.com.au
]]>Our Quality Management System helps Seals HQ provide consistent outcomes which are measured and monitored, resulting in:
The team at Seals HQ is excited to achieve this significant milestone and be the first security seal business in Australia to be ISO9001:2015 certified. We look forward to continue providing world-class customer service and innovative products to you and the team at Woolworths.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
]]>Seals HQ is the leading provider of biodegradable tamper evident security products in Australia and we discuss the differences between these 2 plastics in this blog post.
]]>Consumer demand for sustainable solutions are growing. Manufacturing of bioplastics (and products made from bioplastics) are expected to grow by as much as 20% in 2022. As consumers gradually switch their preference to more environmentally friendly products, consumers must also grow their understanding of bioplastics and their effects on the environment.
There are 3 common terms that businesses use to promote their sustainable products - Biodegradability, compostability and oxo-degradability. Although these three terms are sometimes accidentally or deliberately used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. When consumers are confused over these, especially when it comes to the disposal of products made with these materials, the consequences can be dire. Responsible companies should market their products accurately and honestly, and consumers need to understand these terms in order to make educated buying decisions and properly dispose of these materials at the end of their use.
Most consumers who are not familiar with plastics might be confused between these two types of plastics. Of late, we are seeing an increase in oxo-degradable products marketed as environmentally friendly when it actually is not so 'friendly' to the environment.
Oxo-degradable plastics are a conventional plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegradation. When exposed to landfill conditions, oxo-degradable plastics break down into smaller and smaller pieces (called micro plastics) but don't break down at the molecular or polymer level like biodegradable plastics. The resulting micro plastics are just tiny shards of normal plastics that will take centuries to degrade.
It is encouraging to see that more and more countries and businesses around the world are starting to ban oxo-degradable from being sold or used. However, more awareness is still needed to ensure that consumers are not confusing oxo-degradable plastics as environmentally friendly plastics.
Biodegradable plastics are a conventional plastic mixed with an additive that allows microbes to consume the plastic both on the surface and the interior of the plastic. The additive used by Seals HQ in our biodegradable products are designed to allow microbes to consume the C-C bonds within the plastic structures at macromolecular levels which results in the consumption of the bonds. The process converts our biodegradable products into CH4 (methane gas), CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water). There is no harmful residue left behind after the biodegradation process! Now that's what we call environmentally friendly.
Seals HQ is at the forefront of researching and offering biodegradable tamper evident security solutions to our customers. We have successfully introduced biodegradable security seals and biodegradable security bags, and very soon we will be launching our biodegradable security tapes and labels!
Biodegradability does not affect the physical properties of our products so you can be assured that the security seal or security bag that you are using will still perform as designed. Shelf life is also preserved so don't worry - you won't see security seals or bags disintegrating before your eyes!
Click on the links below and you will be directed to our biodegradable tamper evident security product pages on our website:
Biodegradable Security Seals - CLICK HERE
Biodegradable Security Bags - CLICK HERE
Alternatively, please send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au or call +61 1300 920 778 (local charges may apply if calling from outside of Australia).
]]>Seals HQ has recently successfully commissioned our very own laser engraving machine at our warehouse facility in NSW. Powered by fibre optics, the laser engraving machine enables us to mark detailed logos, text, barcodes and serial numbers.
Seals HQ decided to invest in this laser engraving machine to provide additional value to our clients. Clients can now expect lead times for custom designed security seals to be SLASHED from 2 - 3 weeks to 2 - 3 days upon confirmation of artwork.
If you are currently using stock standard security seals marked with a generic supplier logo, why not deploy security seals marked with your company logo and any custom text / information that you need?
Contact Seals HQ today to discuss how we can add value to your business with custom designed security seals. You can contact us via any of the following and one of our product specialists will be able to assist you:
1) Email: sales@sealshq.com.au
2) Call: 1300 920 778
]]>We provide 2 types of Sterilisation Pouches:
1) PP / PET Film with Medical Grade Paper - Suitable for Steam and Ethylene Oxide sterilisation method
2) PE / PET Film with Medical Grade Paper - Suitable for Ethylene Oxide and Gamma sterilisation method
Both types of sterilisation pouches can be supplied either with self-sealing or heat sealing formats. We also offer clients the option to customise the Sterilisation Pouch with their own artwork to include logos, TGA registration numbers, CE certification numbers etc, usage instructions etc.
Our Sterilisation Pouches are manufactured in an ISO13485 certified facility in clean room conditions. Our Sterilisation Pouches are also CE-certified.
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to discuss how we can assist you with your Sterilisation Pouches!
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email us at sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Fill out our simple CONTACT US form
Some features of our Holographic Tamper Evident Security Labels are:
By implementing Seals HQ's Holographic Tamper Evident Security Labels in your operations, you are enhancing security by ensuring that the security label you are using is UNIQUE to your business and cannot be copied.
The Holographic Tamper Evident Security Labels has a printable area for text, barcodes or serial numbers. The labels can be made in either Total Transfer (leaves a VOID residue on the application surface) or Non Transfer (VOID marks appear on the label but leaves the application surface clean).
Seals HQ's Holographic Tamper Evident Security Labels are a cost efficient yet effective security label that will enhance the security for your packaging.
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to discuss how we can assist you in implementing our Holographic Tamper Evident Security Labels in your business!
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email us at sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Fill out our simple CONTACT US form
Seals HQ has recently been recognised by the Australian Enterprise Awards 2021 as the Leading Providers of Biodegradable Security Seals. This recognition reinforces our commitment of partnering with our clients to make a positive impact in our environment in the usage of security seals.
Follow these links to view our range of Biodegradable Security Seals and Biodegradable Security Bags. Alternatively, contact Seals HQ today via mail or call us at 1300 920 778.
]]>As of 1st January 2021, Seals HQ is able to provide Biodegradable One Time Use Security Bags as a standard product. The Biodegradable One Time Use Security Bags come in 3 sizes:
Click HERE for A3 Size - 320.0mm x 495.0mm (Including Tear Off Receipt)
Click HERE for A4 Size - 230.0mm x 375.0mm (Including Tear Off Receipt)
Click HERE for A5 Size - 170.0mm x 285.0mm (Including Tear Off Receipt)
We have also maintained the same pricing between our Biodegradable and non-Biodegradable One Time Use Security Bags.
Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Bags combines our innovative and secure Security Tamper Evident Bags with Biodegradability.
Some of the environmentally friendly features of our Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Bags are:
All Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Bags still maintain its security features and are suitable for protecting high value assets. The Biodegradable Security Bags are highly customisable and features our standard security features as shown below:
To know more about Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Tape, contact us using one of the methods below:
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email us at sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Fill out our simple CONTACT US form
Upon arrival at the hotel, the passengers are given to the keys to their room and asked to enter their room immediately and not leave till allowed to do so. As the first passenger from the plane arrives at room 401, the cleaning crew exits from room 403 and tells the passenger that room 401 has not been cleaned and he has to wait.
Disaster averted? What if the passenger that was going to stay in room 401 was not infected with COVID19 but caught the virus because the room was contaminated and had not been cleaned by the crew yet? Is there any way we can indicate whether a room has been cleaned and sanitised?
Seals HQ is working together with a large hotel in Australia to develop a solution which is cost-effective yet provide a clear and accurate indication that a room has been sanitised.
Upon completion of cleaning and sanitising the room, a Non-Transfer Security Label is applied onto the door to indicate that the room is ready for its next guest. Additional information i.e. Date of sanitisation and which team sanitised the room can be written on the label using a pen or sharpie. Any subsequent authorised or unauthorised entry to the room will cause a VOID message to appear on the label.
The same concept is also used for quarantining purposes. After guests are checked into the room, a Quarantine label is applied onto the door. When the guards change shift, the new team of guards does a walk-by and checks to see if any of the labels are showing a VOID message.
Security labels can also be used to indicate sanitisation of rental cars. Once a car is returned to the depot, a team sanitises the car and applies a label once the sanitisation is complete. Any subsequent entry to the car will cause a VOID message to appear on the label which will indicate that an authorised / unauthorised entry has been made.
The security labels are also serialised with a unique sequential number and barcode. This unique serial number can be recorded on all paperwork to ensure compliance.
According to industry statistics, there were nearly 19,000 co-working spaces worldwide in 2019, covering over 80 million square feet of real estate. 3 million co-workers worked in a shared co-working space in 2019. Freelancers are the largest co-working demographic in the world.
The chances of a cross-contamination are very high in a co-working environment as there are a very high number of people traversing through co-working spaces every day. We can’t just rely on hand sanitisers at entrances to co-working spaces as the only defence against cross-contamination.
Security labels should be applied on office doors after the office is sanitised by the cleaning crew. Again, additional information i.e. Date of sanitisation and which team sanitised the room can be written on the label using a pen or sharpie. Any subsequent authorised or unauthorised entry to the room will cause a VOID message to appear on the label.
Security labels are a versatile yet simple method to reduce cross contamination. Security labels are a very effective verification method to ensure spaces are properly sanitised before being used by the next person.
All Seals HQ's security labels are customisable and can be printed with various custom designs. We are able to add your own company logo, custom text, serial numbers and graphics.
We offer a quick dispatch time of 24 hours for any orders. Contact Seals HQ today to find out more.
]]>However, to term Security Seals as tamper-proof seals gives the false illusion that the security seal is not susceptible to tampering and will provide adequate security to prevent tampering. Instead, the accurate term for Security Seals will be Tamper Evident Seals.
Well designed Tamper Evident security seals are designed to show clear evidence in case of tampering. It is not completely wrong that security seals are used to physically prevent tampering as well. Firstly, using a security seal is the first deterrent to tampering. Depending on which security seal you are using, the security seal also offers different levels of barrier resistance.
However, the main purpose of a security seal is to show evidence when a seal has been used or tampered. For example, let’s have a look at Seals HQ’s Cable Seal 2.5:
The Cable Seal 2.5 (and all of our other Cable Seals, by the way) is made from non-preformed galvanised wire. The wire frays at the point of cutting which renders the seal useless when it is cut. There is no way for the seal to be reused after the cable is cut. Here is a video of how the wire frays:
Hence, the Cable Seal 2.5 presents evidence that the seal has been tampered when the wire is frayed.
To combat pre-tampering, our new Fixed Length Barcode plastic seal has security ribs at the entry to the locking chamber to prevent any attempts to pre-tamper the seal. The security ribs serve as a visual evidence to indicate whether an attempt was made to compromise the locking chamber.
As illustrated in the 2 examples above, security seals can be designed using a wide variety of methods to increase tamper evidence. Gone are the days of a single piece moulded plastic seal which its only tamper evidence is that the seal is broken. As criminals devise more and more methods to defeat a security seal, the design of security seals is also constantly evolving to stay one step ahead.
In conclusion, Seals HQ decided to use the term Tamper Evident Security Seal across our platforms to avoid confusing customers and to standardise our content that we supply our customers. However, if we hear a customer asking for a tamper proof seal, rest assured that we won’t turn you away but will still gladly assist you… That is our Seals HQ guarantee.
]]>While all Seals HQ's Security Tamper Evident Bags are already 100% recyclable, we have gone one step further in our goal to provide the widest range of sustainable security tamper evident solutions to Australia.
Seals HQ's Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Bags combines our innovative and secure Security Tamper Evident Bags with Biodegradability.
Some of the environmentally friendly features of our Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Bags are:
All Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Bags still maintain its security features and are suitable for protecting high value assets. The Biodegradable Security Bags are highly customisable and features our standard security features as shown below:
To know more about Biodegradable Security Tamper Evident Tape, contact us using one of the methods below:
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email us at sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Fill out our simple CONTACT US form
Seals HQ's MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag is designed for securely storing valuable contents while allowing for multiple access to the contents. There are many applications where our MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag can be deployed i.e. storage of police evidence and storage of medical specimens.
Conventional Security Bags that has just one seal only allows one single access to the contents. The user will need to transfer the contents into another Security Bag for storage. Furthermore, all records will need to be updated to reflect the serial number of the new Security Bag. The Chain of Custody is compromised as errors might happen if multiple serial numbers need to be recorded, or the user forgets to update the serial number on the record.
Our MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag does not break the Chain of Custody by removing the need to transfer the contents to another Security Tamper Evident Bag. The MultiTape Security Bag can be opened to access the contents, and resealed using the next security tape on the Security Bag.
The main purpose of the MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag is to protect the Chain of Custody. The MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag:
ALSO READ: What is a Level 4 Tamper Evident Bag?
Using the MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bag is no different from any normal Security Bags. The same method of sealing the bag still applies:
If you need to find an effective method of preserving the Chain of Custody in your operations, talk to Seals HQ today on how our MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Bags can help you.
To know more about MultiTape Security Tamper Evident Tape, contact us using one of the methods below:
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email us at sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Fill out our simple CONTACT US form
However you are unsure about which Security Labels or Security Tapes to use. You have questions about what is the difference between Non Transfer or Total Transfer Labels and Tapes, what options are available to you when it comes to sizes, shapes and custom design printing.
Well, this blog post is for you. We'll try to cover most of the common topics regarding Security Labels and Security Tapes:
1) What are the differences between Non Transfer and Total Transfer? Does one have more advantage over the other?
2) What are the options available? Can I do a specific colour, or size, or shape?
3) Are the Security Labels and Security Tape customisable?
Non Transfer simply means that when the Security Label or Security Tape is peeled off, there will be no residue on the application surface. The VOID message appears entirely on the Security Label or Security Tape itself.
There are a few important observations from the picture above:
1) Seals HQ Non Transfer Security Label securely adheres to the application surface and VOIDs without needing any extra adhesion time.
2) When the Non Transfer Security Label is peeled back, the VOID message appears clearly on the label but there is no residue on the application surface.
Non Transfer Security Labels and Security Tapes are ideal for applications requiring the application surface to remain clean after peeling the label off while still being able to show clear tamper evidence. Examples might be First Aid Kits, Safety Deposit Boxes, Asset Labels etc.
Total Transfer Security Labels or Security Tapes leaves a layer of residue on the application surface after the Security Label or Security Tape is peeled off. The residue is almost impossible to remove without using special chemicals.
Again, there are a few important observations from the picture above:
1) Seals HQ Total Transfer Security Label securely adheres to the application surface and VOIDs without needing any extra adhesion time.
2) When the Total Transfer Security Label is peeled back, the VOID message appears clearly on the application surface to indicate tamper evidence.
Total Transfer Security Labels and Security Tapes are ideal for applications requiring clear tamper evidence on the application surface if the label has been peeled off. Examples might be Warranty Labels, Food Packaging, Manufacturing Labels etc.
No. Seals HQ recommends either Non Transfer or Total Transfer Security Labels or Security Tapes depending on your application. Both Non Transfer and Total Transfer has its own purpose and is deployed according to your requirements.
All Seals HQ Security Labels and Security Tapes are fully customisable. We are able to print your Company Logo, Text, Image and even include barcodes on the labels.
Visit these pages below to see our options for Custom Printing:
Click HERE if you need to print 5,000pcs and below
Click HERE if you need to print above 5,000pcs
A Dual Colour Security Label reveals a 2nd hidden colour after the Security Label is peeled off. This allows for very clear tamper evidence. Furthermore, a Dual Colour Security Label is not easily replicated and thus provides the highest tamper evidence.
Our Product Specialists are ready to answer any other questions you might have regarding Security Labels and Security Tapes. Contact us using one of the methods below:
1) Call us at 1300 920 778
2) Email sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Complete an easy online Enquiry Form
]]>
I'm sure all Security Seal users have heard the standard sales pitch when it comes to custom branding your Security Seals - "Custom branding your seals creates brand awareness. Users will know immediately that the seal is yours."
But what if Seals HQ told you today that we can optimise custom branding on your Security Seals and use it as a security feature? What if by being creative with how we brand your Security Seals, you're staying one step ahead from being pilfered?
OPTIMISATION 1: ROTATING THE COLOURS OF YOUR SECURITY SEALS
A criminal who is intending to pilfer your goods is aware that your Security Seals are always Yellow in colour, printed with your logo and the serial number is sequentially numbered. Nothing is stopping him from going on Alibaba, find an identical seal, request it as a sample and suddenly he's in possession of an identical seal with what you're using (Refer to Part 1 of this series if you want to know how easily identical seals can be obtained from Alibaba).
By rotating the colours of your Security Seals, you are making it difficult for someone who is familiar with your operations to be able to obtain an identical seal.
Seals HQ recommends that Security Seal colours are rotated at least every quarter.
OPTIMISATION 2: ADDING AND ROTATING PREFIXES ON SERIAL NUMBERS
According to ISO17712, a Security Seal needs to be marked with a unique serial number. However, most companies just purchase security seals in sequential order - 0001, 0002, 0003...
Another method of custom branding Security Seals as a security measure is to add a prefix or suffix to your serial number - A0001, A0002, A0003, and rotating the prefixes or suffixes on the Security Seals on a regular basis. For example, if you use approximately 1000 seals per month, then Seals HQ can provide you with A0001 - A1000, B1001 - B2000, C2001 - C3000 etc. Better yet, randomise the prefix and don't follow alphabetical sequence.
By adding and rotating prefixes / suffixes in your serial numbers, you are adding an extra layer of protection against someone getting an identical seal with a serial number that will match a number in your system.
OPTIMISATION 3: ADDING A CHECK DIGIT IN YOUR SERIAL NUMBERS / BARCODES
Check Digits were initially designed to guard against errors caused by the incorrect transcription of an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). A calculation is applied on a serial number to create a single digit that is added as a last digit on a serial number. For maths lovers out there, click HERE for an example of a Modulus 11 Check Digit calculation. Let's take a look at this sequence of serial numbers:
50000012 - 50000029 - 50000036 - 50000043 - 50000050 - 50000067 - 50000074 - 50000081 - 50000098 - 50000104
What if I were to tell you that these 10 numbers above are actually in sequence? The construction of the serial number is shown in the table below:
The last digit in the Serial Number is actually the Check Digit. By looking at the serial numbers without knowing that a Check Digit is used, the numbers don't look like they are in sequence when in actual fact, they are.
The 3 methods recommended above are just some of the many ways Seals HQ utilises custom branding Security Seals not just for the single purpose of brand awareness, but actually as one of the tools to increase the effectiveness of your Security Seals.
If you would like to discuss custom branding on your Security Seals, please contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below. One of our team members will contact you to discuss what Seals HQ can do for you.
This is Part 3 of a 4-part series on Custom Branding Security Seals. Follow Seals HQ on LinkedIn to stay updated as we release our articles.
]]>There are many methods that can be used to brand your Security Seals. There are benefits and disadvantages to certain methods, which we will cover in our article today.
HOT STAMPING - In the old days, the most common method to brand a security seal was a process called hot stamping. A copper block is heated to between 135°C - 150°C and is used to stamp a coloured foil onto the security seal. The heat will transfer the colour from the foil onto the security seal according to the engravings on the copper block.
INKJET PRINTING - Imagine using an inkjet printer and printing dot matrix style markings on the security seal. This is what Inkjet Printing is.
THERMAL TRANSFER - Thermal Transfer printing is an advanced methodology that follows the hot stamping method described earlier. The only difference is that a copper block is no longer needed. The custom design is drawn on a computer and fed to the machine, which will then print the design onto a foil which is then transferred to the security seal using heat.
LASER MARKING - The crème de la crème of methodologies used in branding a security seal. The design is drawn using a computer and fed to the laser marking machine, which then uses mirrors to guide a laser beam to etch a permanent marking on the security seal.
Briefly, here are the benefits and advantages to the various methods listed above:
With more YESSES that Simon Cowell gives out in a typical episode of American Idol, it is obvious that Laser Marking is the best method to brand your security seals.
Seals HQ is committed to bringing the latest and best technology to Australia. We have invested in a Fibre Laser marking machine that is due to be commissioned in the next few months. As far as we know, Seals HQ is the FIRST and ONLY security seal provider in Australia to have our own laser marking machine.
Once the machine is commissioned, Seals HQ will be able to offer branded seals from as low as 100 seals. Follow us to be informed on when the machine is commissioned and watch a video of us christening it by breaking a sacrificial bottle of champagne over the machine as it is named aloud and launched (We won't actually do that - the champagne will break the machine, but we'll still officially commission the machine).
If you would like to discuss branding on your security seals, please contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below. One of our team members will contact you to discuss what Seals HQ can do for you.
This is Part 2 of a 4-part series on Custom Branding Security Seals. Follow Seals HQ on LinkedIn to stay updated as we release our articles.
]]>The Security Labels are printed using a state-of-the-art Zebra printer with genuine Zebra Wax / Resin Thermal ribbons to ensure the labels are robust when exposed to moderate chemical / abrasion.
The ordering process is simple:
1) Choose between Total Residue or Non Residue
2) Choose a colour and size
3) Place your order
Once you have placed your order, send your logo and a brief explanation of your artwork requirement to sales@sealshq.com.au. Our team will send you an artwork to confirm before proceeding with manufacturing.
If you require a small quantity of Security Labels printed with logos, linear and 2D barcodes, custom text and serial numbers, Seals HQ can quickly print your Security Labels for you.
Click HERE to place your order!
]]>Why should you consider custom branding your Security Seals?
]]>One question every team member at Seals HQ is trained to ask our clients is - "Would you like to custom design the printing on your seal?"
Why does Seals HQ encourage our clients to custom design the printing on their security seals? To be honest, custom printing a seal requires a lot of planning on our end. We have to draft the artwork, get customer approval, get the factory to mark an actual sample, send to the customer for final approval, plan production, juggle shipments to ensure continuity of supply... Why don't we take a shortcut and just convince our clients to go for stock standard seals with no branding and just a serial number?
If you perform a simple search of the term "security seals" on Alibaba, one of the world's largest marketplace, the platform will return 19,475 results. Most of the security seals offered are hard to differentiate, especially to a lay-person who does not handle security seals on a daily basis.
How then can a company that values security confidently say that the seal they are using is genuinely unique, and not a stock standard seal that anyone can obtain a copy of? How sure are you that the security seal that arrived on a container from overseas is genuine and not a copy that has replaced the original seal on the container?
By adding a custom design on the security seal, you are eliminating the opportunity for anyone to break your seal, steal / sabotage the contents and replace the seal with a copy.
Furthermore, security seals nowadays play an important role in a company's brand awareness. As more and more businesses include security seals in their operations and packaging, the custom design featured on the security seals a proof of their commitment to security.
Custom Designing the printing on your security seal might include Company Logo / Barcode (Linear and 2D) / Custom Text / Serial Number / Custom Colour / Hot Stamped Writing Panels
Seals HQ supplies a large range of security seals, and custom design options varies from one security seal to another. If you have a requirement to custom design the printing on your security seal, or would like to discuss options available to you, please contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below. One of our team members will contact you to discuss what Seals HQ can do for you.
This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on Custom Branding Security Seals. Follow Seals HQ on LinkedIn to stay updated as we release our articles.
]]>You will often hear STEB providers referring to the security level of the STEB between Level 1 - Level 4. Generally as the levels increased, so does the security features of the STEB especially the type of tamper evident tape is used on the bag. Level 1 tape is just a hot melt glue usually found on courier satchels. Level 4 tape (highest level) offers improved features including detection of tampering using liquids and solvents, heat and freon.
A well designed STEB must have some important features that will prevent any attempt of tampering, or will show clearly when a tampering has taken place. Some common methods of tampering a STEB might be:
A well-designed STEB should possess some of the features below:
Custom designs are also very useful when increasing the security features of your STEB. An example would be that we have had clients printing serial numbers on both sides of the STEB. Writing panels can also be printed with a white background to make writing on the bags easier and improve legibility.
If you are a STEB user and unsure of whether the STEB is secure or suitable for your application, contact Seals HQ today and we can assist to assess your current STEB. Contact us via one of the following methods:
Email: sales@sealshq.com.au Call: 1300 920 778 Web: www.sealshq.com.au
]]>Today we are going to look at a head on battle between our 2 most popular wire seals - The Cable Seal 2.5 vs Combi Seal 1.8L. Depending on your requirement, each seal has specific features that will suit your application.
Firstly, let's compare the specifications:
Both the Cable Seal 2.5 and Combi Seal 1.8L can be customised according to your specific design. Wire length can also be customised based on your requirement.
Click on the links below to visit the Product Page for each seal:
Cable Seal 2.5 - Click HERE Combi Seal 1.8L - Click HERE
Contact Seals HQ today and speak with one of our Product Specialists regarding your Cable seal requirement. You can contact us using any of the below:
i) Email our Product Specialists at sales@sealshq.com.au
ii) Talk to our Product Specialists at 1300 920 778
iii) Leave a message on our contact form and our Product Specialist will respond
With the recent directive by the Australian Government to all restaurants to only allow takeaway or home delivery services, the urgency surrounding food safety is becoming apparent.
The above are just 2 examples of delivery partners being caught eating / tampering with the food they have been entrusted to deliver. Are you certain that the food you have just received has not had intrusive fingers in them? What guarantees do we have that a delivery partner having a bad day has not just spit into your food?
A simple yet very effective solution would be the implementation of Tamper Evident Security Labels / Tapes on all food packaging. A restaurant packing a bag of food can easily apply a label on the bag (as shown below). Any attempt to reach the contents will result in the tape being tampered and leaving a very clear VOID message on the bag:
The solution is cost effective yet provides maximum security in ensuring that your food that you're going to consume has not been tasted or tampered with during transit.
The implementation of tamper evident security in food delivery forces accountability in the time unaccounted for during transit. This is a simple yet effective method to ensure that your food is delivered to you exactly as how the restaurant intended the food to be - fresh and ready to be enjoyed.
Contact Seals HQ today to discuss how we can help you increase accountability and security in your food delivery chain. You can contact us using any of the below:
i) Email our Product Specialists at sales@sealshq.com.au
ii) Talk to our Product Specialists at 1300 920 778
iii) Leave a message on our contact form and our Product Specialist will respond
As part of Seals HQ’s Corporate Responsibility and Environment Protection Initiative, we have launched our new range of Biodegradable Security Seals.
Extensive testing has been performed to ensure that the performance of the seal has not been compromised. The special additive used not only naturally attracts over 600 different kinds of microbes, it also makes it easier for the microbes to digest and eventually consume the Security Seal!
The testing which was conducted by ISO testing methods and the ASTM D5511, 5526 and 7475 testing methods for Anaerobic biodegradation show biodegradation at a baseline minimum of 60% in a year.
In the majority of testing which has been conducted over half a decade on plastic, no organisation has seen anything close to the results which are produced using the biodegradable additive technology incorporated in Seals HQ Biodegradable Security Seals.
Download the datasheet HERE.
Contact Seals HQ today to find out how we can play a role in creating a sustainable legacy for our future generations.
]]>As we look back at 2019, the team at Seals HQ would like to thank all our clients for your support throughout the year. Thanks to faithful customers, the year 2019 has been one of record growth. We understand that our clients have many options in the marketplace, and are pleased that they have made Seals HQ their partner for tamper evident security products.
As a business, we strive to effect change in our community and make an impact in whatever way we can. Seals HQ initiated our Seals Hope Quest this year which aims to return a small portion of our profits to the community in hopes that our contribution will create a butterfly effect that will signify the beginning of greater change in the future.
In the year 2019, Seals HQ supported Response for Life and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services by providing free security seals. Seals HQ also supported one80tc, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre by sponsoring a rider in their annual Sydney to Hunter charity fundraiser. Lastly, Seals HQ supported a missionary initiative in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Through your support, we managed to donate 200kgs of rice, boxes of instant noodles and basic medical supplies that went to directly help families in poor rural villages in Cambodia.
Our quest for HOPE would not have happened without all our clients, and we thank all our clients for empowering the team at Seals HQ to support initiatives close to our hearts.
If you are a registered charity in Australia and have a need for security seals, please get in touch with us and we will be happy to support you in 2020. Please send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au for more information.
]]>Australia is experiencing one of its most severe droughts on record, resulting in desperate water shortages across large parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland. The latest report by the Bureau of Meteorology issued on 5 September 2019 focused on these key points:
As water is the main necessity of life, it has become imperative that all measures are taken to secure this precious resource. However, there are cases of unscrupulous behaviour where offenders have been caught in acts of water theft. Water theft comes in many forms, mainly taking water without an access license or tampering with water meters. This is where Seals HQ’s expertise can help you.
Our range of Meter Seals are designed to be easy to apply, resistant to UV and water exposure. Our Rotor Seals, Cable Seals and Combi Seals can be applied without any tools and can only be removed with a wire cutter. Optional features include:
Contact us via one of the following methods to discuss your options with our Product Specialists:
Phone 1300 920 778
Email sales@sealshq.com.au
Web https://www.sealshq.com.au
If you are a RACA, what steps have you taken to ensure that there will be no tampering or pilferage of the cargo before uplifting international outbound air cargo which has been examined onto an aircraft?
Tamper Evident Security Seals can be used to secure ULDs. Depending on the value of the cargo, you can choose either a simple plastic indicative seal (which can be easily applied and removed by hand) or use a wire cable seal, which is designed to provide greater security as it can only be removed with a wire cutter.
ULDs with loose carton boxes can be secured with tamper evident security tapes and labels.
Seals HQ is a specialist provider of tamper evident products and solutions. With our wide range of cost effective products, RACA Freight Forwarders can now apply best practices to ensure maximum security for your packaging.
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to discuss how we can help you effectively secure your packaging:
1) Send us an online enquiry - https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact
2) Send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
Many pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors have implemented methods to secure their:
In this post, Seals HQ will look at what type of Tamper Evident Security Solutions are suitable for each of the stages above.
RAW MATERIAL
Whether you store your raw materials in IBCs, Storage Tanks, Roll Cages or Crates, securing raw material is the first step in ensuring that the final product is not compromised.
WORK-IN-PROGRESS MATERIAL
Whether it is goods waiting for packaging or additional production process, it is imperative to ensure that WIP material is not compromised.
PACKAGING
Finished Goods are equally important to secure. Whether it is to protect against pilferage or attempts of sabotage, securing finished goods is important to maintain product integrity.
DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
Whether your goods are distributed locally or exported, ensuring security along the distribution network ensures that product integrity is maintained. Security seals are used to secure pallets, trucks and shipping containers to protect against any attempts of pilferage or sabotage.
We offer customers the ability to custom design your Security Seals, Labels and Tapes. We also offer a Stock Management Program that ensures continuity of supply without requiring customers to hold stock.
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to discuss how we can help you effectively secure your packaging:
1) Send us an online enquiry - https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact
2) Send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
Seals HQ has compiled the most effective method to apply Security Tapes on pallets and boxes. We have also estimated how many pallets and boxes you can secure using 1 roll of security tape.
SECURING PALLETS (Pallets measure 1.2 meters x 1.2 meters with a height of 1.4 meters)
SECURING CARTONS (Cartons measure 40cm x 25cm x 20cm)
With our cost-effective security tapes, you can now apply best practices to ensure maximum security for your packaging.
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to discuss how we can help you effectively secure your packaging:
1) Send us an online enquiry - https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact
2) Send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
]]>Why was the above exercise necessary? It's to prove to you that having a generic tamper evident label or tape is just not good enough - anyone can buy labels off online marketplaces and gain the ability to remove and replace your label without ever being noticed.
This is where Custom Designed Tamper Evident Security Tapes and Labels greatly increases security in your operations. Whether you are securing pallets, boxes, envelopes, satchels, doors and crates, applying custom designed tamper evident labels or tapes deters pilferage or sabotage because it is unique and not readily available.
So now you've decided to start custom designing your tamper evident security tapes and labels. However, majority of the suppliers require a large order (usually a minimum of 250 rolls of tape or 10,000 labels) before they even consider your order. Furthermore, suppliers will charge a fee to fabricate a printing plate to be able to print your customised artwork.
This is where Seals HQ can help you. Our Minimum Order Quantity for custom designed tamper evident security tapes starts at 100 rolls and 5,000 labels for custom designed security labels. Furthermore, printing plates are provided free-of-charge!
What is the next step? Contact Seals HQ and our Product Specialist will assist you to:
1) Decide the size and shape that is most suitable for your application.
2) Decide the colour of your custom designed tamper evident security tape or label.
3) Design the artwork - logos, text, barcode or serial number.
Here are some templates that might inspire you:
Contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below to begin the process of custom designing your tamper evident security tapes and labels:
1) Send us an online enquiry - https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact
2) Send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
]]>Why do you need to consider customising your own Security Tamper Evident Bag?
Below are just some examples of our custom designed Security Tamper Evident Bags:
There is no bag too small or too large for us and there is no artwork we cannot print. All custom designed Security Tamper Evident Bags incorporate the standard features below:
If you have a need for custom designed security tamper evident bags, contact Seals HQ using one of the methods below:
1) Send us an online enquiry - https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact
2) Send an email to sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
]]>Known Consignors must be able to meet and maintain a high level of security to ensure cargo is safe to load onto an aircraft. Known Consignors must demonstrate that they have implemented security measures and procedures and can secure their cargo from where it originates until it is handed to another regulated business.
A new initiative has been recently announced whereby beginning 1 March 2019, before outbound international air cargo is uplifted onto an aircraft, it must be examined at piece-level by a RACA under an EACE notice or originate from a Known Consignor.
If you regularly export your products, it would be time consuming and costly to have your consignment checked at piece-level by a RACA. If you have applied and been approved as a Known Consignor, one of the requirements is that you must protect the security of air cargo that originates from your business until the air cargo is provided to another regulated business.
This is where Seals HQ comes in. As a Tamper Evident security specialist, Seals HQ has a wide range of products and solutions that can help you fulfil your Known Consignor obligations.
SECURE PACKING
Our Security Tapes and Labels are designed to leave clear visual evidence when triggered. The tapes and labels are designed to be robust and eliminate accidental triggering via movement, but sensitive enough to leave a tell-tale sign when the packaging has been tampered with. Our tapes and labels are designed to work on both porous and non-porous surfaces, making it ideal for applications on carton boxes, plastic crates, pallet wrapping and many more.
Our tapes can be supplied either in a continuous roll of 50 meters, or in a roll of 45 meters with perforated sections of 150mm.
Large volume users also have the option to customise the tapes and labels to include a custom VOID message, custom size and artwork.
Click HERE to see our tapes and labels.
SECURE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
Seals HQ has a wide range of plastic and metal security seals that is suitable for all aspects of securing storage and transportation. Whether you're securing a crate, storage cage or even the truck delivering your cargo to the airport, we have a seal for that.
Click HERE to see some of our security seals designed for securing transportation.
Contact us today and one of our friendly specialists will be able to help you. Contact us via any of the following:
1) Leave a message on our website (https://sealshq.com.au/pages/contact)
2) Email sales@sealshq.com.au
3) Call us at 1300 920 778
]]>
Cargo theft has been around for centuries. History has seen robbers attacking merchants on trading roads, to pirates seizing ships at sea, to bandits on horseback robbing stage coaches.
Fast forward to today. Trucks have replaced horse-drawn wagons, and today’s cargo theft perpetrators are often part of international crime syndicates. The global economic crisis increased demand for black-market goods. But cargo theft statistics are difficult to track.
Adding to the cargo theft problem is the fact that it is seen as a low-risk, high-reward type of crime carrying minor criminal penalties. The FBI reports that less than 20 percent of stolen cargo is ever recovered.
Cargo theft statistics vary, but it is generally agreed upon that cargo theft is a $15 to $30 billion-dollar problem each year in the United States. Exact numbers are impossible to determine in that many cargo crime incidents go unreported, and the numbers related to those incidents that are reported differ greatly by agency. Regardless, the most recent cargo theft statistics available continue to be sobering.
For the past five years, CargoNet has reported a rise in cargo theft incidents over the Labour Day holiday (reported as the Thursday before to the Wednesday after). California leads in reported incidents, followed by New Jersey and Texas. Warehouses were the most targeted locations, with secured freight yards placing second.
The average loss value per incident was $254,800, with food and beverage being the most targeted with electronics in second place. In addition, home and garden products are quickly becoming a major cargo theft target.
Over the Labour Day holiday, unattended trucks and closed warehouse facilities present an opportune target to would-be thieves. Some large Labour Day weekend cargo thefts in recent years included:
Some good news is that, according to Sensitech’s SensiGuard Supply Chain Intelligence Cargo Theft Annual Report, overall reported cargo thefts during the first quarter of 2018 declined 22 percent, with a 15 percent drop in dollar value versus the same period in 2017. Some reasons given are the adoption of team driving, better locks, wider use of GPS tracking devices, and a number of law enforcement agencies that have formed cargo theft task forces.
But Sensitech cautions that continued delays, under-reporting or non-reporting of cargo thefts can still greatly understate the numbers. In addition, the lack of uniform categorisation of thefts by states and police departments adds to statistical inaccuracy. As well, not all states report to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting database.
It’s interesting to note that both Sensitech and Scott Cornell, a transportation crime and theft specialist, report that cargo thieves are shifting their efforts from truckload targets to less secure categories of cargo, such as less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments or mixed retail loads that offer opportunities for quicker fencing of the stolen product.
Many of these smaller thefts don’t drive owners to file a police report or insurance claim. LTL thefts that are reported are categorised as pilferage and have seen a 107 percent increase since 2013. LTL shipments are often less closely guarded, and truckers carrying this type of cargo often make several stops, thus increasing vulnerability.
“OK”, some in LP may say. “Interesting, but most of this really doesn’t apply to my job.” That may be true now, but it behooves all retail LP professionals to understand as much as they can about every aspect of total retail loss and how to prevent it. You never know what the future holds. So, here are some tips from CargoNet to minimize cargo theft, both in the warehouse and on the road:
Seals HQ offers a no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists if you need to discuss on cost-effective ways to secure your cargo. We provide free samples and recommendations on effective ways to increase visibility of your truck and cargo, thus completing the Chain of Responsibility obligation to both the transport party and their clients.
Contact methods:
Email : sales@sealshq.com.au
Call : 1300 920 778
Footnotes:
Source: LPM Insider
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