Tamper evident labels

Tamper Evident Permanent Labels

Permanent tamper evident labels bond hard to the surface and leave a total transfer message behind when they are removed, so interference, lifting or resealing is immediately visible and cannot be undone.

Engineered for cartons, paperboard, envelopes and packaging substrates, they are used where traceability, shrinkage control and product integrity matter across logistics, healthcare, aviation and retail.

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Permanent tamper evident security label opened on a product container showing the transferred void message

Tamper behaviour

What happens when the label is interfered with

The construction is designed to fail visibly. Applied, the label looks like an ordinary printed seal. Removed, the label releases a permanent total transfer message onto the surface and a high visibility void message appears in the label itself. Neither can be reversed and the label cannot be reused.

01

Applied

A printed seal bonded across the carton flap, closure or packaging seam in your shape, size, colour and coding.

02

Interference

Any attempt to lift, peel or reseal tears the construction and splits the printed layers.

03

Visible evidence

A permanent transfer message stays on the surface and a void message is exposed in the label. Reattachment is impossible.

Permanent tamper evident warranty label voided on a box — Warranty seal after removal

Permanent tamper evident label partially voided showing the transferred security message — Part lifted, transfer message showing

Permanent tamper evident label voided on insulated packaging — Insulated pack seal, void message

Tamper evident permanent labels in action

Tamper evident permanent labels in action

Shows a permanent tamper evident label on a vial and the evidence left in place when the label is lifted.

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Why this construction

Why choose permanent tamper evident labels

Strong adhesion

Once applied the label cannot be removed without obvious damage, which suits carton closures, packaging seams and high security pharmaceutical packs.

Total transfer evidence

A permanent message is left on the surface as well as in the label, so evidence survives even if the label is taken away.

Built for packaging substrates

Designed for cardboard, paperboard and paper based packaging materials where fibres tear on removal.

Shrinkage control

Visible tamper features deter pilfering and product diversion, and provide clear evidence when a breach happens.

Customisable

Logos, warnings, serial numbers, barcodes and QR codes printed to your security and brand requirement.

Manual or automated

Compatible with high speed packing lines as well as hand and semi automatic application.

Construction and specification

Specification, customisation and formats

Every permanent label is specified to the pack and the application. The detail below covers the choices we normally work through with customers.

Construction and tamper behaviour

Label type	Permanent, total transfer. Pressure sensitive construction that bonds to the surface and transfers a message on removal.
Adhesive behaviour	Adhesive bonds permanently. Removal tears the construction and leaves a transferred message on the substrate.
Tamper message	Void, opened or wording of your choice, transferred to the surface and revealed in the label. Irreversible and not reusable.
Surfaces	Cardboard, paperboard, envelopes and paper based packaging. Other substrates specified and tested per application.
Temperature	Standard supply chain temperatures. Cold chain and freezer applications use our freezer grade constructions.

Print, coding and security features

Available security and print features:

Custom void messages
Logos and brand print
Ultra violet UV ink
Holograms
Colours
Sequential numbering
Barcodes and QR codes
Security cuts
Shapes and sizes
Thermochromic inks

Sizes, formats and order quantities

Shapes and sizes	Made to your artwork and pack, including tab and security cut designs.
Packing formats	Rolls, sheets or singles, with labels per roll to suit hand or machine application.
Minimum quantity	Bespoke permanent labels from 1,000 units, with full choice of colour, size, print and labels per roll.

Standard Permanent Tamper Evident Label Product Examples

Applications

Typical uses for permanent labels

Permanent labels suit closures and assets where the seal will not be reused and where evidence must remain on the surface after the label is gone.

Logistics and supply chain cartons

Secures carton flaps, packaging seams and pallet boxes to deter pilfering, tampering and returns fraud.

Aviation and inflight services

Used on catering trolleys, inflight service carts, bar carts, duty-free stock and secure airline assets.

Controlled drugs and healthcare packaging

Applied to controlled drug kits, medical containers and regulated pharmaceuticals to provide compliance ready tamper evidence.

Retail and e-commerce returns

Prevents product switching and dishonest returns by showing clear evidence of interference.

Hospitality and catering equipment

Used on hotel housekeeping trolleys, catering units, food rotation bins and transport carts for site security and compliance.

Secure documents and confidential packages

Ideal for sealed paperwork, envelopes and confidential shipments where permanence matters.

Electronics and asset protection

Used on cartons, crates and cases containing electronics, AV equipment or rental goods to protect against unauthorised access.

Permanent tamper evident label with security cuts protecting a technology product — Security cuts on a technology seal

Permanent tamper evident container seal applied across a closure — Container closure seal

Warranty label voided on a carton after an opening attempt — Carton warranty seal, voided

Shrinkage

How permanent tamper evident labels reduce shrinkage

Shrinkage caused by theft, pilfering and product diversion works directly against margin. Permanent labels address it in three ways.

Deterrence

Visible tamper features discourage opportunistic theft before it happens, because sealed packs cannot be opened discreetly.

Evidence

Where a breach occurs, the damaged label and transferred void message provide clear evidence for investigation and claims.

Traceability

Unique numbering, barcodes or QR codes tie a seal to a consignment, so losses can be located in the chain.

Application and integration

Applying the labels on your line

Whether you apply labels by hand, semi automatically or fully automatically, we specify the format, reel and construction to match how you work.

Hand application

Rolls, sheets or singles for manual sealing at pack, dispatch or inspection points.

Semi automatic

Dispenser fed formats for repeat sealing at higher volumes without a fully automated line.

Fully automatic

Reel formats for automatic applicators and high speed packing lines, confirmed against your machine specification.

If you are not sure which application method fits, send us the pack and the line details and we will specify it with you.

Questions

Permanent tamper evident label FAQs

What makes permanent tamper evident labels different?

Permanent labels bond strongly to the surface and show tamper evidence through tearing or distortion, leaving a transferred message behind.

Can I customise the tamper message?

Yes. Logos, words and designs can all be printed into the tamper message.

Are these suitable for cold chain?

They are designed for standard supply chain temperatures. For cold chain, use our freezer grade labels.

Will the label still show tampering if someone tries to reapply it?

Yes. Once lifted, the void message remains visible and cannot be reversed.

Can these be used with automatic applicators?

Yes. Our permanent labels are compatible with manual and automated workflows.

Next step

Specify your permanent label

Need samples or a quotation?

Tell us the pack, the closure and the volume and we will send samples and a quotation for the right construction.

Request samples or a quotation

Not sure this will work on your pack?

Put it through the Security Lab. Send us the pack and the problem and our technical team will specify the solution with you.

Send us the pack