Security Labels

Security labels are tamper-evident stickers used to protect packaging, products, assets and equipment from unauthorised opening or interference. They help show visible evidence of tampering, whether that is through a VOID message upon removal, security residue messages left on packaging, label damage, fragmentation or a broken seal.

At Universeal, we supply a range of security labels in the UK, including residue VOID labels, no-residue VOID labels, destructible labels, paper security labels, RFID labels and custom printed security labels. Options are available for cartons, pallets, reusable equipment, medical kits, pharmaceutical packaging, electronics, retail returns, food delivery, asset marking and chain-of-custody control. Choose from in-stock security labels or made-to-order options with your logo, text, serial numbers, barcodes or QR codes to improve operations and brand protection.

Need help choosing the right label? Use the guide below to compare the main types of tamper-evident security labels and find the best option for your application.

Types of Security Labels

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Custom Printed Security Labels

Security labels can be custom printed to support traceability, brand protection and operational control. Custom options include logos, warning text, sequential numbering, barcodes, QR codes, variable data and bespoke label sizes. Custom printed security labels are often used when a standard tamper-evident label is not enough. For example, numbered labels can help track sealed items, QR codes can support identification or verification workflows, and branded labels can help make unauthorised replacement easier to identify.

Our custom labels can include a range of security features, including custom VOID messages, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes and RFID technology. These features help a company reduce the risk of theft, protect product integrity and give customers greater confidence that goods, assets or equipment have not been opened or interfered with. Labels can also link physical items to stock control systems, access control processes or verification resources, giving authorised users the ability to check details and identify a visible sign of tampering.

If the label will be applied to an unusual surface, used in a cold environment, exposed to handling, or removed after a set period, we recommend checking the material and adhesive before placing a larger order. Surface texture, temperature and dwell time can all affect performance. We can also supply labels in specially formulated adhesive bases to suit many niche surfaces, so please let us know if standard options aren't working perfectly.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are tamper-evident security labels?

Tamper-evident security labels are adhesive labels designed to show if an item has been opened, removed or interfered with. Depending on the label type, they may leave a VOID message, transfer adhesive residue, break apart, fragment, or show visible damage when removal is attempted. They are commonly used to protect packaging, products, equipment and assets where it is important to identify unauthorised access or handling.

Universeal supplies a wide range of security labels for packaging, products, assets and equipment, including residue VOID labels, no-residue VOID labels, destructible labels, paper security labels, RFID labels and custom printed security labels. The right option depends on the surface, application, handling conditions and level of tamper evidence required.

Which security label do I need?

The best security label depends on what you are sealing, the surface it will be applied to and what you need the label to show if tampering occurs.

For cartons, pallets and one-use packaging, residue VOID labels are usually the most suitable option where visible surface evidence is required. For reusable equipment or sensitive surfaces, no-residue VOID labels are usually more suitable because they show tampering without leaving adhesive behind.

For electronics, warranty seals, tools and asset protection, destructible labels are often preferred because they break apart when removal is attempted. For applications where a paper-based, plastic-free material is preferred, paper security labels may be more suitable.

What is the difference between residue and no-residue security labels?

Residue security labels leave a visible VOID message or adhesive mark on the surface when removed. They are best suited to single-use packaging, cartons, plastic mailers and applications where clear surface evidence is required.

No-residue security labels show a VOID OPEN message in the label itself but remove cleanly from the surface. They are usually better suited to reusable equipment, rental assets, airline trolleys, cases and other items where adhesive residue would be a problem.

Can security labels be custom printed?

Security labels can be custom printed with logos, warning text, sequential numbers, barcodes, QR codes and variable data. Custom printing can help improve traceability, support stock control, strengthen brand protection and make labels easier to identify.

Custom options are available for different label materials, sizes and adhesive types, depending on the application.

What surfaces can security labels be applied to?

Security labels can be applied to many common surfaces, including cardboard, plastic, glass, painted metal, coated packaging and some textured materials. However, performance depends on the surface finish, adhesive type, temperature and how long the label is left before removal is attempted.

For critical applications, we recommend testing the label on the intended surface before placing a larger order.

Can security labels include barcodes, QR codes or serial numbers?

Security labels can include barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers and other variable data. These features are useful for asset tracking, batch identification, chain-of-custody checks, stock control and product identification.

Are paper security labels available?

Paper security labels are available for applications where a plastic-free material is preferred. Universeal UK’s paper security labels are manufactured from 100% paper base material, fully recyclable, and can be used for selected cartons, crates, pallets, pill boxes and pharmaceutical packaging. They can be used to support the transition to more sustainable packaging solutions under UK EPR and EU PPWR regulations.

Are security labels suitable for reusable equipment?

Yes, but the label type matters. No-residue security labels are usually more suitable for reusable equipment because they provide tamper evidence without leaving adhesive behind. They are often used on airline trolleys, cases, rental assets, medical equipment and other items that need to be cleaned or reused.

What industries use tamper evident security labels?

Tamper-evident security labels are used across logistics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retail, e-commerce, electronics, aviation, food delivery, manufacturing and asset management. They are typically used wherever products, packaging, equipment or stock need to be protected from unauthorised opening, switching or interference.

 

Why Choose Universeal UK?

Universeal UK supplies a wide range of security labels for packaging, assets, equipment and product protection. Choose from in-stock tamper-evident labels or custom printed options with logos, text, serial numbers, barcodes or QR codes. With UK production, practical product advice and options for both standard and bespoke requirements, Universeal UK can support businesses that need reliable security labels for logistics, healthcare, retail, electronics, food delivery and asset protection.

Need Help Choosing Security Labels?

To create custom security labels for your application, contact our team with details of the surface, handling conditions and level of protection required. The right label can help secure packaging, support operational services and provide peace of mind after a suspected tampering event.