US-based company Tekni-Plex has been granted a patent for its Sniff Seal technology designed to allow the scent to permeate through an induction seal closure liner.

The company develops and manufactures new packaging materials, medical compounds and precision-crafted medical tubing solutions.

Being the first liner of its kind, the Sniff Seal technology enables customers to experience the scent without affecting the seal or contents of the packaging.

Tekni-Plex business unit Tri-Seal senior vice-president and general manager David Andrulonis said: “There are many instances where consumers want to know what a product actually smells like before putting it in the shopping cart.

“Unfortunately, there are times when consumers peel back seals or remove fitments to experience the scent before buying.

“Unfortunately, there are times when consumers peel back seals or remove fitments to experience the scent before buying.”

“When a package is returned to the shelf in a compromised condition, it is no longer sellable. As a result, the retail industry experiences a significant amount of loss annually.”

However, the latest liner technology introduced by the company provides the olfactory experience even without the need to remove the seal.

This helps retain tamper and/or pilfer evidence while maintaining the integrity of the product.

Andrulonis further added: “An extensive range of products can benefit from this technology. Imagine being able to experience the smell of fresh peanut butter or mango-scented shampoo or spring-fresh deodorant in a retail aisle without removing a seal or a fitment? That’s what Sniff Seal brings to the purchasing experience.”

Tekni-Plex’s latest Sniff Seal liner technology can be used for a wide range of product categories such as food, beverage, personal care and cosmetics.

The company’s Tri-Seal business unit focuses on the production of different types of liners in a variety of materials, ranging from a one-piece induction seal to nine-layer extrusions and laminations.