VOID anti-counterfeit labels provide visible and irreversible evidence when someone tries to remove, replace or reuse a security label. Depending on the required residue effect, brands can choose full-transfer, partial-transfer or non-transfer VOID labels for electronics, warranty seals, logistics packaging, cosmetics, industrial parts and premium cartons. However, the correct VOID label structure depends on the application surface, adhesive system, dwell time, printing process, inspection method and operating environment. This technical guide explains how each type works and how to select the right tamper-evident solution before mass production.

Quick Answer: What Are VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels?

VOID anti-counterfeit labels are pressure-sensitive security labels engineered to reveal a hidden message, warning pattern or customized brand mark after removal. When peeling force is applied, a controlled release layer separates inside the material structure and activates the tamper-indicating effect.

Depending on the construction, the hidden word “VOID,” “OPENED,” a custom logo or another security pattern may:

• transfer almost completely to the applied surface;
• split between the surface and the removed label; or
• remain mainly visible on the removed label film.

These three structures are known as full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer VOID labels.

A VOID label is primarily a tamper-indicating technology. It shows that a label or package has been opened or removed. When combined with holograms, covert UV marks, serial numbers, QR codes or secure product data, it can also become part of a broader anti-counterfeit and product-authentication system.

Why Brands Need VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

Counterfeit and unauthorized products affect far more than luxury goods. Electronics, cosmetics, spare parts, medical products, industrial components, packaging and online retail products can all be copied, substituted, opened or resold through unauthorized channels.

The OECD and EUIPO Mapping Global Trade in Fakes 2025 report estimated that counterfeit and pirated goods accounted for up to 2.3% of global trade in 2021. The commercial impact may include lost sales, warranty fraud, customer complaints, safety risks, distributor disputes and long-term damage to brand trust.

A normal printed sticker may identify a product but provide little evidence after removal. It may sometimes be peeled, replaced or transferred to another package without creating a clear warning. Properly engineered VOID anti-counterfeit labels create a physical and visible response that cannot be restored to its original condition.

Common risks addressed by VOID security labels include:

• unauthorized package opening;
• product or component substitution;
• warranty seal removal;
• unauthorized repair or inspection;
• label reuse on counterfeit goods;
• grey-market redistribution;
• return fraud and package resealing;
• unauthorized access during storage or transportation.

VOID labels primarily provide tamper evidence. When combined with holograms, UV marks, serial numbers or QR codes, they can also support a broader product-authentication system.

 

How a VOID Anti-Counterfeit Label Material System Works

A professional VOID label is not simply a PET film coated with adhesive. It is a controlled multilayer system in which the facestock, coating, release characteristics, hidden message layer, adhesive and liner must interact correctly.

1. Printable Facestock

The top coating supports ink anchorage, barcode readability and surface durability. It may be designed for flexographic, UV, screen, thermal-transfer, inkjet, offset or selected digital printing processes.

Without a suitable printable coating, inks may scratch, smear, delaminate or fail during converting and application.

The facestock provides dimensional stability, strength and visual appearance. Common options include:

• white PET;
• matte or glossy silver PET;
• transparent PET;
• gold or colored films;
• holographic PET;
• paper-based face materials.

Film thickness, stiffness and elongation influence printing, die cutting, matrix stripping, dispensing and final removal behavior.

2. Controlled Release and Hidden Message Layers

The controlled release coating determines how the internal layers separate during peeling. This is one of the most critical parts of a VOID anti-counterfeit label.

If the release balance is too weak, the security message may activate prematurely during converting or dispensing. If it is too strong, the message may appear incomplete or fail to transfer correctly.

The hidden layer contains the security message or pattern. Common options include:

• VOID;
• VOIDOPEN;
• OPENED;
• SECURITY;
• custom warning text;
• repeated company logo;
• positive or negative hidden patterns.

3. Color or Functional Coating

A color or functional coating controls contrast and visual clarity after removal. It may also support holographic, UV-responsive, heat-responsive or other security effects.

4. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive

The pressure-sensitive adhesive creates the bond between the label and the substrate. Adhesive selection must consider:

• surface energy;
• surface texture;
• coating or paint system;
• temperature and humidity;
• application pressure;
• dwell time before testing;
• required residue level;
• expected service life.

Coated cartons, kraft board, glass, metal, ABS, PET, PP and PE do not provide the same bonding conditions. Low-surface-energy plastics may require a different adhesive than glass or painted metal.

5. Release Liner

The release liner protects the adhesive before application and affects converting performance. Glassine, kraft paper and PET liners may be selected according to printing, die cutting, matrix stripping and automatic dispensing requirements.

Full-Transfer VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

Full-transfer VOID anti-counterfeit labels leave most or all of the hidden security message and adhesive evidence on the applied surface after removal.

When the label is peeled, the warning pattern remains directly on the carton, plastic case, glass, metal or other substrate. The removed label normally loses its original appearance and adhesive integrity, making clean reapplication difficult.

Best Applications for Full-Transfer VOID Labels

• shipping and logistics cartons;
• electronics warranty packaging;
• high-value retail products;
• document and file sealing;
• asset protection;
• industrial component packaging;
• pharmaceutical secondary packaging;
• one-time security seals.

Main Advantages

• strong evidence remains on the protected surface;
• opening attempts are easy to identify;
• the original label cannot be restored to its initial appearance;
• custom warning text, colors and logo patterns are possible;
• suitable for applications where clean removal is not required.

Important Limitations

Full-transfer materials are not suitable when the protected surface must remain clean after removal. They may also perform differently on recycled cartons, textured materials, powder-coated surfaces or low-energy plastics.

The objective should not simply be “maximum adhesive strength.” The adhesive, release coating and hidden message layer must remain balanced so the required message transfers clearly without premature activation.

Partial-Transfer VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

Partial-transfer VOID anti-counterfeit labels divide the hidden security pattern between the applied surface and the removed label.

Part of the VOID message remains on the package, while another part stays on the film. This provides evidence on both sides and creates a balance between strong tamper visibility and controlled residue.

Best Applications for Partial-Transfer VOID Labels

• cosmetics and premium packaging;
• retail cartons;
• branded gift boxes;
• electronic accessories;
• logistics and e-commerce packaging;
• warranty seals;
• industrial parts packaging;
• document and certificate protection.

Main Advantages

• tamper evidence appears on both the label and substrate;
• less surface coverage than a full-transfer structure;
• easy visual inspection;
• suitable for premium colors, gold, silver and holographic finishes;
• provides a practical middle option between full and non-transfer materials.

Partial-transfer performance requires precise control. Uneven coating, poor adhesive matching or inconsistent curing can produce an incomplete or irregular residue pattern.

Non-Transfer VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

Non-transfer VOID anti-counterfeit labels reveal the hidden message mainly on the removed film while leaving little or no visible VOID pattern on the application surface.

This structure is designed for products where tamper evidence is required but heavy adhesive residue or a permanent warning mark on the product would be undesirable.

How Non-Transfer Technology Works: Non-transfer VOID materials use controlled internal delamination within the label construction. When peeling force is applied, the optical or color layer separates at a predetermined interface, revealing the hidden VOID pattern on the removed film.

The adhesive system is designed to keep the application surface relatively clean while making the removed label permanently different from its original condition. Final residue behavior must still be confirmed on the customer’s actual substrate, because surface coating, dwell time, temperature and application pressure can affect the result.

Best Applications for Non-Transfer VOID Labels

• mobile phones, tablets and computers;
• camera and recording-device covers;
• electronic equipment housings;
• reusable transport containers;
• rental equipment;
• glass, coated metal and premium surfaces;
• medical devices;
• inspection and calibration seals.

Non-Transfer Does Not Mean Ordinary Removable

A non-transfer VOID label should not be confused with a normal removable sticker.

A standard removable label is designed to come away cleanly and may retain much of its original appearance. A non-transfer VOID security label is designed to change permanently during removal. The hidden message appears on the film and provides evidence that the label has been opened.

Main Advantages

• the application surface remains relatively clean;
• the removed film displays visible tamper evidence;
• suitable for premium or reusable products;
• supports custom messages, colors and printing;
• reduces the risk of surface damage caused by heavy adhesive residue.

Residue performance should still be confirmed on the actual substrate. Adhesive behavior can change according to surface coating, dwell time, temperature, cleaning process and storage conditions.

Full vs Partial vs Non-Transfer VOID Labels

In simple terms: choose full transfer when evidence must remain strongly visible on the protected surface, partial transfer when evidence is required on both sides, and non-transfer when the protected surface should remain relatively clean.

How to Choose the Correct VOID Transfer Type

The choice should begin with the security risk and substrate—not with color or price.

Choose Full Transfer When:

• permanent surface evidence is required;
• the package will not be reused;
• strong opening indication is more important than appearance;
• warehouse staff or customers must inspect the surface quickly.

Choose Partial Transfer When:

• evidence is required on the label and package;
• the brand wants controlled rather than total residue;
• visual presentation remains important;
• the removed label may also be retained for inspection.

Choose Non-Transfer When:

• the product surface must remain clean;
• the product is reusable or high value;
• heavy adhesive residue could damage appearance;
• inspection focuses on the condition of the removed label.

Application Scenario 1: Electronics Warranty Protection

An electronics manufacturer needs a warranty seal for an ABS device housing. The service team must be able to identify unauthorized opening, but heavy residue could damage the product appearance.

A non-transfer VOID anti-counterfeit label is tested on the actual ABS surface. When removed, the hidden warning appears permanently on the film while the product housing remains relatively clean.

This structure supports after-sales inspection without using a highly destructive adhesive system on the finished device.

 

Application Scenario 2: Logistics Carton Security

A logistics supplier needs visible evidence if a high-value carton is opened during transportation. The carton is disposable, so maintaining a clean surface is not a priority.

A full-transfer VOID label provides the stronger option. After peeling, the security message remains on the carton and can be identified by warehouse staff or the final recipient.

Additional Security Functions for VOID Labels

Custom Hidden Messages

The standard word “VOID” can be replaced or combined with:

• custom company logos;
• brand names;
• OPENED or SECURITY wording;
• multilingual warning text;
• positive or negative patterns;
• repeated micro-pattern designs.

A custom hidden message increases brand specificity and makes generic replacement labels less convincing.

Holographic VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

Holographic VOID labels combine two security functions.

The holographic surface provides immediate visual recognition, while the internal VOID structure reveals physical removal. This combination can be used for cosmetics, electronics, branded cartons, certificates and other premium applications.

However, a decorative holographic film alone should not automatically be described as a complete anti-counterfeit solution. Stronger protection comes from combining controlled tamper evidence, custom optical effects and a defined verification procedure.

UV-Responsive Security Features

Custom UV-responsive text, logos or patterns can provide a covert inspection layer. The mark remains difficult to see under normal lighting and becomes visible under a suitable ultraviolet source.

UV authentication can support distributors, service centers, customs personnel or internal inspectors, but it does not replace the physical VOID function. The two technologies perform different roles.

Serial Numbers, Barcodes and QR Codes

Variable data can connect each label to a batch, product, distributor or verification record. Options include:

• sequential serial numbers;
• one-dimensional barcodes;
• QR codes;
• batch and lot data;
• variable customer information.

The GS1 Digital Link standard provides a standardized method for connecting identifiers such as GTINs, serial numbers and batch information to online resources. A physical VOID label and a digital identifier can therefore support both tamper evidence and connected product information.

Why Some VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels Fail

A label may perform well on a glass test panel but fail on the customer’s final product. This does not always mean the VOID technology is defective. It often means that the material system and application conditions were not matched correctly.

The quality of VOID anti-counterfeit labels should not be judged only by whether the word “VOID” appears during one peel demonstration. Professional evaluation should also consider message clarity, residue boundary, adhesion stability, printability, converting performance, aging resistance and batch-to-batch consistency.

How to Test VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels Before Production

Testing should be completed on the customer’s real product or packaging surface. Standard panels are useful for comparison, but they cannot fully represent coated cartons, textured plastics, recycled board, painted metal, curved housings or release-treated surfaces.

Recommended Test Procedure

1. Confirm the substrate: identify the surface material, coating and texture.
2. Prepare and apply the sample: clean the surface and apply the label with consistent pressure.
3. Record dwell time: compare immediate and 24-hour bonding when required.
4. Perform the peel test: inspect message clarity, residue and removal behavior.
5. Attempt reapplication: check whether the original appearance can be restored.
6. Evaluate final conditions: test printing, temperature, humidity or aging when relevant

Peel Adhesion Testing

The active ASTM D6252/D6252M-98(2025) test method covers 90-degree peel adhesion testing of pressure-sensitive label stocks and can be used for quality-assurance comparisons on standard steel or other representative surfaces.

Peel force is only one part of VOID label performance. A material can show a high peel value but still produce unclear tamper evidence. Final evaluation must also consider the transfer layer, message appearance, reapplication resistance and actual substrate.

Authentication-System Evaluation

ISO 22383:2020 provides guidelines for selecting and evaluating authentication solutions intended to establish the authenticity and integrity of material goods throughout their life cycle.

The standard does not prescribe one specific label technology. Instead, it supports a risk-based evaluation of whether an authentication solution is appropriate for the protected product, users and verification environment.

How Custom VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels Are Manufactured

Custom VOID label manufacturing should begin with the security problem and application surface—not only the printed artwork.

1. Requirement and Substrate Analysis

The manufacturer confirms:

• the protected product or package;
• application substrate;
• required transfer type;
• residue expectations;
• label dimensions;
• printing method;
• operating conditions;
• inspection procedure;
• roll, sheet or finished-label format.

2. Material and Hidden Message Design

PET, holographic film, transparent film, colored film or paper may be selected according to appearance and converting requirements. The top coating must match the intended printing system.

The hidden message is prepared as a standard or customized pattern. Message size, direction, repeat interval, positive or negative design and visual contrast must be confirmed before plate or coating preparation.

3. Coating, Adhesive and Lamination

The release coating is applied and cured under controlled conditions. Coating weight and curing consistency influence whether the final product becomes full-transfer, partial-transfer or non-transfer.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive is selected according to substrate, service conditions and residue target. The coated structure is laminated to the required liner and allowed to stabilize according to the production process.

4. Converting and Quality Inspection

Jumbo rolls may be slit for label converters or printed and die cut into finished labels. Converting control includes web tension, registration, die pressure, matrix stripping and roll winding.

Typical controls include:

• coating appearance;
• hidden-message clarity;
• adhesive consistency;
• liner release;
• transfer behavior;
• printing compatibility;
• roll width and winding quality;
• batch identification;
• retained samples for comparison.

Opzioni di personalizzazione

Hanksec supplies VOID security materials in jumbo rolls, slit rolls, sheets and finished label formats. OEM and ODM options include custom hidden messages, printing, serial numbers, QR codes and application testing.

FAQ About VOID Anti-Counterfeit Labels

What are VOID anti-counterfeit labels?

VOID anti-counterfeit labels are tamper-evident security labels that reveal a hidden message or pattern after removal. The visible and irreversible change helps identify unauthorized opening, removal or label reuse.

What is the difference between full-transfer and non-transfer VOID labels?

Full-transfer labels leave most of the hidden message and residue on the applied surface. Non-transfer labels reveal the message mainly on the removed film while keeping the protected surface relatively clean.

When should partial-transfer VOID labels be used?

Partial-transfer labels are suitable when evidence is required on both the applied surface and removed label. They provide a balance between strong tamper indication and controlled residue.

Can the standard VOID message be customized?

Yes. The hidden message can include a company logo, brand name, OPENED wording, warning text or another customized positive or negative pattern.

Can VOID labels be used on plastic, metal and glass?

Yes, but each substrate may require a different adhesive and material structure. Smooth glass, painted metal, ABS, PET, PP and PE can produce different bonding and transfer behavior.

Can Hanksec supply raw material and finished labels?

Yes. Hanksec can supply jumbo rolls, slit rolls, sheets and finished die-cut VOID anti-counterfeit labels for converters, packaging suppliers, distributors and brand owners.

Conclusion: Select the VOID Structure Around the Real Security Risk

VOID anti-counterfeit labels provide visible and irreversible evidence when a product, package or warranty seal has been opened. However, full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer structures serve different purposes.

Full-transfer VOID labels provide strong evidence directly on the protected surface. Partial-transfer labels divide the warning between the film and substrate. Non-transfer VOID labels keep the application surface relatively clean while displaying evidence on the removed label.

The best option depends on the application surface, residue requirement, adhesive performance, service environment, printing method and inspection procedure. No security label should be selected only from a photo or basic peel demonstration.

Testing the material on the actual product surface before bulk production is the most reliable way to confirm message clarity, adhesion, residue behavior, reapplication resistance and long-term suitability.

Contatta Hanksec to request full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer VOID material samples, technical recommendations and OEM or ODM anti-counterfeit label solutions.

Related Hanksec VOID Label Materials and Technical Guides

• Explore Tamper Evident VOID Label Materials
• Full-Transfer VOID Security Labels for Permanent Surface Evidence
• Partial-Transfer VOID Labels for Balanced Residue
• Non-Transfer VOID Security Materials for Clean Surfaces
• How Security Label Material Systems Work
• Heat-Resistant VOID Labels for Heat-Assisted Tampering