On the Safe Side

KARL STORZ is a manufacturer of high-end endoscopes, medical instruments and devices. For training purposes, these manufacturer-tested high-tech products are sent to customers in special cases. A new closure seal now guarantees that they arrive intact and clinically clean.

Every month, KARL STORZ ships up to 5 000 special cases containing the latest products for use at medical conventions or for “live” operations. In the past, each case had to be checked for completeness of the contents in a cumbersome process prior to shipping. When the case was returned by the organizer of the event, the entire contents would be thoroughly cleaned— including instruments that were not used.

The new security seal avoids any unnecessary cleaning and checking. It was specifically developed for this customer and shows the recipient whether or not the case was opened. In addition, the seal indicates that the functionality of the products was tested. The seal is applied to the aluminum strips of the case after the case has been checked. It has a separating perforation as well as a void effect which definitively indicates any tampering or opening attempt. Employees of KARL STORZ can tell at a single glance whether or not a case is ready for shipping.

This tailor-made solution simplifies processes and reduces costs. The customer has confirmed these benefits: “In our estimation, the self-destruction effect is very reliable. In addition, the aluminum substrate is easy to clean after peeling off the label, and there are no residues left.”