Sales losses due to counterfeiting and product and brand piracy are in the billions across all industries. Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has now developed the SIGN authentication solution for simple and rapid product authentication. Using modern micro-optics technology, it offers security at the highest level.
Pharmaceuticals, alcohol and tobacco or luxury goods - the problem of brand and product piracy affects manufacturers in almost every industry. To protect against counterfeiting, some producers use labels with integrated security features on their products. However, they are quite cost-intensive and usually not easy to integrate into the manufacturing process. G+D now offers a secure, sustainable and cost-optimised alternative with its SIGN authentication solution.
SIGN is based on an innovative, micro-optical technology with dynamic effects. These are calculated with special software from G+D and applied directly to the packaging with high-precision embossing tools. Specially printed labels are thus not required, which saves resources.
The solution combines 3D elements with depth and height effects, dynamic structures and information that changes depending on the viewing angle - completely customised according to customer requirements. The anti-counterfeiting element is thus tailor-made and supports perfect integration into the packaging design through the flexible design.
With SIGN, the authenticity of a product can be verified easily and quickly in every part of the supply chain - from the brand owner through the various distribution channels to the end customer. No additional device is required, as the dynamic, unique effects are clearly visible to the naked eye by simply tilting the security feature. The combination of counterfeit protection and attractive design of the effects can also be a success factor for any brand.
The advantages of SIGN at a glance:
High product security due to non-copyable effects
Design flexibility with individualisation of effects
Problem-free combination with other security printing technologies
Production integrated into standard packaging printing processes
Proven application technology from G+D
Less resource consumption due to direct embossing on the packaging
SIGN is based on an established technology from G+D that has long provided protection against counterfeiting in high-security products. These include banknotes or passports, for example, whose authenticity can be verified using unique security features. The SIGN solution is patented and is used exclusively in security applications. As an independent testing institute, Fogra conducted an investigation into possible counterfeiting attacks and confirmed the high level of security.
G+D's SIGN services include consulting, simulation, production and implementation. G+D advises manufacturers on design selection and integration as well as production processes. A realistic digital feature animation including an individual design is simulated. Furthermore, G+D manufactures all necessary manufacturing components such as the embossing tool in a high-security environment. Last but not least, G+D supports manufacturers in the process-neutral implementation within the production of their packaging printer.
"With SIGN, we offer an effective solution that is fully integrated into production processes and protects products against counterfeiting. And this with a high level of security, a wide range of design options and optimised costs at the same time," explains Oliver Paul, Sales Security Features at G+D. "With our SIGN offering, we are pursuing the clear goal of combating brand and product piracy, which is becoming an ever greater problem worldwide."
