Tamper evident labels
Paper Tamper Evident Labels
Paper tamper evident labels are a 100% paper based security seal. Applied, they look like an ordinary printed label. Removed, they leave a clear, irreversible void message and cannot be reapplied.
Made from FSC sourced paper, they give businesses a recyclable, plastic free route to genuine tamper evidence on cartons, documents, warranty items, pharmaceutical packaging, retail packaging and secure logistics.
Tamper behaviour
How the tamper evidence works
The label is a genuine tamper evident paper construction, not a printed warning. On removal it reveals a clear void message, either on the application surface or within the label itself depending on the construction chosen. The message cannot be tampered with, hidden or resealed, so any attempt to access the item is evident.
01
Applied
A printed paper seal across the closure, flap or opening, carrying your surface message, icons, numbering or code.
02
Interference
Any attempt to lift, peel or remove the label breaks the construction rather than releasing cleanly.
03
Visible evidence
A clear void message is revealed and the label cannot be reapplied once removed.
Why paper
Why choose paper tamper evident labels
100% paper construction
FSC sourced paper based labels that support recyclable, plastic free packaging goals.
Genuine tamper evidence
A real void construction that reveals an irreversible message, not simply a printed caution.
Cannot be reapplied
Once removed the label cannot be reused or resealed, so evidence of access remains.
Green EPR benefits
Paper based construction supports Extended Producer Responsibility rating benefits and eco conscious packaging goals.
Performs on inconsistent surfaces
Specified to work on the packaging you actually use, including uneven and recycled board surfaces.
Fully customisable
Colour, size, shape, surface print, void message, numbering and covert features to your requirement.
Two routes
Printed or printable paper labels
Paper tamper evident labels are supplied either fully printed to your artwork, or blank and ready for you to print variable data in house.
Printed paper security labels
Manufactured with your surface message, void message, colours, icons, logos and sequential numbering already applied, ready to use straight from the roll.
Printable paper security labels
Supplied ready for your own print so barcodes, batch data, order references or serial numbers can be added on demand.
If you need a paper seal across a carton join rather than a discrete label, see paper tamper evident tape. For a fully integrated paper bag with the seal built in, see SealSafe paper bags.
Construction and specification
Construction, formats and example specification
Labels are manufactured to the application, so size, shape, colour and messaging are specified with you. The example below is a current standard build.
Construction and materials
| Material | 100% paper based construction, FSC sourced paper. |
|---|---|
| Tamper behaviour | Permanent paper construction. Removal reveals a clear void message on the surface or within the label, depending on the construction chosen. Cannot be reapplied. |
| Adhesive | Self adhesive, specified to the packaging substrate. Performs on inconsistent surfaces. |
| Surfaces | Cartons and cardboard, paper based packaging, envelopes, document boxes and parcels. |
Example standard build
| Size | 70mm x 40mm. |
|---|---|
| Packing | Rolls of 1,000 labels. |
| Surface message | Sealed for Consumer Safety, with an icon and sequential numbers to support track and trace. |
| Sub surface message | SECURITY OPENED, with open security icons for instant recognition. Cannot be reapplied once removed. |
| Bespoke | Size, shape and message are all made to your requirement; this build is an example, not a limit. |
Customisation, print and security features
Covert and overt options can be combined so the seal reads clearly to a customer while still carrying features only your team can verify.
Aplicaciones
Suitable packs and applications
Paper labels suit paper and board based packaging where the seal should be recyclable with the pack and where visible evidence of opening matters.
E-commerce parcels and returns
Gives visible assurance that parcels and packages remain untouched through retail, distribution and e-commerce, and provides clear evidence against wardrobing and returns fraud.
Cartons and outer cases
Sealed carton flaps and closures where a paper seal keeps the pack recyclable as a single material stream.
Documents, envelopes and document boxes
Sealed paperwork, envelopes and archive or transit boxes carrying confidential information.
Pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging
Consumer safety sealing on regulated packs, with numbering to support track and trace systems.
Warranty and product integrity
Warranty items and sealed goods where an opened pack must be identifiable on arrival or on return.
Secure logistics
Consignments and transfers where each seal can be numbered and reconciled at handover.
Retail packaging
Retail packs where the seal reinforces brand credibility and reassures the customer that contents are original.
Application and environment
Application, substrate and environmental considerations
Paper constructions behave differently from filmic labels, so we specify against the substrate and the conditions the pack will see rather than assuming a single build fits everything.
Substrate
Best suited to paper and board based packaging. Performs on inconsistent surfaces, and we confirm the build against a sample of your actual pack.
Application method
Self adhesive for smooth, efficient application by hand, and supplied on rolls so the seal fits into existing packing and logistics processes.
Environment
Conditions such as chilled, frozen, damp, dusty or high temperature handling change what a paper construction can do. Tell us the conditions and we will confirm the right specification or an alternative material.
If your line is semi or fully automated, or the pack is not paper based, send us the pack and the line details and we will specify it with you.
Questions
Paper tamper evident label FAQs
What makes these labels genuinely tamper evident?
The tamper evidence is in the construction. On removal a clear void message is revealed, either on the application surface or within the label, and the message cannot be tampered with or resealed.
Are they really 100% paper?
Yes. The construction is 100% paper based using FSC sourced paper, which supports recyclable, plastic free packaging goals and Green EPR rating benefits.
Can the label be reapplied after removal?
No. Once removed the label cannot be reapplied, so the evidence of opening remains.
Can I customise the message and the artwork?
Yes. Colours, logos, designs, void messages, security patterns, sequential numbering, barcodes and QR codes can all be specified, along with size and shape.
Are covert security features available?
Yes. UV security elements for covert verification, thermochromic inks and multi-layer authentication options are available on paper constructions.
What is the difference between paper labels, paper tape and SealSafe bags?
Labels seal a defined point such as a flap, closure or envelope. Paper tape seals a carton join along its length. SealSafe paper bags are a complete paper bag with the tamper evident seal built into the bag.
Will they work on my packaging?
They perform well on inconsistent surfaces, but the right build depends on your substrate and conditions. Send us the pack and we will confirm the specification.
Next step
Specify your paper tamper evident label
Need samples or a quotation?
Tell us the pack, the closure, the message you want and the volume, and we will send samples and a quotation for the right paper construction.
Not sure a paper label is the answer?
Put it through the Security Lab. Send us the pack and the problem and our technical team will specify the solution with you.