Optical security threads play an important role in modern brand protection and product authentication. In simple terms, an optical security thread is a narrow film or fiber with advanced optical features that create visible and easy-to-verify anti-counterfeiting effects.
At Image Technology（IMAGE TECH）, we offer two main types of optical security threads: Optical Tear Tapes and Optical Woven Threads. The sections below explain how each type works and where brands use them.
1. Optical Tear Tape — Easy Opening with Built-In Security
Optical tear tape is widely used in the global packaging industry. Manufacturers apply it to flexible packaging films so consumers can open the package easily by pulling a small exposed tab. People often call it “tear tape” or “easy-open tape.”
Besides improving convenience, optical tear tape also includes visible optical security features. As a result, it becomes a reliable tool for brand protection.
Common Applications
Brands use optical tear tape in:
- Tobacco packaging
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Tea and food products
- Playing cards, chewing gum, and other fast-moving items
Material Options for Different Packaging Needs
To support different production processes, we offer customizable materials:
- PET — low shrinkage and high strength, ideal for soft packs
- BOPP — higher shrinkage, suitable for rigid packaging
Available widths include 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4 mm, with full customization on request.
2. Optical Woven Thread — Ultra-Fine Protection for Textile Labels
Optical woven thread is an ultra-thin, adhesive-free security thread (usually under 1 mm wide). Brands weave it directly into apparel woven labels. Although woven labels vary in design, they share one challenge: they are easy to counterfeit.
By adding an optical woven thread into the label’s warp or weft, brands gain a simple and intuitive authentication method.
Why It Is Difficult to Produce
At Suzhou Image Technology, we produce woven security threads as thin as 0.7 mm and even 0.6 mm. Creating threads this fine requires more than precision cutting. The process involves:
- More than 10 specialized manufacturing steps
- Custom-built optical, mechanical, and electronic equipment
- Expertise in polymers, optics, and micro-fabrication
Because of this, our woven threads deliver excellent durability, wash resistance, and stable optical performance for textile applications.
3. Customizable Optical Security Features
Both tear tapes and woven threads can include different optical effects. At IMAGE TECH, we offer a wide range of options, such as:
- Flip-Flop Technology
Different images or texts appear when the viewing angle changes. - Neon Color-Shifting Effects
Colors shift between red and green when rotated from 0° to 90°. - Zoom In/Out Motion Effects
Patterns seem to move or zoom as the angle changes. - High-Precision Microtext & Micro-Nano Patterns
Microtext as small as 0.5 mm provides strong security.
These features help consumers and inspectors authenticate products instantly. Some covert effects may require simple tools for verification.
4. Why Brands Prefer Optical Security Threads
Optical security threads deliver several important advantages:
- High security level
- Instant visual verification
- Hard to counterfeit due to complex optical layers
- Compatible with global packaging and textile production lines
- Enhances brand value and consumer trust
Because of these benefits, optical security threads give brands a powerful and flexible way to protect their products. Visible effects offer quick public verification, while covert features make duplication extremely difficult. For industries facing global counterfeiting threats, these threads remain one of the most reliable solutions available.
