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Have you ever seen a type of paper on product packaging, document sealing, or the back of a lottery ticket that would shatter and cannot be restored once torn or transferred? It may seem ordinary, but in reality, it has a unique function, which is called "fragile paper". Fragile paper plays an irreplaceable role in modern anti-counterfeiting, logistics, information security, and other fields. So, what kind of material is fragile paper? What are the characteristics of its structure and performance? Why is it widely used in various tamper proof and anti-counterfeiting scenarios? This article will provide a detailed explanation of the principle, classification, performance, process, and typical application scenarios of this special paper from multiple dimensions.
1、 What is easily shredded paper?
Fragile paper is a type of paper material that has undergone special processing. Its biggest characteristic is that after being pasted onto the surface of an object, if it is attempted to be peeled, torn, or transferred, its structure will automatically break or shatter, making it impossible to completely peel or restore, thus playing a role in preventing tampering and anti-counterfeiting. This material is often used in conjunction with labels and seals, and is an important part of physical protection.
1.1 Basic Structure
Fragile paper usually consists of three layers:
Surface printing layer: used to carry text, patterns, anti-counterfeiting codes, etc;
Fragile substrate layer: has extremely low tensile strength and peel strength, and will shatter when subjected to external forces;
Back adhesive layer and release base paper: easy to stick, ensuring sufficient adhesion during use, firmly attached but cannot be completely removed.
2、 Core properties of fragile paper
2.1 Strong fragility
The biggest characteristic of fragile paper is that it cannot be completely peeled off. Once pasted on the surface of an object, if attempted to tear it off, it will break into fragments and cannot be reused, effectively preventing label transfer, forgery, and reuse.
2.2 Wide adaptability of pasting
The back is made of strong pressure-sensitive adhesive, which can firmly adhere to different materials such as paper, plastic, metal, glass, etc., and can be used stably in most environments.
2.3 Strong printability
The surface layer is suitable for various printing methods such as screen printing, offset printing, heat transfer printing, inkjet printing, etc., making it easy to add personalized information such as text, QR codes, logos, etc.
2.4 High Security
Once damaged, it cannot be repaired and has good anti tampering, anti-theft, and anti removal performance, making it an important physical carrier for many anti-counterfeiting systems.
3、 Classification of Fragile Paper
3.1 Classification by Material Structure
All wood pulp is easy to shred: made of high-quality pure wood pulp, with good softness and fragility;
Synthetic fibers are easily shredded: mixed with chemical fibers, they have slightly higher strength and are suitable for products that require short-term storage;
Easy to shred coating: The surface is coated with waterproof or oil resistant coating, suitable for special environments such as cold chain logistics, outdoor equipment, etc.
3.2 Classification by Fragility
Strong and fragile type: extremely prone to breakage, almost impossible to remove a whole piece;
Medium fragile type: can withstand slight peeling, suitable for use scenarios with slightly higher operational requirements;
Directional fragile type: Depending on the tearing direction, the degree of fragmentation varies, suitable for special design labels.
3.3 Classification by Process Processing Method
Die cut fragile label paper: It has been cut into finished products for easy automatic labeling;
Roll base paper: for mass customization by printing factories;
Customized anti-counterfeiting shredded paper: combining multiple processes such as invisible ink, fluorescence, anti-counterfeiting codes, etc.
4、 Typical application scenarios
4.1 Product anti-counterfeiting labels
Paste easily shredded labels on the outer packaging of cosmetics, electronic products, high-end food, pharmaceuticals, and other goods. Once the user uncovers them to view the content or uses the product, the label will break, preventing secondary adhesion and effectively eliminating counterfeit goods.
4.2 Sealing and Signature Application
Once the package seal, bill envelope seal, official document seal, etc. are opened by unauthorized means, the paper will immediately shatter, playing a role in preventing peeping and tampering.
4.3 Lottery and Lottery Information Protection
Fragile paper is often used under scratch layers or password protection layers. Once scraped open, it loses its integrity, ensuring that information can be read at once and preventing premature leakage.
4.4 Electronic warranty/tamper proof labels
Many electronic products are labeled with "warranty labels" or "anti disassembly and fragile stickers" when they leave the factory. If the user disassembles the device without authorization, the label will become invalid if it is damaged, making it easier for after-sales service to determine whether it has been repaired without authorization.
4.5 Verification of Authenticity of Documents and Certificates
The important information covering area used for important documents, certificates, tickets, authorization letters, etc., once exposed, will be destroyed, playing a role in verification and validation.
5、 Manufacturing and processing technology of fragile paper
5.1 Raw material ratio design
Adjusting the balance between fragility and printing adaptability by controlling fiber length, additive ratio, adhesive type, and other factors.
5.2 Paper processing technology
Part of the easily shredded paper surface is treated with calendering, gluing, or coating to improve printing adaptability and visual effects, while maintaining its fragile structure from being damaged.
5.3 Adhesive layer technology upgrade
By using environmentally friendly pressure-sensitive adhesives, thermosensitive adhesives, etc., it can ensure good adhesion, meet environmental regulations, and adapt to the high-speed operation requirements of automatic labeling machines.
5.4 Printing process integration
Support barcode printing, variable QR code printing, anti-counterfeiting code hidden printing, infrared ink and other functional processing to enhance the added value of fragile paper labels.
6、 Precautions for using fragile paper
Usage environment: It should be pasted in a dry and clean environment to avoid oil and water stains affecting the pasting effect;
Storage method: Unused fragile paper should be sealed and stored to avoid moisture or direct sunlight that may cause changes in its adhesive properties;
Construction precautions: Apply accurately at once and avoid repeated pasting, otherwise it is prone to damage;
Applicable period: Some adhesive materials have a viscosity decay period, and attention should be paid to the production date and service life.
7、 Future Development Trends
7.1 Replacement of environmentally friendly materials
Some adhesives in traditional fragile paper contain volatile organic compounds, which will gradually be replaced by environmentally friendly adhesives, solvent-free water-based coatings, and other green materials in the future.
7.2 Multi functional integration
The future fragile paper not only has physical tamper proof function, but also integrates various information technology means such as NFC chips, RFID tags, anti-counterfeiting codes, anti-counterfeiting textures, etc., becoming part of the "smart tags".
7.3 Personalized Customization
Brand owners are gradually increasing their requirements for label aesthetics and personalization, and the printing effect and design of fragile paper will continue to develop towards customization and artistic direction.
7.4 Improved compatibility of automatic labeling
Fragile paper will optimize its adaptability in automated equipment, such as anti-static treatment and enhanced dimensional stability, without reducing its fragility.
Fragile paper, as a label material with strong tamper proof properties, is playing an increasingly important role in modern information protection, logistics security, and product anti-counterfeiting fields. It achieves "visual security verification" in a simple yet precise manner, becoming an indispensable part of the multi industry quality assurance system. In the future, with the continuous evolution of technology and demand, fragile paper will not only be a physical protective tool, but also move towards a new stage of intelligent recognition and digital management. For every enterprise and user who values safety and trust, choosing the appropriate fragile paper products is the most fundamental protection of brand and trust.