Maintaining Plastic Seal Durability in Harsh Conditions

It might not seem like a plastic seal can protect a whole shipment of products, but these seals are highly effective at deterring thieves by providing proof of tampering and ensuring traceability of goods. However, the effectiveness of these plastic seals is only as strong as their ability to withstand environmental challenges.

Various conditions can compromise the integrity of your seals, which can lead to operational setbacks. That’s why maintaining plastic seal durability in harsh conditions is essential to the security of your shipments. Learn how you can ensure reliable performance where it matters most.

Environmental Stressors That Harsh Conditions Can Present

Plastic security seals are frequently exposed to environmental stressors that can affect their durability. These stressors can take many forms, including:

• Extreme temperatures: High heat can weaken plastic, making it brittle, while freezing conditions can increase the likelihood of cracking.
• Humidity and moisture: Persistent dampness can degrade material quality over time.
• Direct sunlight: Prolonged UV exposure can discolor and weaken seals, reducing their reliability.
• Chemical exposure: Acids, alkalis, and other industrial chemicals can compromise the integrity of certain plastics.
• Physical impact: Regular bumps, scrapes, and other physical forces during transit can damage seals if they’re not designed to handle them.

Understanding these environmental challenges is the first step in safeguarding your plastic seals.

Choose Seals Made With High-Quality, Durable Materials

Just as manufacturers create different types of plastic, they also produce various plastic seals. Choosing seals made with superior-quality materials ensures they can withstand the wear and tear of harsh conditions. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene are common materials for tamper-evident security seals because they exhibit excellent resistance to temperature extremes and chemical abrasions.

Additionally, seals with UV stabilizers can experience minimal sun damage, making them more durable in outdoor operations. Ideally, you should match the material of the seal with the anticipated environmental conditions for optimal performance.

Maintain Proper Storage Conditions

Proper storage conditions can make a significant difference in maintaining the seals’ durability. Always store plastic seals in environments where:

• The temperature is controlled, ideally between 10 and 25°C (50–77°F) to minimize material degradation.
• Humidity levels are low to prevent moisture damage.
• The seals have no exposure to direct sunlight or damp spaces, which can compromise their structural integrity.

Sealed containers or original packaging should be used to provide an extra barrier against environmental exposures when storing the seals.

Handle With Care During Transportation

During transportation, improper handling can cause unintended damage even before deploying the seals. Storage compartments should be free of sharp objects or heavy items that can crush or puncture the seals. Furthermore, avoid overcrowding, which can lead to unnecessary stress on materials.

Step up employee training to promote careful handling practices across the supply chain. This small precaution during transportation can go a long way in making sure the seals retain their functional integrity.

Install Seals Correctly

Improper installation is one of the leading causes of seal failures. Make sure your team is well-trained on the best methods for installing seals. When locking the seal, confirm it is securely and correctly fastened, and avoid forcing the seal into a position where it could bend or stress its locking mechanism. Also, confirm that the seals are on the appropriate application (e.g., containers, bags, or packages). Training employees on correct installation processes ensures consistency in seal application and reliability.

Conduct Regular Visual Inspections

Inspecting seals regularly is crucial for detecting any signs of damage or tampering. A quick visual inspection can verify if the seals remain intact and functional. Look for signs like cracks or splits in the plastic, discoloration, and damaged or deformed locking mechanisms. Document inspection outcomes so you can identify and address consistent issues quickly.

Monitor Environmental Conditions

Proactively monitoring environmental conditions helps you prepare for extreme weather or other stressors. Investing in tools such as temperature and humidity monitors allows you to track storage or transit environments more accurately. If you’re working in volatile climates, adjust operational schedules to reduce the seals’ exposure time under harmful conditions.

Rotate Stock To Prevent Aging

Using seals in the order they are received, commonly referred to as the “first in, first out” method, ensures that older stock is utilized before newer stock. By rotating your inventory meticulously, you reduce the risk of deploying aged, potentially weakened seals and grant yourself peace of mind that no seals are going to waste.

Keep Seals Clean and Dry

Dust, dirt, and debris accumulating on seals can compromise their integrity over time. Conduct routine cleaning, especially if the seals are stored for extended periods. Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dirt and a dry cloth to finish the process.

Dry seals thoroughly if they are exposed to moisture during routine cleaning or dispersal processes. Moist or damp seals degrade faster, especially in humid or warm environments.

Avoid Using Damaged or Compromised Seals

Refrain from using any seals that show signs of damage or structural compromise. Even minor surface scratches or loosened locking mechanisms can make seals vulnerable to tampering or accelerated failure. Discard these seals immediately and replace them with new ones to avoid potential breaches in security.

Pro tip: Always educate your team on the importance of never using visibly damaged seals, even as a temporary fix.

Implement Performance Testing Before Deployment

Before deploying seals, especially for critical shipments or operations, consider running performance tests. Testing provides insights into how the seals will withstand real-world conditions. Expose them to environmental stressors, such as extreme temperature shifts or chemical contact, similar to what they will face during actual use. A successful performance test validates that your seals meet the necessary durability standards, ensuring peace of mind during deployment.

Maintaining plastic seal durability in harsh conditions is an essential practice for logistics managers who rely on the integrity of tamper-evident security seals. Take proactive steps to make sure your seals are up to the challenges of even the harshest conditions and remain a dependable part of your supply chain security protocols.

If you’re looking for reliable tamper-evident security seals, explore Logimate’s collection of products. We provide superior-quality products that help customers protect and secure their shipments. With a variety of seals available, you’re sure to find the right option for your needs.