Tamper Evident Labels
How do you prove a package hasn’t been opened? Or demonstrate that valuable equipment hasn’t been accessed? Tamper evident labels provide visible proof of interference, protecting products, deterring theft, and maintaining chain of custody. Positive ID Labels manufactures high-performance specialty security labels that make tampering impossible to hide.
These labels use specialised materials and adhesives that react when someone attempts removal. The result is unmistakable evidence of interference. There are several mechanisms by which this works.
How tamper evident labels reveal interference
There is no single right answer here – there is the right construction for the risk you are closing. We build these labels several ways, often combining more than one in a single bespoke product.
VOID, destructible and security-cut constructions
- VOID labels carry a hidden layer that releases a permanent VOID pattern across the surface and the item the instant removal is attempted.
- Destructible and ultra-destructible materials fragment into pieces when lifted, so the label cannot be transferred to another package.
- Security cut labels are scored so they tear apart on removal, leaving an obvious broken seal.
- Blockout constructions stop anyone reading or copying what sits underneath, using specialist blockout material or, for economy, silver polypropylene.
Security print features on tamper evident labels
The material is one layer of defence. The print is another. We can build in micro text, guilloche patterning, copy-evident backgrounds and invisible UV inks that only respond under specific wavelengths. Layered together, a counterfeiter has to defeat every feature, and usually misses one.
Build the proof into the data
A seal earns its keep when it ties a physical item to a record. Because we print digitally on our Jetrion press, we add sequential numbering, warranty numbers, expiry dates, barcodes or full variable data to every label in the run, with no plates and no tooling. That turns a simple seal into a genuine audit trail.
Where these tamper evident labels earn their place
Tamper evident labels protect pharmaceutical and medical packaging, electronics, warranty seals, certification and inspection records, and high-value retail stock. If a product has to prove it has not been opened or moved, this is the label for the job.
Surface matters as much as construction. A curved bottle, a powder-coated panel and a polythene wrap each need a different adhesive, and the wrong one fails quietly instead of visibly. We match the adhesive to your surface and storage so the label holds firm until it is challenged, then shows the evidence you need.
Choosing the right tamper evident label
The right choice depends on the surface, the environment and exactly what you are guarding against. That is a five-minute conversation, not a guess. We quote a fixed price over the phone, and the price we quote is the price you pay, not an estimate that changes later. Most orders leave us within 3 to 5 working days, made under our ISO 9001 quality system.
Talk your tamper evident label through with us
Tell us the application and we will recommend the construction that fits. Call 01332 864895 or send your specification through the enquiry form. Related: security labels, blockout labels and numbered labels.
Technical specifications
Adhesive performance
We select the adhesive to suit the job: permanent acrylics for general use, high-tack grades for low-energy or textured surfaces, and freezer grades where labels are applied cold. Tell us the surface and storage and we will specify it correctly.
Surface compatibility
These labels apply to glass, plastics, coated board, metal and most rigid packaging. Porous, dusty or oily surfaces need testing first, which we always recommend before a full production run.
Frequently asked questions
Is anything truly tamper proof?
Not entirely, because a determined person can damage anything. What these labels do is make interference obvious. Any attempt to remove or relabel one leaves clear, permanent evidence, which is what an auditor or customer needs to see.
Can these labels be defeated by careful removal?
That is exactly what they are designed to prevent. VOID layers, destructible materials and security cuts all react to removal attempts, so even a careful peel leaves a visible mark, a torn label or a VOID pattern behind.
How do VOID labels work?
A VOID label has a release layer beneath the surface. Try to peel it and that layer separates, leaving a repeating VOID message on both the remnant and the surface. It cannot be reseated without the message showing.
Can you print sequential numbers or barcodes on tamper evident labels?
Yes. We print digitally, so every label can carry a unique sequential number, warranty code, barcode or full variable data. This is what links each seal to a record and builds an audit trail.
Will the label leave residue when removed?
That is the intended behaviour. These tamper evident labels are designed not to come away cleanly. They fragment, delaminate or release a VOID pattern, because clean removal would defeat the purpose.
Are they suitable for pharmaceutical and warranty seals?
Yes. Pharmaceuticals, warranties, electronics and certification records are among the most common uses. We match the construction and adhesive to your surface and storage conditions.
What security print features can you add?
We can layer in micro text, guilloche patterning, copy-evident backgrounds and invisible UV inks. Layering several features makes a convincing copy far harder to produce.
Can these labels be printed in full colour?
Yes. Our Jetrion digital press prints full colour without printing plates, which also keeps short runs and trial runs affordable. We can also print longer runs on our Screen UV Inkjet or Xeikon dry-toner printing press. For even longer runs, we can print tamper evident labels using our MPS flexographic press.
What surfaces do they work on?
Glass, plastics, coated board, metal and most rigid packaging. Porous, dusty or oily surfaces should be tested first, which we always recommend before committing to a production run.
How quickly can you supply them?
Most digital orders leave us within 3 to 5 working days from artwork approval. If you are working to a deadline, call 01332 864895 and we will tell you honestly what we can do.
Related products and guides
- Security Labels
- Blockout Labels
- Numbered Labels
- Fluorescent Labels
- Freezer Labels
- Multipart Labels
- See our complete Speciality Labels range.
I had an amazing experience working with Positive ID Labelling, especially Natalie. The labels were absolutely brilliant quality and exceeded my expectations. Natalie was fantastic throughout the whole process. Communication was amazing from start to finish. She was so helpful, guided me through everything, and made the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. She was also genuinely funny and a pleasure to work with, which made everything even better. I’ll definitely be working with Natalie again on future projects and would highly recommend Positive ID Labelling to anyone looking for high-quality labels and excellent customer service.
Fantastic label printing service. Labels to a very high specification. Helen was great at sorting out our requirements, quotes, and order.
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish. If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place. Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
