Live at Emballage
Banknote protection transformed for packaging
banknotes has been transformed into a brand protection tool for use
by industry.
Agfa Graphics is previewing the new software here at Emballage here in France's capital. Agfa said it combined its patents and expertise in high-end security software with technology from Document Security Systems.
Counterfeiting and tampering is a major issue for the food industry. It can undermine consumer trust in the quality and safety of a branded food product, leading to a loss in market share.
Agfa claims its software will allow processors to design packaging with security features that can stop up to 80 per cent of counterfeiters.
"Major brand owners are looking for solutions to stop counterfeit package printing, which dilutes the value of their global brand assets," said Agfa Graphics packaging director Peter Verrijt. "We believe that we can offer a solution that can help marketers and package printers stay ahead of counterfeiters and protect their brand."
Document Security Systems produces software known as Fortuna, which puts hidden features into banknotes as anti-counterfeiting protection. The technique is used to protect 75 per cent of the world's banknotes.
Agfa said its security software plugs into standard packaging design packages. Using the software, processors can produce printed packages that include design features that make imitations recognisable as such to combat counterfeit printing.
The latest customs statistics indicate that food counterfeiting and piracy continues to be a growing threat in Europe. In 2005, EU customs seized more than 75 million counterfeited and pirated goods.
Foodstuffs, medicines and other goods that can seriously damage the health of consumers continue to be faked in large quantities. The amount of counterfeit foodstuff, drinks and alcohol products seized surpassed the five million mark for the first time last year, a 17 per cent increase over 2004 figures.
The private sector, through organisations such as Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union (CIAA), has consistently advocated improved intellectual property protection as the key to EU competitiveness.
Also at Emballage Agfa is demonstrating its Dotrix high-speed industrial inkjet press, and is presenting the first live demo of its Energy Elite thermal plate using the Avalon LF CtP system.
Agfa's new Energy Elite no-bake plate was first announced at Ipex in April. The new thermal plate meets the needs of printers who require long print runs without baking, the company said.
