The appropriate use of tamper-evident security labels (“stickers” to some!), when used with other security protocols, can greatly assist in maintaining end-to-end chain of custody over goods, valuables and sensitive items in your supply chain. This includes pharmaceutical and medicinal packages, goods for re-sale, food & drink items and many other types of goods which require protection from interference, loss or degradation.
In this article we look at the main types of tamper-evident labels; the many label customisation options and features available; and also explore how security labels can assist particularly in the pharmaceutical, food & drink and logistics sectors.
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What is a security label?
First of all, what exactly is a security label? Security labels have special tamper-evident features so that they cannot be removed from a sealed surface without first becoming ‘void’, meaning that the label will physically and permanently change its appearance to indicate its removal. This informs a legitimate user that a sealed package or enclosure has been subsequently opened, interfered with or otherwise compromised during transit or whilst in storage.
Security labels come in different material and adhesive blends. The first decision is generally to decide how the label will void, and what, if any residue message will be left behind on removal. There are two main options (permanent residue labels or no-residue labels), as well as other specialist labels to suit particular use cases, outlined below: -
| BASE MATERIAL | DESCRIPTION | eXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Residue Unilabels | Residue UniLabels, otherwise known as ‘permanent void’ or ‘total transfer’ labels, leave a permanent void message on the sealed item itself, as well as voiding the surface of the label. This makes them useful on single-use packages such as test tubes, cartons and so on. |  |
| Non-Residue UniLabels | Non-residue UniLabels, otherwise known as ‘no transfer’ labels, only void themselves and do not leave any security residue on the sealed surface itself. This makes them particularly suited to short-term use on reusable packages such as tote boxes or crates. |  |
| Speciality Hybrid and Part-Residue Labels | Hybrid ‘rub off’ UniLabels offer a combination of reside and non-residue... a residue message which is left on the sealed item, but which can be rubbed off once no longer needed with no permanent damage. This is useful where the residue message is being used purely as a visual indicator, rather than as a security feature. |  |
| Vinyl Destructible UniLabels | Vinyl destructible UniLabels, AKA ‘fragmentable labels’, have very strong adhesive which prevents the label being removed in one piece – the label will break into fragments when removal is attempted. They are suited for long-term applications e.g., the permanent marking of IT equipment & machinery. |  |
A note on surfaces
Not all surfaces are the same and the type of surface a label is applied to will affect how it performs. Many factors can influence how well a tape or label will stick to a surface; roughness, smoothness, porosity, coated, uncoated, cleanliness, flexibility, temperature conditions, moisture, and finally, surface energy of the surface. Labels will generally adhere very well to surfaces with a ‘high surface energy’ (hydrophilic surfaces). For trickier surfaces, we can provide specialist material/adhesive combinations which can suit niche applications, so please contact sales@universeal.co.uk to discuss your needs and we can provide advice and samples for you to assess.
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Customisation Features
There are a number of features which can be incorporated into our UniLabel security labels, depending on the needs of your application. Below we outline some of the design features available and how they can assist in protecting your supply chains: -
| ILLUSTRATION | FEATURE | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|
 | Custom Surface Markings | Security labels can be custom-printed with your logo, security warning, unique number / barcode & more. Such ‘overt’ security labels can act as a deterrent to anyone with bad intent, and also act to brand your packages.Alternatively, you may prefer to use ‘covert’ security labels – plain labels which aren’t obviously a security measure… until the label is removed (too late for the fraudster)! |
 | Custom Void Messages | It is also possible to customise at the sub-surface level, i.e. the void design itself which appears through the label once removed, making your labels unique. This is particularly useful for covert labels, as once removed it may be useful to provide a custom message / security number to inform a legitimate user of a security-breach in transit. |
 | Choice of Colours | There are a wide range of colours available, and we can pantone match where required. We can create labels which are as aesthetically pleasing as they are secure, and you can be sure they will provide the perfect conveyor of your brand message. |
 | Security Cuts – Easy-Break Labels | By creating security scores in the mid-section of the label during the conversion process, we create a weak point in the label which allows its physical destruction when pulled apart. Security cuts can be useful where a label is being applied across on a door, cupboard or other access point where quick access is required without having to remove the label first. |
 | NEL or WEL configuration | We can produce your security labels in Narrow Edge Leading (NEL) or Wide Edge Leading (WEL) labels. The choice is sometimes personal preference but can also be important when it comes to specifying labels which will work well in machine or hand-operated applicators. |
 | Die Cuts | From dumbbell die-cut designs for use on vials and bottles... to large format square and circular labels for use on shipping pallets, we have hundreds of cutting tools in many shapes and sizes to suit the needs of the item being sealed. Every customer and every application is slightly different, so we can also commission a bespoke cutting tool if we haven’t got it already. |
 | Specialist UV Inks | In some use-cases, particularly for sensitive packages, it can be very useful for a tamper-evident label to void without telling the fraudster that they have been identified! We can do this with the use of specialist inks in the sub-surface void layer, which show only in the presence of UV light – and so revealing a fraudster’s suspicious activity! |
 | Counterpart / “Dual Number” | Counterpart security numbers can be a simple and efficient way to maintain a record of security numbers as they are used – simply peel off the counterpart and attach to paperwork / manifests to cross-reference to the corresponding security label used to seal a package. |
 | Finger Lift | ‘Finger lift’ labels do not have adhesive on the edges of the label, meaning they are easier to peel away from the liner when applying by hand. |
 | Finish | Security labels are supplied matt as standard, but can also be produced with a gloss finish, providing an alternative aesthetic finish where this is preferred. |
 | Paper Material | Last but not the least, and in an exciting addition to the range, we are now able to produce security labels in an entirely paper-based material and adhesive blend. Paper-based labels can help to reduce the use of single-use plastic in your supply chain without sacrificing security and chain of custody. |
Three Core Applications for Security Labels
Security labels are used for a vast variety of purposes, and every year we are amazed by the new and inventive ways our customers use security labels to keep their businesses and products safe and secure. Below we give a brief overview of their use in three sectors: pharmaceutical, food and drink, and logistics sectors.
- Security Labels for Pharmaceutical Uses
 |  |  |
| Labels for applications on bottles and caps | Security labels on test tubes and sample vials and bottles | Security labels for Pill Boxes and other medicine products |
The overt use of tamper evident labels to seal pharmaceutical packaging adds to both distributors’ and consumers’ confidence in your brand by providing them with a reassurance that your product remains free of tampering or counterfeiting. Our UniLabel security labels can suit all layers of pharmaceutical protective and transit packaging, including pill boxes and secondary master cartons for distribution, all the way up to tertiary packaging such as pallets and large crates.
Our security labels are ‘anti tamper devices’ pursuant to the Falsified Medicines Directive, designed to protect consumers from the danger of counterfeit drugs and medicines. Security labels can be applied by hand or with automated machine applicators.
- Security Labels for Food, Drink and Pet Industries
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| Security labels for ‘direct to consumer’ sealed packages | Guarantee of quality and authenticity for food items | Custom die cut labels to suit all types of containers & packages |
Similarly, security labels can also serve as a guarantee of authenticity and quality for food and drink sealed packages. They instantly provide a new layer of security adding to protection for all types of logistics: direct to consumer sales, takeaway deliveries and end-to-end food supply chains.
- Security Labels for Logistics and Transport Sectors
 |  |  |
| Sealing boxes and cartons with security labels | Sealing air cargo shrink wrap with security labels | Large format security labels for securing pallet banding |
Security labels provide an instant level of security in all manner of logistics and warehousing operations, protecting you from pilfering and counterfeiting. Our UniLabels deliver ‘positive control checks’ throughout your distribution network and clearly flag instances of security breaches when they occur.
The use of track and trace features such as unique number / barcoding sequencing allows each sealed package to be traced throughout its journey, maintaining the chain of custody of valuable or sensitive cargo for you and your customers. Our UniLabel also work well in cold chain logistics, as labels function even in extreme temperatures as low as -80 degrees Celsius.
Contact us at sales@universeal.co.uk to discuss your needs today.