Is the product genuine? Has the packaging already been opened? Is the individual packaging clearly identifiable? And are users receiving the correct product information?
The STI Group Demobox allows you to experience modern product protection technologies first-hand: from visible and hidden security features to serialisation, digital authentication and the GS1 Digital Link.
| Function | Anti-counterfeiting, tamper-evident features and digital product information |
| Material | Cardboard; optionally with a fibre-based blister pack |
| Structure | Folding box with integrated security features and tamper-evident seal |
| Deployment | Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics, drinks and high-quality branded products |
| Security features | Holographic film, microtext, UV-reactive varnish, coin-reactive ink and Cryptoglyph® |
| Digital connectivity | Serialised codes, digital authentication and GS1 Digital Link |
| Functions | Verify authenticity, detect tampering, uniquely identify products and provide information |
Background
When anti-counterfeiting and compliance are considered together
Counterfeit products, copied packaging and tampered-with original packaging can be difficult for brands, manufacturers, retailers and consumers to detect. At the same time, requirements regarding labelling, serialisation, traceability, accessibility and up-to-date product information are increasing due to regulatory requirements such as the PPWR, the Ecodesign Directive and the Digital Product Passport.
No single feature automatically fulfils these requirements. A packaging concept should therefore address all four of these questions.
Authenticity
Is this a genuine product?
Visible, concealed or digitally verifiable security features help to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit items.
Integrity
Is the packaging undamaged?
Tamper-evident solutions show whether the packaging has already been opened or tampered with.
Identity
Is each individual package clearly identifiable?
Serialised codes assign a unique identifier to each product unit.
Information
Is the correct information about the product available?
Linked codes provide product-, market- and language-specific content.
An overview of security features
A
A I Braille
B I First-time opening guarantee
B I Perforated tab
C – Visible characteristics
C1 I Serialised GS1 Digital Link
C2 I TRUSTSEAL® ID
D – Invisible characteristics
D1 I Microtext
D2 I UV-curable varnish
D3 I Coin-reactive ink
D4 I Cryptoglyph®
E - Track & Trace
E I China Code
F – Fibre-based blister pack
F I Pulpac
Discover technologies
SMART, VISIBLE SECURITY FEATURES
Visible security features allow for an initial check without the need for any special tools. They are often combined with smart elements that provide further information via a smartphone.
TRUSTSEAL® ID
Physical security meets digital verification
TRUSTSEAL® ID combines a holographic feature integrated into the folding box via hot foil stamping with an embedded, copy-protected and serialised QR code.
You can take the digital exam on your smartphone without needing a separate app.
info.link & Domino
Serialised GS1 Digital Link
The GS1 Digital Link connects products to digital information, services and traceability throughout the entire value chain via a single QR code.
During the offset printing process, the STI Group applies a laser-sensitive varnish to the packaging, thereby preparing it for subsequent variable coding. On the bottler’s production line, a Domino CO₂-Laser prints a serialised GS1 Digital Link QR code directly onto the surface of the packagingäche.
Through the info.link platform, every serialised code becomes a gateway to digital content and services, including:
- Product authentication and validity check (valid/invalid)
- Display of expiry date and product-specific information
- Localised content in the relevant national language
- Country- and location-specific information
- Guidance on sorting and recycling
- Electronic instructions for use (eIFU) with the option of receiving printed inserts by post
- Customer feedback and surveys
- Brand content and personalised consumer engagement
Advantages:
- Serialisation without labels or consumables
- Low operating and energy costs
- Fast, permanent laser marking
- A single QR code for dynamic digital content worldwide
Encodings
Specialised coding in the pharmaceutical industry:
China Code (China Drug Electronic Supervision / Traceability Code)
Variable data marking, 2D coding, serial numbers, batch and logistics information printed directly onto the product and packaging.
Russian Code (Chestny ZNAK Crypto Code)
An enhanced 2D Data Matrix code with an additional cryptographic signature. It enables end-to-end traceability and authentication of products throughout the entire supply chain and is designed, in particular, to protect against counterfeiting.
Discover technologies
HIDDEN SECURITY FEATURES
Hidden security features are elements in the printed image that are invisible or can only be detected under certain conditions. Technologies such as microtext, UV ink, coin-reactive ink or AlpVision Cryptoglyph® make counterfeiting more difficult and enable reliable authenticity checks. Depending on the technology, authentication can be carried out using simple tools or via a smartphone – without visibly altering the packaging design.
Cryptoglyph®
An invisible security feature based on microscopic structures within the printed image.
It is integrated directly into the standard printing process using conventional printing inks or varnishes and creates an invisible, non-reproducible security feature. Authentication is carried out quickly and reliably via a smartphone app. The concealed authenticity check does not affect the packaging design.
Further hidden security features
Microtext
Microscopic text elements that are incorporated into the printed image and are very difficult to replicate. Verification is carried out using magnification and by knowing the position of the text.
UV-curable varnish
Invisible print elements that are only visible under UV light and enable rapid authenticity verification. They can be applied in a single printing pass using the standard printing process.
Coin-reactive ink
A special ink that reveals hidden information when rubbed with a coin. This enables simple authentication. It can be applied using the standard printing process in a single pass.
First-time opening guarantee
Making tamper-evidence visible
A genuine product in genuine packaging is not automatically intact. Original packaging may have been opened, altered, refilled or resealed.
That is why the demo box demonstrates several tamper-evident principles.
Fully bonded tabs
The packaging is completely sealed. Opening it for the first time leaves visible marks. The tab provided can then be used to reseal it.
Perforated insert tabs
The perforation on the tab breaks the first time the packet is opened. This makes it clear when the contents have been accessed for the first time, whilst still allowing the packet to be resealed later.
VOID label
The tamper-evident paper label leaves visible marks when removed. The packaging can still be resealed afterwards.
Dry-moulded fibre blister pack
A fibre-based alternative to conventional blister packs
PulPac and PA Consulting have developed a sustainable, fibre-based alternative to conventional blister packaging that reduces the plastic content by more than 90 % and completely eliminates problematic materials such as PVC.
The packaging is manufactured using PulPac’s innovative Dry Moulded Fibre technology. As paper-based packaging, it is recyclable whilst also meeting the requirements of pharmaceutical applications in terms of product protection, high-speed production and flexible design for various tablet formats.
By collaborating with leading brand partners, the PulPac + PA Blister Collective is driving forward the development of sustainable blister packaging and accelerating the global reduction of plastic waste in this packaging sector.
FAQ
How does packaging help to protect against counterfeit products?
Packaging may contain visible and hidden security features. These include, for example, unique serial numbers, QR codes, tamper-evident solutions or special printing technologies that make counterfeiting significantly more difficult.
What security features can be incorporated into packaging?
Depending on the requirements, various security measures are available. These include serial numbers, QR codes, Data Matrix codes, security printing, tamper-evident features and digital authentication and verification solutions.
What are the benefits of serialisation?
In serialisation, each package or product is assigned a unique identifier. This individual identity enables traceability, authentication and documentation throughout the entire supply chain. Serialisation increases transparency in the supply chain, helps combat product counterfeiting and makes it easier to verify the authenticity of products. At the same time, companies can gain valuable insights into product movements and markets.
What is the difference between serialisation and track and trace?
Serialisation generates a unique identifier for each individual product. Track & Trace uses this identifier to track products throughout the supply chain and ensure their movements can be traced.
What role do QR codes play in product protection?
QR codes can serve as a gateway to digital product information. When used in conjunction with serialisation, they enable product authentication and interaction between the brand and the end consumer.
Can serialisation be combined with the Digital Product Passport?
Yes. Serialisation creates a unique product identity and can form an important basis for digital product information and future requirements such as the Digital Product Passport.
Partners & Technologies
Expertise through collaboration
Domino
Domino is a world-leading provider of solutions for variable data marking and 2D coding. The systems enable the reliable marking of best-before dates, batch and serial numbers, traceability data and logistics information directly onto products, packaging and pallets. In this way, Domino supports manufacturers worldwide with compliance, traceability, efficiency and product protection.
info.link
info.link transforms products into digital touchpoints using GS1 Digital Link QR codes. The platform helps businesses prepare for GS1 Sunrise 2027, the EU’s Digital Product Passport and new regulatory requirements such as the Empowering Consumers Directive.
Digital, legally compliant and brand-compliant product information can be created in a matter of minutes without the need for complex IT projects. Features such as easy product import, over 50 compliance templates and automatic translations into more than 60 languages make global implementation easier.
AlpVision
AlpVision Cryptoglyph® reliably protects printed packaging and labels against counterfeiting without altering existing production processes or compromising the packaging design. This cost-effective solution helps brands to safeguard revenue, strengthen consumer trust and improve supply chain integrity, without having to contend with the added complexity and costs of traditional security features. Cryptoglyph® offers scalable, invisible protection that can be easily applied to a wide range of printed products.
Request a demo box
Request your free demo box
Discover how authenticity, integrity, identity and information interact within a single package. With the Brand Protection and Compliance Demobox, you can compare security features and identify initial solutions for your product, market and packaging process.
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