Anti-alteration devices ‘mechanically’ prevent a product from being altered in its original packaging. Although specific devices could potentially be made for all types of product, the most common example is the anti-topping-up or anti-refill cap – a device comprising one or more small balls that is inserted down the neck of a bottle. This system allows liquid to be poured out of the bottle, but not poured in, preventing any topping up or refilling.
Used for
Anti-tampering / Anti-alteration
Suitable for
Small products
Medium-sized products
Large products
Goes on
Product
Packaging
Can be used for
Physical products
Visibility
Visible
Reading device needed
No
Connection to server
No
Description
This technology is widely applied in the alcoholic drinks industry to prevent the counterfeiting of wines and spirits. When empty drinks bottles are sent for recycling they are often intercepted, filled with cheap imitations and resold as the original, valuable product. Anti-alteration devices in the form of anti-refill caps stop this from happening by placing one-way valves in the necks of bottles and so making it impossible to pour liquid back in.
Anti-alteration devices can also be combined with shrink sleeve labels placed on the caps and lids of bottles and jars, in order to further prevent tampering and alteration.
Uses
By their nature, these devices are intended to be used specifically with the product/ products for which they have been designed.
Implementation
Any changes that need to be made to the production process in order to implement this technology will depend on your product and the type of device used.
Cost
It is difficult to give a general idea of the costs associated with anti-alteration devices as they will vary according to the type of product and particular device used.