Quick Answer: VOID label material is a tamper-evident pressure-sensitive security material that reveals a hidden message, such as VOID, OPENED or a custom pattern, when removal is attempted. Its security effect comes from controlled separation within the material construction. Depending on the design, the message may appear on the application surface, on the removed film or on both.
VOID label material is not the same as a finished VOID label. The material is typically supplied as converter-ready jumbo rolls, slit rolls or sheets for printing, die cutting and further converting. A finished VOID label has already been processed into its final size, shape or printed format.
The correct material depends on the required full-transfer, partial-transfer or non-transfer effect, application substrate, adhesive, printable surface, release liner and converting conditions. Hanksec recommends qualifying the complete construction on the actual application surface before bulk production.
For label converters and OEM buyers, explore Hanksec VOID Label Material Types or request material samples according to your substrate, printing method and roll requirements.
What Makes VOID Label Material Tamper-Evident?
Ordinary pressure-sensitive labels primarily carry printed information and remain attached to a surface. VOID label material adds a functional security mechanism that creates a visible change when a specified removal attempt occurs.
The mechanism is commonly based on controlled separation between functional layers. When peeling stress reaches the intended separation interface, a previously hidden message or security pattern becomes visible.
Depending on the construction, this evidence may remain mainly on the application surface, appear primarily on the removed film or be divided between both.
The purpose is not necessarily to prevent every possible opening attempt. Instead, the material is designed to make specified interference more detectable through a visible security response.
How Does VOID Label Material Work?
VOID label material works by controlling the relationship between adhesive bonding and separation within the security construction. When a label is lifted, peeling stress passes through the facestock and reaches the designed security interface.
A typical activation sequence is:
- The pressure-sensitive adhesive develops sufficient contact with the application surface.
- Peeling force is applied during an attempted removal.
- Stress reaches the functional security or release interface.
- The internal construction separates according to its designed transfer behavior.
- A hidden VOID, OPENED or customized security pattern becomes visible on the substrate, removed film or both.
- The designed opening evidence makes restoration of the original unopened appearance difficult without a visible change.
Important: The appearance of the VOID message depends on more than the hidden security pattern. Adhesive wet-out, substrate surface energy, surface texture, application pressure, dwell time, temperature and removal conditions can affect the result.
If the adhesive releases from the substrate before the intended security interface activates, the material may peel away without the expected VOID evidence. This is why adhesive bonding and security-layer separation must be qualified together.
Full, Partial and Non-Transfer VOID Label Materials
The three main transfer behaviors describe where the security evidence appears after removal. They do not represent a universal ranking from low security to high security.
| VOID Type | Removal Response | Surface Evidence | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Transfer VOID | Security message and transfer layer remain visibly on the receiving surface. | Strong visible transfer | Cartons, warranty sealing and high-visibility package security |
| Partial Transfer VOID | Security evidence is divided between the removed label and substrate. | Partial transfer | Applications requiring evidence on both sides |
| Non-Transfer VOID | Hidden security message appears mainly on the removed film. | Limited visible transfer, depending on construction | Electronics, reusable equipment and sensitive surfaces |
These are general selection directions, not guarantees of identical performance on every substrate. Non-transfer construction, for example, does not automatically guarantee absolutely zero adhesive residue or compatibility with every surface coating.
For detailed product comparisons, consult Hanksec’s Full, Partial and Non-Transfer VOID Material Comparison.
How Is VOID Label Material Constructed?
VOID label material is a multilayer pressure-sensitive construction. The exact layer sequence varies by product, but the material generally combines a facestock, functional security system, adhesive and release construction.
Face Film or Printable Facestock
PET is commonly selected when dimensional stability, durability and converting performance are important. Depending on the required security effect, suitable constructions may also use BOPP, paper or specialized printable materials.
Printable surfaces may require corona treatment, primer or a dedicated coating. Compatibility with one printing system does not establish compatibility with every ink or toner formulation.
Security and Release Layers
The internal security system controls how the construction separates during removal. It may incorporate VOID, VOIDOPEN, OPENED, SECURITY, a customized logo or another hidden security pattern.
Functional coating consistency, pattern registration and release behavior determine whether the intended message activates clearly and consistently.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive
The adhesive anchors the material to the actual application surface and helps trigger the intended security response. PP, PE, HDPE, PET, glass, coated cartons, painted metal and textured surfaces can require different adhesive characteristics.
The strongest possible adhesive is not always the most suitable choice. Excessive bonding can produce unwanted coating damage or residue, while insufficient bonding may prevent the functional security layer from activating.
Release Liner
The release liner protects the adhesive before application and influences die cutting, matrix stripping, dispensing, slitting and rewinding. Glassine, kraft or PET liners may be evaluated according to the material construction and converting requirements.
Some specialized tape constructions use a different release architecture, so the liner and coating arrangement should always be confirmed for the exact product.
How to Select the Right VOID Label Material
Material selection should start with the intended tamper evidence rather than film color or a preferred hidden message. Buyers should assess the actual packaging or product surface, adhesive requirements, printability, converting process and service conditions.
1. Define the Required Tamper Evidence
Decide whether the security message should remain on the receiving surface, appear on the removed material or be visible on both. This determines the starting choice between full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer constructions.
2. Identify the Actual Application Surface
The same VOID material can behave differently on PP, PE, HDPE, PET, glass, coated cartons or painted metal. Low-surface-energy plastics may need a different adhesive construction from glass or clean metal.
For additional guidance, review Hanksec’s Tamper Evident Label Adhesive Guide.
3. Confirm Printing Requirements
Converters should specify the actual printing platform before approving material. UV flexographic, screen, thermal-transfer, offset, digital and pigment-inkjet printing may require different surface treatments, primers or printable coatings.
Qualification should cover ink anchorage, drying or curing, scratch resistance, barcode readability and VOID activation after printing.
See Hanksec’s Printable Security Label Materials Guide for more detailed printing considerations.
4. Check the Converting Process
Die cutting, matrix stripping, slitting, rewinding and dispensing can place stress on the security construction. Confirm roll width, release liner, core specification, winding direction and equipment requirements before production.
For additional roll specifications, see VOID Label Material Rolls: Jumbo & Slit Roll Guide.
5. Evaluate the Service Environment
Temperature, humidity, condensation, storage conditions, cleaning chemicals and outdoor exposure can influence adhesive performance and VOID activation. Environmental limits should be based on the selected construction rather than one specification for every VOID product.
Quick Selection Matrix
| Buyer Requirement | Starting Direction | What Must Be Validated |
|---|---|---|
| Strong evidence on carton or package | Full transfer | Adhesion, residue clarity and carton-surface behavior |
| Evidence on film and substrate | Partial transfer | Transfer balance and appearance |
| Relatively clean surface after removal | Non-transfer | VOID activation and actual residue |
| PP / PE / HDPE application | Substrate-specific adhesive | Wet-out, dwell adhesion and opening response |
| Digital printing | Qualified printable coating | Ink anchorage, rub resistance and security response |
| Converter-ready jumbo or slit rolls | Roll-format selection | Roll dimensions, liner release and converting stability |
What Should Label Converters Specify When Buying VOID Label Material?
Label converters and security printers should define the complete material requirements before ordering. A request for generic “VOID stickers” does not provide enough information to select a suitable converter-ready construction.
For material selection or quotation, specify:
- Application substrate: PP, PE, HDPE, PET, glass, coated carton, painted metal or another surface, including coatings and relevant surface conditions.
- Tamper response: Full Transfer, Partial Transfer or Non-Transfer, acceptable residue and required hidden message.
- Printing system: UV flexo, screen, thermal transfer, HP Indigo, Domino, Xeikon or another specified platform, including ink, toner or primer requirements.
- Material construction: Facestock, thickness, appearance, adhesive and release-liner preference.
- Converting specifications: Jumbo or slit-roll width, roll length, core diameter, winding direction, die cutting and matrix stripping.
- Project conditions: Service temperature, storage, trial quantity and expected production requirements.
Sample approval should include adhesive performance and VOID activation on the real application surface, together with printing, liner release and converting stability where applicable.
For detailed roll-format information, review the VOID Label Material Rolls Guide. Buyers who have not yet confirmed the correct construction can request material samples and technical recommendations.
Printing and Converting Compatibility
VOID security materials contain functional layers that ordinary labels do not. Printing and converting must therefore be qualified without damaging or prematurely activating the security system.
Depending on the selected construction, compatible processes may include:
- UV and flexographic printing
- Screen printing
- Thermal-transfer printing
- Offset and rotary printing
- Selected digital printing platforms
- Selected inkjet systems with appropriate printable coatings
Recommended qualification checks include:
- Ink or toner anchorage
- Drying and curing behavior
- Rub and scratch resistance
- Fine-text and variable-data readability
- Die-cutting and matrix-stripping stability
- Slitting, rewinding and roll handling
- Release-liner performance
- Final VOID activation after converting
For HP Indigo, Domino, Xeikon, UV inkjet or other digital platforms, the printable coating must be confirmed against the actual ink, toner and primer system. One general-purpose coating should not be assumed suitable for every digital printing process.
VOID Label Material Manufacturing Process
VOID label material is produced through a controlled coating, security-pattern formation and converting process. The exact manufacturing sequence depends on the selected construction.
- Facestock preparation: Select PET, BOPP, paper or another material according to the required security and converting performance.
- Surface treatment: Apply corona treatment, primer or printable coating where needed.
- Color or optical layer: Introduce metallic, colored or holographic features for selected constructions.
- Security-layer formation: Create the hidden VOID, OPENED or customized separation pattern.
- Adhesive coating: Apply the selected pressure-sensitive adhesive according to substrate and transfer requirements.
- Liner lamination: Combine the construction with the specified release liner and complete necessary stabilization.
- Converting: Slit, sheet or rewind the material into the required supply format.
- Quality control: Verify coating, printing, roll handling and tamper-evident performance.
Not every product uses every process step. Paper-based, holographic and specialty VOID constructions may require different coating, optical or lamination operations.
Factory Quality Control and Application Validation
VOID material quality cannot be judged by appearance alone. A film may look correct before application but produce incomplete security evidence if its functional layers, adhesive or receiving surface are unsuitable.
Material qualification may include:
- Facestock thickness and appearance inspection
- Security-message registration and clarity
- Functional and adhesive coating consistency
- Initial tack and peel-adhesion evaluation
- Full-, partial- or non-transfer response on representative substrates
- Surface cleanliness for non-transfer constructions
- Printing and ink-anchorage checks
- Die cutting, matrix stripping and slitting
- Release-liner performance and dispensing behavior
- Temperature, humidity and aging evaluation where required
- Comparison with approved reference samples between production batches
For pressure-sensitive adhesive peel evaluation, methods such as ASTM D3330/D3330M may be used where appropriate.
Peel adhesion alone does not qualify VOID material. An adhesive may provide satisfactory bonding while the security message remains incomplete. Conversely, a material may show a clear VOID response but fail printing, die-cutting or application requirements.
Hanksec therefore recommends evaluating the complete construction on the customer’s actual substrate and converting equipment before bulk production.
For additional testing considerations, see the Hanksec Security Label Material Quality Control Guide.
Customization and Supply Formats
VOID label material can be customized for converters, security printers, distributors and OEM manufacturers. Requirements may differ between converter-ready raw material and finished labels.
Material Construction Options
- Full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer constructions
- PET, BOPP, paper and selected specialty facestocks
- Selected PET thicknesses such as 25, 36 and 50 μm or project-specific options
- Substrate-specific pressure-sensitive adhesives
- Glassine, kraft or PET release liners where applicable
- Printable coatings and surface treatments
Visual and Security Options
- VOID, VOIDOPEN, OPENED, SECURITY or customized hidden messages
- Custom logos or security patterns
- Silver, gold, blue, red, black, white, yellow, green, transparent and other colors
- Gloss, matte, metallic or holographic appearance
- UV or additional authentication features where required
Supply Formats
- Jumbo or master rolls
- Slit rolls
- Sheets
- Custom widths and roll lengths
- Finished die-cut labels
- Printed labels with serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes or other variable data
Final availability depends on the selected construction, material stock and project requirements. Custom options should be approved through sample evaluation where necessary.
Where Are VOID Label Materials Used?
VOID materials are selected when a label or seal must provide visible evidence of unauthorized removal, opening or manipulation. The suitable transfer type depends on the application and inspection requirements.
| Application | Security Objective | Material Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics and Warranty | Show evidence of unauthorized access or label removal | Full, partial or non-transfer according to residue requirements |
| Logistics and Cartons | Show opening or resealing attempts | Full or partial transfer |
| Retail and Premium Packaging | Brand protection and tamper evidence | Partial, non-transfer or customized security material |
| Reusable Equipment | Detect removal while limiting visible surface transfer | Qualified non-transfer construction |
| Documents and Assets | Discourage label replacement or unauthorized removal | Application-specific VOID material |
| Medical and Regulated Packaging | Provide one element of a validated packaging-security system | Qualified project-specific construction |
For regulated applications, the complete packaging system must be assessed against the applicable product and market requirements. A VOID label should not automatically be described as regulatory-compliant merely because it displays tamper evidence.
VOID Label Material vs Finished VOID Labels
This difference matters for B2B sourcing because the expression “VOID label” may refer either to converter-ready security stock or an application-ready finished label.
| Item | VOID Label Material | Finished VOID Label |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Form | Jumbo roll, slit roll, sheet or converter-ready stock | Printed and die-cut label |
| Main Buyer | Converters, security printers and material distributors | Brands, factories and end users |
| Buyer Controls | Printing, die cutting, slitting and downstream converting | Final placement and application |
| Quotation Information | Facestock, ink system, liner, core, roll dimensions and substrate | Label size, artwork, quantity and application surface |
Hanksec supplies both converter-ready material and finished-label options, but this article focuses primarily on the security material system. Buyers comparing individual transfer products should use the VOID Label Material Types page.
VOID Label Material vs Destructible Label Material
VOID and destructible materials create different forms of tamper evidence.
- VOID material: Relies mainly on controlled separation between functional layers to reveal a hidden security message or transfer effect.
- Destructible material: Uses a fragile facestock designed to tear, crack or fragment when removal is attempted.
VOID materials are often selected when a readable VOID or OPENED message is required. Destructible materials are selected when physical fragmentation of the label itself is the main intended security response.
For more information, read Hanksec’s Destructible Label Materials: Types, Grades & Selection Guide.
Why Buyers Work With Hanksec for VOID Label Materials
Hanksec develops and supplies security label materials for converters, security printers and OEM manufacturers. VOID materials are evaluated as complete functional constructions rather than ordinary adhesive films.
Material selection and development support can include:
- Full-transfer, partial-transfer and non-transfer construction selection
- Application-substrate and adhesive compatibility evaluation
- Printable surface and coating selection
- Jumbo-roll and slit-roll supply
- Custom security messages, colors and patterns
- Release-liner and converting compatibility review
- Sample preparation and pre-production qualification
- Finished-label conversion where required
Successful material approval should consider security response, adhesive behavior, printing, roll handling and consistency across production batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VOID label material made of?
VOID label material is a multilayer pressure-sensitive construction. Depending on the product, it may include PET, BOPP, paper or another facestock with functional security layers, adhesive and release liner.
How does VOID label material work?
It works through controlled separation within the security construction. Removal reveals a hidden VOID, OPENED or customized pattern on the application surface, removed film or both.
What are the three main VOID transfer types?
They are full transfer, partial transfer and non-transfer. The main difference is where the designed security evidence appears after peeling.
Can VOID label material be customized?
Yes. Depending on the construction, customization may include hidden messages, color, facestock, adhesive, film thickness, printable coating, release liner and roll format.
Can the same adhesive be used on PP, glass and coated cartons?
Not necessarily. These surfaces have different surface-energy and coating characteristics. The adhesive and intended VOID response should be tested on the actual application substrate.
Can VOID material be used with digital printing?
Selected constructions can be prepared for digital printing, but compatibility depends on the printer, ink or toner system, surface treatment and converting process. Testing is required before production approval.
What is the difference between VOID material and a finished VOID label?
VOID label material is converter-ready security stock supplied in rolls or sheets. A finished VOID label has been converted to its final printed, die-cut or application-ready format.
Should VOID label material be tested before bulk production?
Yes. Test on the real substrate and, where applicable, with the intended printing and converting workflow. Verify adhesive bonding, VOID activation, residue behavior, release-liner performance and environmental requirements.
What information should a buyer provide when requesting samples?
Provide the substrate, required transfer effect, residue preference, printing method, film or label size, roll requirements, converting method, service environment and expected quantity.
Reliable VOID performance depends on the face material, functional security layers, adhesive, release liner, application surface and converting process. A material approved for one substrate should not automatically be approved for another.
Send Hanksec your substrate, Full / Partial / Non-Transfer requirement, acceptable residue, printing system, roll or label dimensions, liner preference and converting conditions.
If the required transfer type is uncertain, describe where the tamper evidence should appear after opening. Hanksec can help recommend suitable constructions for sample qualification before bulk production.
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Hanksec® | VOID Label Materials · Full / Partial / Non-Transfer · Substrate Testing · Printing & Converting · OEM/ODM
