Currently, anti-counterfeiting technologies continue to develop to enhance the security of labels in the effective fight against counterfeit goods. There are various types of technologies, ranging from long-established ones to advanced technologies. So, what are the popular anti-counterfeiting technologies available in the market today? Let’s find out.
COMMON ANTI-COUNTERFEITING TECHNOLOGIES
1. WATER TECHNOLOGY:
Water technology is an anti-counterfeiting technology used on anti-counterfeit labels. Labels utilizing water technology are printed using current printing technology, but they have a special section that uses submerged ink.
Under normal conditions (without moisture), the ink cannot be seen. Only when identification or verification is needed, water is applied to the area with submerged ink, and the ink will become visible under the effect of water.
Anti-counterfeiting label with water technology
2. HEAT TECHNOLOGY:
Heat technology is also an anti-counterfeiting technology applied to anti-counterfeiting labels. The labels use printing technology, but the ink used for anti-counterfeiting components is a special type of ink.
This ink has the ability to change anti-counterfeiting elements such as images, logos, and colors when exposed to temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. To authenticate genuine products, simply heat the label at the position of this ink to a temperature above 70 degrees Celsius (a lighter can be used), and the anti-counterfeiting elements will change compared to the original state. After cooling down, the label will return to its original state.
Anti-counterfeiting label with heat technology
3. PHOSPHORESCENT TECHNOLOGY:
Phosphorescent technology is used on anti-counterfeiting labels and has been present in the market for a long time. The labels are printed with a type of ink that is phosphorescent and can emit light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Under normal conditions, elements printed with this ink cannot be seen. To authenticate genuine products, simply shine a UV light on the label, and the anti-counterfeiting elements will emit light.
Anti-counterfeiting label with phosphorescent technology
4. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY:
Digital technology is an anti-counterfeiting technology with various applications on anti-counterfeiting labels, such as traceability, verification, and authentication through SMS messaging systems and QR codes. The specific applications of digital technology depend on the purpose of each business.
However, it is important to differentiate between anti-counterfeiting solutions and traceability when applying digital technology, as these are two distinct terms. Does using QR codes on labels ensure anti-counterfeiting?
Anti-counterfeiting label with digital technology
5. HOLOGRAM E-BEAM TECHNOLOGY:
Hologram e-beam technology is currently an excellent anti-counterfeiting technology. It is applied to anti-counterfeiting labels with great effectiveness. This technology creates optically high-resolution images, up to 1 million dots per inch (dpi). As a result, the nano features and images on the label become more vivid and sharp than ever. This technology not only produces unique reflective effects but also creates highly complex hidden security features.
Currently, only a few countries possess this technology worldwide. Moreover, equipping factories with the necessary conditions to implement hologram e-beam technology is extremely challenging.
6. HEAT IMPACT PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY:
Heat impact processing technology is a newly emerged anti-counterfeiting technology in recent years. This technology is applied to hologram labels for anti-counterfeiting purposes. When the label is intentionally subjected to heat, such as heat applied to reuse the label, it will react to that impact and become unusable. Vivian label (heat-resistant label) is an anti-counterfeiting label that applies this technology.
Heat-resistant anti-counterfeiting label
CHARACTERISTICS AND ANTI-COUNTERFEITING ABILITIES OF COMMON ANTI-COUNTERFEITING TECHNOLOGIES TODAY:
After exploring each of the popular anti-counterfeiting technologies mentioned above, let’s summarize the characteristics and anti-counterfeiting abilities of these technologies in the table below. From there, you can consider which anti-counterfeiting technology is more suitable for your business.
| Technology | Type | Uniqueness | Copy | Reuse | Visible Difference | Customer Data Sharing | IHMAIhma Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Breakable decal or paper labels | Low | Easy | Easy | Impossible – fake labels look identical | No | No |
| Heat | Breakable decal, foil, tin, etc | Low | Easy | Easy | Impossible – fake labels look identical | No | No |
| Phosphorescent | Breakable decal, regular, 7 colors, etc | Low | Easy | Easy | Impossible – fake labels look identical | No | No |
| Digital | Various decal labels + SMS (QR code) | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Impossible without messaging or common software | Yes | No |
| Digital | Hologram e-beam technology + SMS (QR code) | High | Difficult | Difficult | Easy – Different from fake labels | Yes | Yes |
| Hologram e-beam | Holgram labels | High | Difficult | Difficult | Easy – Different from fake labels | No | Yes |
| Heat impact processing | Vivian labels (Heat-resistant labels) | High | Difficult | Very Difficult | Easy – Different from fake labels | No | Yes |