There are hardly any sectors that are not at risk from product piracy, especially pharmaceuticals, medical technology, spirits, vehicle construction and fashion. Seals on packaging and traceability play a key role in its prevention. A key protection mechanism is tamper protection, which securely and clearly indicates the opening and tampering of packaging with the help of security labels. Securikett has developed void technology for this purpose, which makes opening attempts immediately visible: removing a label creates an opening effect that makes it impossible to attach it again without being noticed. “This irreversible tamper evidence is a simple and quick-to-implement technology that can be used by all sectors of industry”, says Monika Autengruber, Head of Marketing at Securikett. The most recently introduced triple void has a cube pattern of previously invisible colors that appears when the package is opened and then remains visible. When it comes to tracking parcels, Securikett supports customers by linking the labels with digital elements such as QR codes for authentication and track & trace.
Paper Labels
The solutions not only protect products against counterfeiting, but also meet sustainability criteria. To this end, void technology has been extended to paper products so that paper security labels or paper security tapes can also be used on paper and cardboard packaging. They then remain on the packaging, can be recycled together with it, and thus remain part of the circular economy. Since the beginning of the year, a multifunctional security label has also been part of the “It's Paper family”. According to Vanessa Mitterer, Head of Research and Development, the labels are equipped with a hologram for authentication. “Temperature indicators and the integrated wash-void feature give this seal that extra bit of security.” This function is activated when an attempt is made to remove the label using liquid, whereupon the message “Tampered” appears. Discoloration occurs when heat or cold is applied. The size, shape, color and design of the opening effect of the security seal can be adapted.
Individual Solutions
The development of individual solutions for customers is a key focus for Securikett, says Autengruber. The corresponding solution concepts are developed according to the specific requirements of the companies. Overall, there is currently a trend towards reusable packaging and refillable units, which also use void technology. However, the seals on this packaging can be removed without leaving any residue, making further use possible. Since last year, the product portfolio has also included solutions for screw caps on tubes or bottles to which high-contrast technology is applied. This gives the products and packaging a transparent label, with a previously invisible motif appearing when it is removed. Unscrewing or opening screw caps damages the label at the integrated die-cut, which prevents the label from sticking or being reused. “If it is cut open along the cap, it curls at the cut point, which is then immediately visible,” explains Mitterer.
Comprehensive Presentation at FACHPACK
At FACHPACK, the medium-sized company based in Münchendorf near Vienna intends to continue its long-standing presence in Nuremberg, focusing on the presentation of its complete product portfolio. “In addition to further developments of our Paper Security Seal, these include transparent seals, for example, which only reveal their true capabilities when peeled off”, announces Mitterer.
