Consumables
New Sappi security papers guarantee brand authenticity
Wednesday 03. June 2009 - Sappi, the global producer of graphic and speciality papers and boards, has developed a solution to the increasing problem of counterfeit packaging.
Sappi papers and boards equipped with its new IdenticateTM level 3 security system now enable brand owners to identify and authenticate their products, wherever they may be in the retail chain. The system was unveiled at the Perfume, Cosmetics & Design (PCD) Congress in Paris on February 3.
“Each year losses and damage to world trade due to counterfeiting and piracy reach more than $600 billion,” says Sappi’s Kris Verschueren, Marketing Manager Specialities. “Packaging is also faked on a large scale, so the difference between a high quality product and its inexpensive imitation is often barely noticeable.”
IdenticateTM is based on a random distribution of invisible marker particles on the surface of Sappi’s packaging materials. The particles are incorporated in such a way to avoid any visual or quality difference from its established brands such as Algro Design.
The particles are read by a scanner in a specific area of the packaging, for example next to the bar code. Each item rolling off the packaging line is given a unique 128-2000 bit fingerprint, encrypted using strong cryptography. This identification code is impossible to fake, copy or change. It can also contain extra supply chain or product information, such as when and where the item was produced, where it is distributed, its final destination, its warrantee and warrantee expiry date. The individual codes can be saved in a database held on a standard laptop hard disk.
IdenticateTM is perfectly compatible with other product security systems and Sappi also offers a means to rapidly trace products, wherever they are in the sales chain, based on ScanDeepTM technology.
Main IdenticateTM system benefits
tracking of each batch, pallet, pack or individual item to its place of origin
authentication of articles on the spot all over the world with one system via a user-friendly tracking device offering immediate real-time or offline authentication via Internet, sms or hand held computer
increased turnover for brand owners by avoiding counterfeiting and grey imports and by preventing damage to brand image from poor quality or unsafe fake products
full assurance of product quality and origin for consumers, retailers and distributors
continued use of usual printing and converting techniques
extendable functions to track movements of goods (GPS tracking).