Product protection: counterfeit-proof marking

Security labels have security features that are difficult to imitate and are sometimes invisible, including:

• Integrated electromagnetic MicroWires that are detected by special readers.
• Components hidden in the label material that are only visible under UV or laser light.
• Elements produced by printing technology such as holograms or tilting effect colors.

Additionally, the labels can be post-printed with encrypted variable information to create another barrier.

Seal labels leave behind visible residues when a product is opened for the first time or cause the packaging to be irreversibly destroyed. Such a "proof of first opening" is also called a tamper evident.

Special security inks are fluorescent and only visible under UV light. Recent developments such as different colors make it increasingly difficult for product counterfeiters to copy these features. For certain areas of application (e.g. food and cosmetics), an MEK-free UV ink is ideal.

Individual data such as identification numbers can be encoded in machine-readable barcodes or data matrix codes to save space. These are then either applied on a label or written directly onto the product using inkjet printing or laser marking. In order for the codes to be reliably read by different readers, they should comply with the global standards of GS1.

During serialization, each product is given a unique, random serial number. The associated data (e.g. manufacturer name, location, batch number) are stored in a database. In order to verify or trace an individual product, the serial number is checked against the database. As a barcode or 2D code, the number can also be read automatically by scanning devices.

With the help of RFID technology, individual product information can be stored in RFID labels with tiny transponders. This data can be read out error-free and contact-free using an RFID reader. A big advantage: there must be no visual contact between the reader and the product for the check. Plus, many data carriers can be scanned at the same time.

With laser marking, either a color change or an engraving is created on the material to be marked. This marking is permanent and abrasion-resistant, making it tamper-proof. The imprint can be a serial number or a data matrix code, for example. Laser marking is suitable for a wide variety of surfaces like metal, glass, plastic, ceramics and many more.