How technology can help in the fight against fake products

A technological investment in packaging to protect both company and consumers

There was an interesting article in one of our favourite online magazines called Packaging Europe on a theme that’s food for thought: the fight against fake products.

Many things have changed since the start of the pandemic, resulting in a new global scenario: all market segments have suffered significant repercussions because of this virus that’s changed the way we live.

Many sectors have suffered severe economic damage, but this is also a time to take a step back and think, and perhaps the global health emergency is (and will continue to be) an important test for all those companies who pick up the gauntlet and accept change without losing faith, paving the way as pioneers of future economic assets.

While there’s been a significant reduction and even a complete shutdown in some sectors, unfortunately those in the business of faking products never rest; on the contrary, there’s an unprecedented demand for PPE, disinfectant, and specific cleaning products that’s forced manufacturers to create provisioning chains in great haste, a “perfect storm” for criminals who’s only desire is to cash in on the pandemic.

Consider for a moment, not only the economic damage caused to manufacturers but in particular the harm caused to people, the consumers using these potentially lethal products.
It’s evident that the first line of defence for any product against counterfeiting, is packaging.
Before the Covid pandemic manufacturers had already started using technology to prevent and defend their products against the considerable damage caused to their image by fake products.
Unfortunately though many criminals have access to this technology, often making the measures taken by manufacturers ineffective.
When a product is launched for the first time on the market, there’s an even greater risk of it being counterfeited as the manufacturer might not have had time to adopt effective anti-counterfeiting measures in the form of packaging that can’t be copied.

Online platforms have made things notably worse, giving imposters an easy way to sell their fakes through online sales outlets with distribution channels that can easily reach many consumers due to the high demand for certain goods.

Some might think there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, but new technology and the widespread use of smartphones have resulted in major companies adopting special printed barcodes like digital fingerprints (e-Fingerprinting) and QR codes to identify the provisioning and distribution chain of a product, so anyone who receives it can immediately check its authenticity (with the relevant mobile phone App) before they use it.

We’ve always stepped up to meet the challenge this delicate problem represents, helping manufacturers who want to protect their customers and consumers by investing in dosing systems that add a distinguishing feature to their brand to characterise it on the market. It’s important to understand the deep-rooted reason behind this investment, which above all is an investment in quality and safety. It’s not just a question of making your product more interesting from a commercial point of view, there’s more at stake.
A special barcode, a spout, a QR code should be the first systems manufacturers use to protect their product, part of a major global brand’s DNA.
What’s your opinion on the matter?