Anti Counterfeiting

The Problem

Counterfeiting of popular branded products is not a new phenomenon, over the last year however, public attention has been drawn to the danger of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fake electrical products causing death and injury to unwary consumers by both national advertising campaigns and mainstream TV programs highlighting the risks involved.

Fake products reach the market by a number of routes. The internet, car boot sales and street markets to name a few are all ways that an unwary public can be placed in contact with such goods. However counterfeits can also enter the legitimate supply chain and in this form they present the most danger since they are cloaked by legitimate products.

Solutions

There are a number of ways manufacturers and brand owners can combat counterfeiting by employing one of several or indeed multilayer anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Optical brighteners absorb ultraviolet and violet light then re-emit this energy at a higher wavelength, normally as a blue glow. This technology is readily available to all including counterfeiters so intelligent use is a must. Optical brighteners are cheap and as such can be used to cover a large area of the product, the major drawback is that it has a short life span and is used up when put under normal household lights, limiting its practical use to a number of days.

Micro-dots and other microscopic markers can be incorporated into a substrate and multiple layers of these can also be used to create unique variations. The dots or markets can be made to signify virtually anything from a brand logo to a combination of letters, numbers or colours. They can however be identified by counterfeiters although it is extremely difficult to reproduce if at all.

Technology such as Verimaster additives allows the user to identify their presence in an instant and non-destructive way. The additives emit a coloured glow when agitated with the proprietary laser devices provided (Image 1) or cause a handheld device to emit an audible or sensory (vibrating) response when detected. (Image 2)

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• Designer clothing and labels
• High priced electronic goods
• Pharmaceutical goods
• Performance coatings and varnishes
• Printed security papers
• Speciality inks
• Beauty products
• Branded packaging
• Gaming Tokens

Fake Parts in Genuine Items

It’s not just the public that faces the dangers of counterfeit products. Industry as a whole, especially the electronics sector can find fake components within their supply network.

Failures in such components caused by poor materials and unsupervised manufacturing methods used by the counterfeiters lead to expensive replacements or repairs under guarantee for the supplier involved. They can also lead to loss of life and humanitarian concerns in critical components.

The Loss

Figures from the trade associations representing the various sectors at risk itemise the annual losses incurred globally as follows; Pharmaceuticals and Veterinary products $55.4 billion; Apparel, clothing, footwear and headgear $129.4 billion; Electronic parts, components and switchgear $104.7 billion; Luxury Products $24 billion1.

Losses from product related crime in 2008 were estimated at $698 billion per annum and continue to increase.

Protect Your Supply Chain

Managing these risks requires a holistic approach that involves both legal and investigative measures linked to strategic planning that involves product protection, traceability and authentication through the entire supply chain.

Additives such as Verimaster can be used to aid in the control and authentication of the supply chain. The Verimaster technology can be incorporated into almost any substrate such as paper, paint, plastics, coatings and inks and is detectable via proprietary laser (Image 1) and sensory devices (Image 2)

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Bespoke electronics can be implemented into your production line to detect the presence of Verimaster, this allowing your machinery to automatically check that the specified products are making their way through your manufacturing.

Targeted Authentication

Verimaster is an inert and inorganic additive with an unlimited lifespan, this, combined with its very low addition rate allows it to be added to almost any substrate with no change to characteristics. The Verimaster additive can be incorporated into any polymer or added to any part of the film or packaging a product. Typical examples are:
 

• Over moulds
• High performance high cost polymers
• Product packaging
• Textile Yarns
• Security Labels

Non-Line of Sight

As the Verimaster detectors utilise non line of sight technology genuine products can be identified through several layers of packaging allowing instant verification of on spec products without the need to timely manual handling.

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