What Is A Plastic Security Seal

Plastic security seal play a crucial role in logistics, transportation, and asset management by ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access. According to statistics, the annual loss caused by cargo tampering in the global supply chain exceeds US$5 billion. How can we quickly identify risks at the lowest cost? Plastic security seals may be the key. They provide an effective, low-cost solution for tamper evidence and asset protection. These single-use plastic seals are widely used across various industries, from shipping containers to medical equipment storage.

This article will explore what plastic security seals are, their types, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your application.

What Is A Plastic Security Seal?

A plastic security seal is a one-time-use tamper-evident locking device designed to protect assets, shipments, and restricted areas from unauthorized access. Once locked, the seal must be broken to open, providing clear evidence of tampering.

Unlike metal security seals, which provide high physical resistance, plastic seals are widely used for their ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and tracking capabilities. Many custom security seals are designed to include unique serial numbers, barcodes, and company branding for added security.

Materials Used In Plastic Security Seals

Most plastic security seals are made from high-quality thermoplastic materials, ensuring durability and flexibility while remaining cost-effective.

Material	Characteristics	Common Uses
Polypropylene (PP)	Lightweight, flexible, resistant to chemicals	Standard pull-tight and fixed-length seals
Polyethylene (PE)	More flexible than PP, excellent in extreme temperatures	Low-strength tamper-evident seals
Nylon (PA)	Stronger than PP/PE, high impact resistance	High-security numbered plastic security seals
Plastic + Metal Wire	Combines plastic casing with a steel cable core	Heavy-duty plastic security seals for containers

Tips: BOESE plastic security seals are made from 100% high-quality PP/PE, ensuring strength, reliability, and recyclability.

Structure Of A Plastic Security Seal

A plastic security seal typically consists of two main components:

Locking Head

Contains the self-locking mechanism

May include a serial number, barcode, or company branding

Some seals have a tear-off mechanism for easier removal

Seal Strap (Band)

Pull-tight or fixed-length, depending on the seal type

Can have smooth or ribbed notches for additional grip

Length varies (commonly 200mm – 500mm)

Tips: BOESE security seals feature laser-engraved serial numbers for improved traceability and security compliance.

Types Of Plastic Security Seals

Different industries require different types of plastic security seals. Below is a comparison of the most commonly used types:

Seal Type	Features	Common Applications	BOESE Product Model
Pull Tight Security Seals	Adjustable, provides a snug fit	Cargo shipments, security bags, courier services	BS-301 (295mm – 340mm)
Fixed-Length Plastic Seals	Pre-set length for added tamper resistance	Logistics, storage, container sealing	BS-302 (340mm – 465mm)
Numbered Plastic Security Seals	Unique serial numbers for tracking	Cash handling, ATM deposit bags, energy meters	Custom BOESE security seals
Padlock-Style Plastic Seals	Small, simple application	Retail stores, medical cabinets, airline catering	BS-303 (330mm – 530mm)
Plastic Security Seals for Containers	High-strength plastic, prevents unauthorized access	Cargo containers, trucks, warehouse logistics	Custom BOESE container seals

Tips: Looking for a China plastic security seal manufacturer? BOESE offers custom security seals with logos, barcodes, and colors.

How Does A Plastic Security Seal Work?

The working mechanism of plastic security seals is based on a one-way locking system, ensuring permanent closure until broken.

How It Works

• Insert the tail of the seal through the locking hole on a container or bag.
• Pull tight (if using pull tight security seals) or ensure the pre-set lock clicks (if using fixed-length seals).
• The seal locks in place, and it cannot be removed without breaking.
• Numbered plastic security seals provide tracking for compliance and auditing.

Core Application Scenarios

Plastic security seals are used in industries where tamper evidence and tracking are crucial.

Industry	Application	Recommended Seal Type	BOESE Solution
Logistics & Shipping	Sealing cargo trucks, shipping containers, and postal services	Plastic security seals for containers	BS-302 (340mm – 465mm)
Banking & Finance	Protecting cash bags and ATM cash deposits	Numbered plastic security seals	Custom BOESE security seals
Medical & Healthcare	Sealing medication cabinets, first-aid kits, and pharmaceutical shipments	Padlock plastic security seals	BS-303 (330mm – 530mm)
Energy & Utilities	Preventing tampering with gas and electricity meters	Fixed-length plastic seals	BOESE Meter Security Seals
Retail & Supermarkets	Sealing food packaging, security storage	Pull tight security seals	BS-301 (295mm – 340mm)

How To Open A Plastic Security Seal?

Since plastic security seals are designed for single-use, they must be removed by breaking or cutting.

• Hand Removal – Suitable for low-strength plastic seals
• Scissors or Pliers – Needed for medium-strength numbered plastic security seals
• Industrial Bolt Cutters – Required for heavy-duty plastic security seals for containers

BOESE offers custom security seals that balance security and ease of removal.

How To Choose The Right Plastic Security Seal?

Selecting the right plastic security seal depends on several factors:

• Application Type – Logistics? Medical? Banking?
• Tamper-Evidence Level – Do you need numbered plastic security seals for tracking?
• Security Level – Do you need pull tight security seals for adjustability or fixed-length seals for added security?
• Customization – Many plastic security seal manufacturers offer custom security seals with logos, colors, and serial numbers.

Where To Buy High-Quality Plastic Security Seals?

When purchasing plastic security seals, choosing a reliable supplier is essential to ensure quality and security.

The best option is to buy directly from manufacturers like BOESE, a leading China plastic security seal manufacturer. BOESE offers ISO9001, ROHS, and CE-certified products, custom branding, numbering, and barcoding, and bulk order discounts with fast global shipping.

Other purchasing options include online marketplaces (Alibaba, Amazon), local industrial suppliers, and wholesale distributors. While these sources provide convenience, buyers should be cautious about material quality, certifications, and security features.

Before purchasing, always verify the material, check certifications, and ensure the seals meet your security needs. For guaranteed quality and customization, BOESE is your trusted choice. Contact us today for bulk pricing and expert consultation!

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of numbered plastic security seals?

Numbered plastic security seals provide an additional layer of security and traceability. Each seal is uniquely identified with a serial number, making it easy to track shipments, detect unauthorized access, and maintain compliance in highly regulated industries such as logistics, finance, and pharmaceuticals.

Q: Can I get custom security seals with my company’s logo?

Yes! Many manufacturers, including BOESE, offer customization options for plastic security seals. Custom features include your company’s logo, sequential numbering, barcodes, and even QR codes to help with digital tracking. This enhances brand security and prevents unauthorized duplication.

Q: Are plastic security seals reusable?

No, plastic security seals are designed for **single-use** to ensure tamper-evidence. Once locked, they must be cut or broken to be removed, preventing unauthorized reuse. If you need a reusable security solution, consider **metal or cable security seals**, which allow for multiple uses.

Conclusion

From securing cross-border containers to ensuring fire extinguisher compliance, plastic security seals offer a cost-effective layer of protection. Ready to implement them?

Contact BOESE today for expert advice, high-quality security seals, and bulk order pricing!