How to Choose the Right VOID Security Tape

Two VOID security tapes may look similar before application but produce different evidence after removal.

One may transfer a clear message to the package. Another may show evidence on both the package and removed tape. A non-transfer construction may mainly reveal the message inside the removed tape.

Selected constructions can be used as the main carton-sealing tape or as an additional security seal. Selection should consider the required VOID result, application surface, gross package weight, sealing layout and application method.

For buyers, the first question is:

Where do inspectors need to see the tamper evidence?

Quick Answer

Choose VOID security tape by confirming the inspection point, transfer type, exact application surface, acceptable residue, sealing function and roll format.

Full-transfer tape transfers the message mainly to the package. Partial-transfer tape shows evidence on both the package and removed tape. Non-transfer tape mainly reveals the message in the removed tape.

For main-closure use, confirm performance through complete-package testing.

What Is VOID Security Tape?

VOID security tape is a type of tamper-evident packing tape designed to show visible evidence after removal.

Depending on its construction, it may reveal VOID, OPENED or another hidden message on the package, the removed tape or both.

It can be used for carton sealing, logistics packaging, confidential shipments and other packages that require visible removal evidence. It does not make a package impossible to open.

Where Should the Tamper Evidence Appear?

Before comparing tape colour, thickness or printing, decide whether inspectors will check the package, the removed tape or both.

Full-transfer may also be called total-transfer. Exact terminology and removal results can vary according to the adhesive, substrate and transfer construction.

Select the transfer type according to the inspection point and whether package marking or adhesive residue is acceptable.

Confirm the Sealing Function, Placement and Surface

Main Closure or Additional Security Seal

Selected constructions can serve as the main carton closure when the adhesion, tape construction, width and roll format match the packaging process.

The tape can also be applied as an additional security seal over a carton flap, envelope opening, bag closure or inspection point.

For main-closure projects, confirm:

• Carton dimensions
• Gross package weight
• Corrugated board type and coating
• Flap tension
• Required sealing length or tape coverage
• Sealing layout
• Manual or machine application
• Expected storage and transportation conditions

Cover the Normal Opening Path

Apply the tape across the seam, flap or access point that controls normal package opening.

The selected placement should make normal opening visibly disturb the tape. Avoid loose fibres, dusty surfaces, damaged coatings or areas that do not control package access.

Identify the Exact Application Surface

Common packaging surfaces include:

• Corrugated cartons
• Coated paperboard
• Paper envelopes
• PE courier bags
• PP packaging

Rough recycled cartons may provide less adhesive contact than smooth coated board. Loose fibres, dust and uneven coatings may also reduce message clarity.

PE and PP are low-surface-energy plastics and may require a different adhesive approach from paperboard.

Provide a precise surface description, package photo or material sample for product selection.

Evaluate Main-Closure Performance

When the security tape replaces standard packing tape, evaluate it as part of the complete packaging system.

Common sealing layouts include:

• Center-seam or I-seal: tape runs along the main top and bottom seams
• H-seal: tape covers the main seam and side edges
• Additional security strip: tape crosses a flap or inspection point

Higher gross package weight or flap tension may require a different tape width, additional strips or an H-seal layout.

The package trial should review:

• Seal holding performance
• Flap opening
• Edge lifting
• Tape breakage
• VOID message clarity
• Transfer or residue result
• Performance under agreed storage conditions
• Results after customer-arranged transport trials, when relevant

Use the intended carton size, gross package weight, board type, sealing layout and application method.

Testing a short strip on a flat panel does not confirm performance as the main carton closure.

Common selection mistakes: choosing only by colour or price, testing on the wrong surface or too soon, and ignoring gross package weight, sealing layout or roll specifications.

Allow Sufficient Bonding Time

The security feature is built into the tape, but the adhesive needs time to form a stable bond with the package surface.

Testing too soon may cause incomplete VOID lettering, weak transfer, easy removal or inconsistent residue.

Bonding time depends on the adhesive, substrate, application pressure, temperature and tape construction. Confirm the recommended dwell time and test under the intended packaging conditions.

Match the Tape to the Application Method

Manual Application

For hand or dispenser application, confirm the tape width, roll length, core size, unwind behaviour and sealing position.

Apply even pressure across the full tape width. Wrinkles, dust and poor contact may affect both sealing and removal results.

Machine Application

Machine suitability should be confirmed through roll-format review and an equipment trial. Provide the tape width, roll length, core size, maximum roll diameter, winding direction, unwind requirements, machine model and application speed.

Confirm Customization and Roll Requirements

Custom options may include:

• VOID, OPENED or another hidden message
• Warning text
• Logo and surface printing
• Tape colour
• Width and roll length
• Thickness
• Core size
• Winding direction
• Finished rolls or jumbo rolls
• OEM or private-label packaging

The hidden message appears after removal. Surface printing remains visible before the package is opened.

Custom size, colour, printing, security pattern, core and packaging options can be discussed according to project requirements.

Review YG Group's tamper-evident tape for available product and customization information.

How YG Group Supports VOID Security Tape Projects

YG Group can review the exact application surface, sealing function, inspection point, transfer effect, hidden message, tape dimensions and roll format to help identify a suitable construction for sample testing.

YG Group can also discuss sample testing, finished roll or jumbo roll supply, and private-label packaging according to technical feasibility.

For small warranty areas, confidential documents or product openings, review YG Group's tamper-evident labels.

For a broader comparison, read Tamper Evident Tape and VOID Labels for Anti-Tamper Packaging.

What Information Is Required for a Quotation?

Basic Quotation Information

Please provide:

• Packaging application
• Exact application surface
• Required transfer type
• Acceptable residue or package marking
• Hidden message or printing artwork
• Tape width and roll length
• Estimated order quantity
• Destination country or port

Additional Information for Main-Closure Projects

Please also provide:

• Carton dimensions
• Gross package weight
• Corrugated board type or coating
• Required sealing length or tape coverage
• Tape placement and sealing layout
• Core size and winding direction
• Manual or machine application
• Machine model, when applicable
• Expected storage and transportation conditions

A carton photo, packaging drawing or material sample can help YG Group review the application more accurately

Frequently Asked Questions

Can VOID security tape be used as the main carton-sealing tape?

Yes. Selected constructions can be used as the main carton closure when the adhesion, tape structure, width and roll format match the packaging process. Confirm performance through complete-package testing before bulk production.

What is the difference between full-, partial- and non-transfer tape?

Full-transfer tape transfers the security message mainly to the package. Partial-transfer tape shows evidence on both the package and removed tape. Non-transfer tape mainly reveals the message in the removed tape. Selection depends on the inspection point and acceptable package marking.

How long should VOID security tape bond before testing?

Bonding time depends on the adhesive, package surface, application pressure and temperature. Do not judge the VOID result immediately after application. Confirm the recommended dwell time and test under the intended packaging conditions.

Does non-transfer VOID tape leave adhesive residue?

Non-transfer describes how the security message behaves. It does not guarantee residue-free removal. Residue may vary according to the adhesive construction, substrate, dwell time, temperature and removal method.

Can the hidden VOID message and surface printing be customized?

Depending on technical feasibility and order requirements, custom hidden messages, warning text, logos, colours and surface printing may be discussed. Confirm the hidden message and visible surface design separately because they perform different functions.

What information is required for a VOID tape quotation?

Provide the application, exact application surface, transfer requirement, hidden message, printing artwork, tape dimensions, quantity and destination. For main-closure projects, also provide the carton dimensions, gross package weight, board type, sealing layout and application method.

Discuss Your VOID Security Tape Requirements

Send YG Group your exact application surface, required VOID result, tape size, estimated quantity and printing requirements.

For main-carton-sealing projects, also include the carton dimensions, gross package weight, board type, sealing layout and application method.

Our team will review the project and confirm the available construction, customization, sample and quotation requirements.

VOID security tape provides visible evidence of attempted removal but does not guarantee that unauthorized access can be completely prevented. Sealing and tamper-evident performance should be confirmed on the complete package.