The material separates permanently leaving behind a message "Void Opened" if an attempt to remove it.
Ideal for secure transporting of high value goods. Available in blue or red.
- Secure
Tapes / Specialist Tapes / Tamper Evident Tape
| Order Code | Size W x L | Colour | Pack Quantity |
| 13TE50R | 50mm x 50m | Red | 24 |
| 13TE50B | 50mm x 50m | Blue | 24 |
Tamper evident tape is designed to make interference obvious. Unlike standard carton sealing tape that can sometimes be lifted and re-applied, tamper evident constructions are engineered to separate in a controlled way during removal so that a clear warning message is revealed. On this collection, the tape is specified to leave a permanent “Void Opened” message if removal is attempted, helping to protect shipments where chain-of-custody matters.
Tamper Evident Tape — Helpful Guide
This category focuses on security sealing tape used to close cartons, cases, and other packs where you want visible evidence of opening. The key feature is the irreversible reveal: once the tape is lifted, the message appears and cannot be “reset” by pressing the tape back down.
Types of tamper evident sealing in this category
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Residue-transfer “VOID/OPENED” message tape
Designed so that, when peeled, the tape’s layers split and a warning message remains visible. This makes it difficult to conceal interference because the surface shows evidence even after the tape is removed.
Products available in this collection
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50mmx50m - Tamper Evident Tape - Red
A 50mm wide, 50m long tamper evident carton sealing tape intended to reveal a “Void Opened” message if removal is attempted. Useful for sealing cartons and outer packs where visual tamper indication is required. -
50mmx50m - Tamper Evident Tape - Blue
A 50mm wide, 50m long tamper evident carton sealing tape intended to reveal a “Void Opened” message if removal is attempted. Suitable for applications where you want a clear security seal and easy visual identification by colour.
How tamper evident “VOID/OPENED” tapes work
Most “VOID/OPENED” security tapes rely on a layered construction that behaves differently from ordinary packaging tape. When the tape is intact, it looks like a normal sealing tape. When someone tries to peel it away, the tape is designed to delaminate internally rather than release cleanly from the surface. This controlled separation reveals the hidden message and, in residue-transfer designs, leaves part of the message behind on the carton or substrate.
In practical terms, the tape is engineered so that the bond between certain internal layers fails before the bond to the carton fails. That means the tape cannot be removed without changing its appearance and/or leaving a visible pattern on the pack. Once the message has appeared, reapplying the tape will not restore the original look, which is the point of a tamper-evident seal.
Typical uses for tamper evident tape
- High-value goods in transit where outer packaging needs a clear, quick visual check for interference.
- Returns management to help identify whether a carton has been opened after dispatch.
- Internal distribution between sites, warehouses, or departments where accountability is important.
- Document and evidence packs where a visible seal supports handling controls.
Case study: reducing “silent opening” on outbound cartons
A distribution team shipping small, high-value items noticed occasional discrepancies between packed and received quantities. Cartons were sealed with standard tape, which could sometimes be lifted and pressed back down without obvious signs—especially on dusty or recycled corrugate. The team introduced tamper evident tape on the outer carton seam and implemented a simple receiving check: if the seam showed a “Void Opened” message or disturbed tape, the carton was routed to inspection.
Over the following weeks, the team reported faster triage at goods-in and fewer ambiguous cases. The key operational benefit was not that the tape physically prevented opening, but that it made interference easier to detect and document, improving process control and accountability.
How to choose the correct tamper evident tape
1) Confirm the surface you are sealing
Tamper evident performance depends heavily on the substrate. Corrugated cartons vary widely: recycled board can be dusty and porous; coated cartons can be smoother and lower-energy. For best results, apply to clean, dry surfaces and avoid sealing over heavy dust, loose fibres, or moisture. If cartons are cold-stored, allow surfaces to acclimatise where possible so the adhesive can wet-out properly.
2) Decide what “evidence” you need
Some operations need a message that remains on the carton after removal (residue-transfer), because it is harder to disguise. Others prefer a message that appears mainly in the tape to avoid residue on the pack. This collection is focused on a tape that leaves a permanent “Void Opened” message when removal is attempted, supporting clear visual inspection.
3) Choose width and roll length for your sealing method
The products in this category are 50mm wide by 50m long. A 50mm width is commonly used for carton sealing because it covers the seam well and provides a broad contact area. Roll length affects changeover frequency: shorter rolls can be convenient for low-volume packing benches, while longer rolls reduce downtime in higher-throughput environments. Match roll format to your dispenser and workflow.
4) Consider colour for process control
Colour can support quick identification. For example, different colours may be used to distinguish outbound lanes, shifts, or inspection statuses. In this collection, the tape is available in red or blue, allowing simple visual differentiation without changing the underlying security function.
5) Think about application technique
To get consistent tamper indication, apply the tape with firm, even pressure along the full length of the seam. Pay special attention to edges and corners, where incomplete contact can create lift points. Using a hand dispenser can help maintain tension and pressure. After application, allowing a short dwell time can improve adhesion on many surfaces, strengthening the seal before handling.
Best practices for using tamper evident tape
- Seal the main seam and key openings: apply along the carton’s centre seam and consider additional strips over side flaps if access points exist.
- Avoid stretching excessively: over-stretching can cause edge lift or uneven contact, reducing reliability.
- Use consistent overlap: ensure the tape extends far enough onto both panels so the seal cannot be bypassed by lifting a corner.
- Document inspection criteria: define what constitutes a failed seal (visible message, disturbed edges, partial transfer) so checks are consistent.
- Train packers and receivers: tamper evident tape is most effective when everyone knows what “normal” looks like and what to do when evidence appears.
Limitations and handling considerations
Tamper evident tape is a visual indicator, not a physical lock. It supports detection and accountability, but it does not guarantee prevention. Performance can vary with temperature, humidity, carton coatings, and contamination. Very rough or dusty surfaces may reduce adhesion and weaken the clarity of the message transfer. For critical applications, consider validating performance on your actual cartons and conditions before standardising.
Storage and shelf-life tips
- Store rolls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep rolls in original packaging until use to reduce dust contamination on edges.
- Rotate stock (first-in, first-out) to maintain consistent adhesive performance.
Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
What does “tamper evident” mean for carton sealing tape?
Tamper evident carton sealing tape is designed to show clear visual evidence if someone tries to open a sealed package. Instead of peeling away cleanly, the tape changes appearance and may reveal a warning message, making interference easier to detect during handling and receiving.
Will the “Void Opened” message appear every time the tape is removed?
The message is intended to appear when the tape is lifted, but results can vary with the surface and application. Clean, dry cartons and firm application pressure improve consistency. Dusty, damp, or very rough substrates can reduce adhesion and affect how clearly the message transfers.
Does tamper evident tape prevent theft or only indicate opening?
It primarily indicates opening rather than physically preventing it. The value is in making interference visible and harder to conceal, supporting inspection and accountability. For higher security, combine tamper evident tape with process controls such as controlled access, scanning, and documented checks.
How should tamper evident tape be applied for reliable results?
Apply the tape in a single continuous strip over the carton seam with firm, even pressure along the full length. Ensure good contact at edges and corners, avoid excessive stretching, and allow a short dwell time before heavy handling so the adhesive can bond properly.
Can tamper evident tape be used on plastics or coated cartons?
It can be used on many surfaces, but performance depends on surface energy and cleanliness. Some plastics and coated boards may reduce adhesion or change transfer behaviour. Testing on your actual packaging materials and storage temperatures is the best way to confirm message clarity and seal reliability.