Sappi launches security papers which certify brand authenticity

Sappi has produced papers and boards equipped with the company’s new Identicate level 3 security system, which allows brand owners to identify and authenticate their products, wherever they may be in the retail chain.

‘Each year losses and damage to world trade due to counterfeiting and piracy reach more than $600 billion,’ said Kris Verschueren, marketing manager. ‘Packaging is also faked on a large scale, so the difference between a high quality product and its inexpensive imitation is often barely noticeable.’

Identicate is based on a random distribution of invisible marker particles on the surface of Sappi's packaging materials. The particles are incorporated in such a way to avoid any visual or quality difference from its established brands such as Algro Design.

The particles are read by a scanner in a specific area of the packaging, for example next to the barcode. Each item rolling off the packaging line is given a unique 128-2000 bit fingerprint, encrypted using strong cryptography. This identification code is impossible to fake, copy or change, says the company. It can also contain extra supply chain or product information, such as when and where the item was produced, where it is distributed, its final destination, its warrantee and warrantee expiry date. The individual codes can be saved in a database held on a standard laptop hard disk.

Identicate is compatible with other product security systems and Sappi also offers a means to rapidly trace products, wherever they are in the sales chain, based on ScanDeep technology. 
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