The Evolution of Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques
History of Anti-Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting issue was encountered since money notes was introduced to the market. The first “banknote” created by China was during Tang Dynasty in 7th century with the purpose to avoid using heavy bulk of copper coinage in large commercial transactions. Since then, Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques has been applied to the “banknote”.
Source: Wikipedia
Others than currency, Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques was applied in military commands and confidential documents. During Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), War Plate named “HuFu” was created with the purpose for military dispatch and orders. The one who hold “HuFu” will be authorized to command the troops. Therefore, it is very important that “HuFu” must be made with special Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques so it will not be imitated by others. In western history, Wax Seal was used during 16th century for any confidential documents and to proof that the letter is sealed until the correct receiver received it. The Wax Seal was made with specific symbol that represent the identity of sender and the seal will be destroyed when one tries to open it. From these, we know that the main purpose of Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques is to prevent counterfeit and to perform as tamper evident.
Photo of War Plate "Hufu" from China & Wax Seal from Western
First Evolution of Anti-Counterfeiting Industry – Single Technique Anti-Counterfeiting
Commodity Anti-Counterfeiting has become a great challenge in recent years. The earliest “Commodity Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques” used in Label Printing mostly originated from Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies related to currency. Including specialized paper and material, Security Design, Anti-Counterfeiting Ink, Anti-Counterfeiting Printing, Intaglio Printing, Watermark, Security Thread, Hologram and etc. However, most Commodity Anti-Counterfeiting applied using only single technique. Even though some had combined the techniques but only applied with simple combination, such as: Watermark with Anti-Counterfeiting Ink or Security Design with Hologram and so on. Technological development made counterfeiters easier to forge similar Anti-Counterfeiting Label that use only simple combination of Security Features. Therefore, more complex Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques combination has become inevitable choice for brand owners and Anti-Counterfeiting Suppliers.
Second Evolution of Anti-Counterfeiting Industry – Combination of Printing Elements
The initial combination format of Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques is to combine existing Anti-Counterfeiting Printing Techniques into one product. For example, combination of Anti-Counterfeiting Design, Anti-Counterfeiting Paper, Anti-Counterfeiting Ink, and a variety of different printing techniques into one Product Label. Anti-counterfeiting is no longer limited to single material and process, but has becoming more and more complex. A comprehensive Anti-Counterfeiting with more than one Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques and combination of multiple production processes will become a more effective Anti-Counterfeiting Solution. This concept is originated from Currency Anti-Counterfeiting Concept and it is the most popular form of Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques. Now, most Anti-Counterfeiting Suppliers able to supply a series of Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions such as: Microprinting, Intaglio Printing, Anti-Photocopy Shading, Hidden Marking, Watermark, Fiber Base Color Paper, Destructive Paper, Heat Sensitive Paper, Security Thread, Security Design Paper, Fluorescent Ink, Thermochromic Ink, Safety Ink, Penetrating Ink, Magnetic Ink, and etc. There are a lot of different varieties available for Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions now in the market. With the development of science and technology, some achievements from other fields have been transplanted into Label Anti-Counterfeiting as well. Label Anti-Counterfeiting will now cross scope of printing field and begin to enter into a new era of development.
Example of Anti-Counterfeiting Features in Rupiah
Source: Bank Indonesia
Third Evolution of Anti-Counterfeiting Industry - Cross-Border Technology Application
Anti-Counterfeiting Industry is a very dynamic industry that is good at absorbing advanced technology. Many new technologies from different field have been applied to Anti-Counterfeiting. An example from winner of Security Label Printing Award by AIP China 2014, the label has combined several elements such as Physical Anti-Counterfeiting Technique, Nanotech and Digital Anti-Counterfeiting Technique. It is one of the best examples for combining Nano-Technology into Security Label and the Label is also known as Smart Security Label which able to facilitate an interaction with consumers. This Label Design consists multiple unique security function and no doubt it is the winner during the Security Label Competition by AIP China in year 2014. Others than Nanotech, there are many different cross-border technologies used in Anti-Counterfeiting Industry such as: Nuclear Track Technology, Smart Code Technology, DNA, Voiceprint Recognition, Fingerprint Recognition, Facial Recognition, Iris Recognition, and other biometric technologies. Today, the most welcome combination is Printing Technology combining Information Technology.
Photo of Nuclear Track Machine
Future Trend of Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques
Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques is not limited to Anti-Counterfeiting of Product Labels. In fact, since the birth of Anti-Counterfeiting Technology, Security Label has only been an integral part of the Anti-Counterfeiting Solution. Anti-Counterfeiting Solution can include Design, Security and Packaging into one integrated solution and it will be a future trend especially in the packaging fields of alcohol, tobacco and tea. In-Mold-Label is one of the examples of combining Design, Security and Packaging. The most closely integrated Anti-Counterfeiting and Packaging is Liquor Industry. Almost every Famous Liquor have its own packaging, from bottle and bottle cap design, to labelling and packaging box design, the Security work is at extreme. However, no Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques can fundamentally eradicate counterfeiting. Anti-counterfeiting Techniques can only increase the difficulty and cost of counterfeiters. At the same time, the more Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques applied, the higher the cost of product packaging. Therefore, it is important to select a reliable Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions Provider Company to apply most suitable solutions for your need.
Nutrack provides Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions including Physical & Digital Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions. With a combination of both Physical & Digital Anti-Counterfeiting Techniques, it not only brings convenience for consumers to check authenticity, but also ensures that the codes are not duplicable. With our privilege Anti-Counterfeiting Technique - Microporous Membrane, able to reduce the possibilities of Label counterfeiting issue to minimum. Our company vision is to provide customers with solutions which are:
- Extremely Difficult to Duplicate,
- Easy Identification & Inspection,
- Safe & Reliable,
- Impressive Design,
- User Friendly, and
- Low Cost for Customer.
Contact Us today for free consultation as you deserve a better Anti-Counterfeiting Solution.
