Security labels – the small label that protects big values

In a world where counterfeiting, theft and tampered shipments are becoming increasingly common, security labels have become a crucial part of modern product security. The small sticker on a carton, bottle or electronics box is no longer just a label – it is a vital component that protects against fraud, counterfeiting and information leakage. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about security labels and how you can use them in your business.

What is meant by a security label?

A security label is a type of self-adhesive marking designed to reveal tampering or attempted removal. Unlike a regular label, it is often made of special materials and contains features that make it impossible to reuse or copy without leaving obvious traces.

The purpose is simple: to guarantee that a product, document or packaging is intact and authentic.

How does a security label work?

Unlike regular labels, security labels are designed to not be removed or moved without being noticed. They immediately reveal if someone has attempted to tamper with the product. This can happen in a variety of ways, such as:

• Void effect: When the label is removed, it leaves a clear pattern or text, such as “VOID,” on both the label and the substrate.
• Destructive material: The label will break into small pieces if someone tries to remove it.
• Thermochromic ink: Color changes that are activated by heat and reveal if someone has tried to manipulate with, for example, a heat gun.
• Hologram: Difficult to copy and provides visual authenticity – common in pharmaceuticals, electronics and premium goods.

Common uses

Security labels are used today in a variety of industries – both for preventive purposes and as part of regulatory compliance. Here are some examples:

• Pharmaceuticals & medical technology: Ensure that the packaging has not been broken before it reaches the patient or user.
• Electronics & components: Protection against piracy and warranty fraud.
• E-commerce & logistics: Prevent theft or manipulation during transport.
• Banking & Finance: Sealing of documents, envelopes and equipment.
• Industrial products: Check that machines or tools have not been opened or modified between manufacture and use.
• The education system: Ensure the authenticity of important documents – for example, national exams and selection documents.

A concrete example: The Higher Education Entrance Exam

A security label is even used where you might not always think about it – for example, on every copy of the university entrance examTogether with those responsible for the trial production, we at Logimark have developed a specially adapted seal label which ensures that each sample is unbroken and impossible to tamper with without detection.

This is a clear example of how a small label plays a crucial role in maintaining trust in an entire system – in this case, one of Sweden's most significant selection instruments for higher studies.

How security label production works

The production of security labels differs from regular label manufacturing – both in terms of materials, printing technology and control. It is not just about printing information, but about building security layers into the label itself.

1. Print and security features

Security labels are often printed using advanced techniques to create unique and hard-to-copy designs. Some common printing methods include:

• Flexo printing or screen printing – used for high-resolution color, special varnish or security printing.
• Digital printing – perfect for variable data such as QR codes, serial numbers or barcodes.
• UV varnish or security pattern – can only be seen in certain light and makes counterfeiting more difficult.

In some cases, microprinting, numbering or RFID/NFC components are also used and added to the production.

2. Punching and customization

After printing, the label is punched out in the correct shape. For security labels, the following are often used:

• Pre-punched break lines – means that the label cannot be removed completely.
• Perforations or cutting lines – adapted to how the label is to be applied.
• Multi-layer solutions – where the user only sees part, while the rest is kept for control.

If necessary, the label is completely customized to the customer's product, surface or machinery.

3. Quality control and traceability

Since the label has a security function, careful control is required at every step:

• Each batch is documented and tracked.
• Printing errors or deviations are automatically sorted out.
• In some cases, camera inspection is used to check serial numbers or codes.

With us, this happens in close collaboration between our production, technical team and the customer – to ensure that each label lives up to its purpose: to protect, confirm and reveal manipulation.

Benefits of using security labels

There are several clear advantages – both in practice and for your credibility as a supplier:

• Prevents counterfeiting and theft
• Shows that you take security seriously
• Provides traceability in the production chain
• Creates security for customers and end users
• Facilitates control, auditing and compliance

With the right labelling solution, you can not only protect your product, but also your brand and reputation. In an era where customer trust is invaluable, this is an investment that makes a difference.

How do you know what type of label you need?

It all depends on what you want to protect, how your product moves through the supply chain – and what requirements you have from customers, authorities or internal processes. At Logimark we help you analyze the need and develop a solution that fits. It can be anything from a simple seal to an advanced label with multiple layers of security features.

We offer a wide range of security labels and materials, from standard solutions to customized labels with variable data, QR codes and integrated traceability functions. We also help with the right label applicators and software – so that you get a complete solution that works in your production.

Want to know more about how security labels can strengthen your business? Contact us At Logimark – we help you all the way.