This article discusses the problem of tobacco counterfeiting and tax evasion, which costs governments and manufacturers significant lost revenue and damages brand reputation. Tobacco products are a lucrative target for counterfeiters due to high tax policies. The article proposes that holograms, as an anti-counterfeiting technology, could help tackle this problem. Holograms have been used globally for 15 years as an important authentication device on government tax stamps.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 21st edition of The Holography Times.
Today, in India more than 300 State level industry-trade association exist representing more than 7,00,000* companies.
Each and every product has an industry trade association formed with an aim to facilitate the business environment for its member companies.
While they are playing an important role in modern and global economies, there are various hindrances which affect their industry / sector growth. Product counterfeiting is one of them. It is affecting all categories of products, but the impact is very high in sectors / product categories like fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, electronics, automobile and aircraft parts, music, publishing, software, telecom, cosmetics, personal care, beverages, etc.
To fight this menace, a few of trade associations have come forwarded and have started playing a proactive role. Although, the number is very low, we are hopeful that other industry association will follow up the examples.
Our current issue highlights the Role of Industry Association in Curbing Counterfeiting. Apart from this, the issue also covers, industry updates including news, patents, financial analysis and much more.
Do send us your feedback / critics at info@aspaglobal.com
With Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first edition of The Holography Times (THT) in year 2013.
This is our 20th edition and we would like to thank all our readers and members for overwhelming response and support.
We deeply valued the trust you have shown in us and ensure our endeavour to serve you better.
Currently brand owners / government authorities are facing problem in selection of authentication technologies. The International Standard Organisation (ISO) has solve the problem by releasing new standard ISO 12931 which provides the guidelines on how to protect brand and products from counterfeits.
Our current issue highlights on “Steps to identify authentication solutions to curb counterfeiting” along-with an article on ISO 12931. This issue also covers an interview of Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE on anti-counterfeiting campaign running across the country.
Lastly on behalf of THT team, we look forward to 2013 with great hopes and wish all our reviewers, members, advertisers, advisers and above all, our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year.
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first issue of the year and wish you a Happy 2016!
We hope this year is filled with joyful learning, abundant opportunity, and success in all that you choose to do.
Coming to The Authentication Times, the current edition focuses on the issue of counterfeit pesticides that are being rampantly used in India. Agriculture industry, which is the backbone of our Indian economy, is facing multiple threats from the growth of these counterfeit pesticides. Though the problem is not a new one and exists since last 35 years, however, the situation has become worse in the last five years. The counterfeit pesticides industry in India is growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent. If not immediately addressed, it
can reach up to 40 per cent (approximately) share by value in the pesticides industry by 2019.
Our cover story highlights this core issue and details on its various types along with the reasons for the increase in counterfeit pesticides.
The story also brings to light the authentication solutions that can be implemented in India to curb this menace to a great extent in the interest of farmers, industry and country.
In this issue, you will also find an interesting interview with Pantec GS Systems and Arkansas Tobacco Control, various industry updates, news bytes, counterfeit seizure report and global patents.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to receive your feedback.
Sincerely,
Chander S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 21st edition of The Holography Times.
Today, in India more than 300 State level industry-trade association exist representing more than 7,00,000* companies.
Each and every product has an industry trade association formed with an aim to facilitate the business environment for its member companies.
While they are playing an important role in modern and global economies, there are various hindrances which affect their industry / sector growth. Product counterfeiting is one of them. It is affecting all categories of products, but the impact is very high in sectors / product categories like fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, electronics, automobile and aircraft parts, music, publishing, software, telecom, cosmetics, personal care, beverages, etc.
To fight this menace, a few of trade associations have come forwarded and have started playing a proactive role. Although, the number is very low, we are hopeful that other industry association will follow up the examples.
Our current issue highlights the Role of Industry Association in Curbing Counterfeiting. Apart from this, the issue also covers, industry updates including news, patents, financial analysis and much more.
Do send us your feedback / critics at info@aspaglobal.com
With Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first edition of The Holography Times (THT) in year 2013.
This is our 20th edition and we would like to thank all our readers and members for overwhelming response and support.
We deeply valued the trust you have shown in us and ensure our endeavour to serve you better.
Currently brand owners / government authorities are facing problem in selection of authentication technologies. The International Standard Organisation (ISO) has solve the problem by releasing new standard ISO 12931 which provides the guidelines on how to protect brand and products from counterfeits.
Our current issue highlights on “Steps to identify authentication solutions to curb counterfeiting” along-with an article on ISO 12931. This issue also covers an interview of Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE on anti-counterfeiting campaign running across the country.
Lastly on behalf of THT team, we look forward to 2013 with great hopes and wish all our reviewers, members, advertisers, advisers and above all, our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year.
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the first issue of the year and wish you a Happy 2016!
We hope this year is filled with joyful learning, abundant opportunity, and success in all that you choose to do.
Coming to The Authentication Times, the current edition focuses on the issue of counterfeit pesticides that are being rampantly used in India. Agriculture industry, which is the backbone of our Indian economy, is facing multiple threats from the growth of these counterfeit pesticides. Though the problem is not a new one and exists since last 35 years, however, the situation has become worse in the last five years. The counterfeit pesticides industry in India is growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent. If not immediately addressed, it
can reach up to 40 per cent (approximately) share by value in the pesticides industry by 2019.
Our cover story highlights this core issue and details on its various types along with the reasons for the increase in counterfeit pesticides.
The story also brings to light the authentication solutions that can be implemented in India to curb this menace to a great extent in the interest of farmers, industry and country.
In this issue, you will also find an interesting interview with Pantec GS Systems and Arkansas Tobacco Control, various industry updates, news bytes, counterfeit seizure report and global patents.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to receive your feedback.
Sincerely,
Chander S Jeena
Editor
The making of counterfeit electronic parts have become a very big business across the globe. In fact, counterfeit electrical and electronic products now occupy second place after pharmaceuticals. Worldwide counterfeiting of electrical products is estimated to range anywhere between US $11 billion to US $20 billion annually. In North America
alone, the electrical product counterfeiting is estimated
to be in the US $300 million to US $ 400 million range and
rapidly growing. Research from the Mobile Manufacturers
Forum (MMF) says around 148 million counterfeit or
substandard mobile phones were sold worldwide in 2013,
mostly in developing countries. Our current issue highlights the “Issue of Electrical and Electronic products Counterfeiting” and needs of an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy to combat this problem. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents and events.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 22nd edition of The Holography Times.
Identity counterfeiting is an increasing global menace that has turned our identities into highly valuable assets. Since being developed over 60 years ago holograms have been the most successful anti-counterfeiting measure in this battle against ID counterfeiting. While the first DOVID appeared on a credit card in 1982 and on a banknote in 1988, in 1985 the first metallized hologram appeared on the passport of Iraq.
Our current issue highlights the “Identity Theft and Counterfeiting” and “Role of Hologram in Document Protection”. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 23rd edition of The Holography Times.
Counterfeiting continues to be a major growing issue in the automotive component industry. According to Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), USA the global automotive industry loses US $ 12 billion to counterfeiting. In a 2007 study issued by the US Chamber of Commerce, Ford concluded that counterfeit auto parts cost it roughly US $ 1 billion annually. The Indian scenario is not a different story. According to FICCI – CASCADE latest study (Grey market the invisible enemy) released in 2012, the Auto component industry loses 29.6% of its sales due to grey market, worth US $ (INR 9198 crores out of estimated size of INR 31,046) affecting the growth of economy, loss of jobs, brand owner goodwill as well as to public safety.
The parts that tend to be counterfeited the most are frequent replaced parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, and various types of filters. Now, imagine servicing a vehicle with what you think are high-quality brake pads. But instead of friction material, the pads are made from compressed grass or sawdust. Or imagine installing an oil filter that contains crunched up newspapers or rags and no filter element.
To combat this menace all Stakeholders need to fight at their level. Governments have a particularly critical role to play in this effort. All over world, they are doing their best creating the necessary legal infrastructure, educating police force, developing suitable laws to deter fraudulent behaviour. Businesses, however, must also do their part to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit products.
Our current issue highlights the “Issue of Auto Counterfeiting” and Needs of an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy to combat this problem. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 26th edition of our newsletter “The Authentication Times”.
Various Government authorities across the globe consider drug counterfeiting to be a major issue and coming with various policy measures in order to fight against this menace. The Indian Government has also mandated for all pharmaceutical firms to build track and trace capability for exports using barcode technology at three levels of packaging: primary, secondary and tertiary. Although the Government is doing work at the policy level, there is a clear need to involve all stakeholders in the efforts in fighting this menace.
The mandates to serialize all pharmaceutical products is a challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Keeping in view, we decided to cover a story highlighting “Overview on Pharmaceutical Serialisation”. The issue also covers our series of article on “Authentication Technologies”. The current article will give an overview of key available anti-counterfeiting technologies to be followed by anti-tamper technology and track and trace technologies. Apart from this the issue also covers the industry updates including news, counterfeit seizure report, appointment, global patents and upcoming events.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
TAX Stamps have always been an important authentication solutions used by Government authorities to curb the illicit trade, protect consumer and to increase the excise revenue. It was only 20 years ago; due to the globalization many countries started using tax stamps for the first time, especially in the Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union. Today across the globe, 81 countries are using approximately 130 billion cigarette tax stamps and 14 billion alcohol tax
stamps.
In India also, the revolution of first tax stamp was introduced by Tamilnadu State Excise Department in early eighties. Today, 22 States (including Union territories) are using approximately 11 billion tax stamps per annum. In contrast to globally, all these tax stamps are for alcohol, excluding cigarettes industry. The tax stamps were introduced in India
to prevent and minimizing the hooch tragedies, curbing the menace of duplication, as well as in increasing the excise revenue collection.
Our current cover story is on “Tax Stamp in India – An overview”. It also cover global expert view on “Product security solutions currently implemented in Turkey”. Apart from these, the issue also covers industry updates, ASPA and
member news, counterfeit seizure report and global patents.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 29th edition of The Authentication Times.
The current edition focus on the issue of FMCG counterfeit
products in India.
FMCG being one of the largest sector in Indian economy is
currently facing the heat of counterfeit products. The grey
market percentage in the FMCG-personal goods industry
has increased from 25.9 per cent in 2010 to 31.6 per cent in
2012. Parallelly, the loss to the industry has also increased to
approximately Rs.19,243 crores in 2014 to Rs.15,035 crores from 2012, attributable to the increase in the industry size as well as grey market percentage.
Our cover story highlights this core issue and details on the
kinds of counterfeiting prevalent and its impact along with the
factors involved for the increase in counterfeit FMCG products.
The story also highlights the usage of various authentication
solutions adopted by FMCG companies to counter this menace.
We are please to inform that we had join hands with FICCI
CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting
Activities Destroying the Economy) for content sharing,
highlighting their efforts against counterfeiting.
In this issue, you will also find a Q & A with our new member
SPROXIL and various other industry updates.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to
receive your feedback.
Sincerely,
Chander S Jeena
Editor
Holography has evolved from security to packaging, since Glaxo used it in 1989. Again in 1994 Smithkline Beachem launches Aquafresh white toothpaste in USA in a carton covered in holographic laminate, the first time of holographic packaging has been used for branding.
The journey started by these companies is on its road to success with drastic developments in holography. The key is innovation and the approach is to stay one step ahead of counterfeiters. At this time of cut throat competition and global market conditions, companies have turned to new forms of packaging and intelligent labelling to ensure they get the attention of consumers to be successful in moving their product off the shelf and aid in helping consumers check for authenticity . Not every good packaging idea comes with a price tag. A little creative thinking is all that is needed. The article discuss the increasing use
of Holography in packaging and product promotion.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 34th edition of The Authentication Times.
In, The Authentication Times, we continue to raise the issue of
counterfeiting, which impacts the consumers and society by large.
After a grand and successful 2nd Authentication Forum, our current edition highlights the recent development and initiative by the Indian government on pharma, tobacco, land management, high security registration plate and others. The cover highlights the issue of combating illicit tobacco trade, India policy & collaborative solutions in fighting this menace.
We would like to express our gratitude to Shri. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ministry of Commerce & Industry & Civil Aviation Government of India for taking his precious time and gracing the 2nd Authentication Forum.
We are very hopeful that the recent announcements will make a very modern Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) era in India.
Special thanks to Ministry of Agriculture, Central Board of Excise & Customs and all industry association and partners for supporting this important event.
We are also thankful to eminent dignities from Government, Media, Industry Association and member companies.
We hope you will found this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 33rd edition of The Authentication Times.
In, The Authentication Times, we continue to raise the issue of
counterfeiting, which impacts the consumers and society by large.
Our current edition focuses on the follow up story on issue of rising incidents of fake baby infant milk products. We are proud to say that The Authentication Times covered this story in its 30th edition as well.
Managing food safety standards across a global supply chain is complex and challenging. However, steps must be taken to ensure safe and secure shipping, and distribution of food products that end up in consumer's hands. In a recent development, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) have announced notification for organic food traceability. To protect the 25 million babies born every year in India, it is essential to protect baby milk powders and other nutritional products from the scourge of counterfeiting. The Authentication Times urges, FSSAI to take similar steps for all food items especially baby food products.
The cover story again highlights this issue of fake baby milk, challenging issue in detail covering aspects such as its impact, consequences and why the importance of secured packaging is becoming need of an hour.
In this issue, you will also find interesting developments happening in traceability via block chain technology, GS1 view on food traceability along with latest news from industry.
We hope you will found this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
Zero brand attack is an utopia. Brand owner can only take action in reducing the overall impact of brand attack.
Better management and use of effective brand protection solutions can result in brand owners getting better sales and market share; consumer getting the right products at the right price, government getting better revenues and a satisfied and loyal channel. Brand are under attack in various forms however main four are tampering, replication, diversion and recirculation. There is a need of authentication + tracking solutions to be used with proper communication to consumers.
Counterfeiting continues to be a major growing issue in the
automotive component industry. According to Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), USA the global automotive industry loses US $ 12 billion to counterfeiting. The Indian scenario is not a different
story. According to FICCI – CASCADE latest study (Grey market the invisible enemy) released in 2012, the Auto component industry loses 29.6% of its sales due to grey market, worth US $ 2 billion (`9198 crores out
of estimated size of ` 31,046) affecting the growth of economy, loss of jobs, brand owner goodwill as well as risk to public safety. The parts that tend to be counterfeited the most are frequent replaced parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, and various types of filters. Governments have a particularly critical role to play in this effort. All over world, they are doing their best creating the necessary legal infrastructure, educating police force, developing suitable laws to deter fraudulent behaviour. Businesses, however, must also do their part to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit products.
Illicit tobacco trade and tobacco tax evasion are problems that costs governments and manufacturers dearly in terms of lost revenue and damage to brand reputation. Further, the high tax policies on tobacco products make them a lucrative target for counterfeiters. In this article, we
will find out how hologram, an anti-counterfeiting technology, could prove to be an important tool
in tackling this problem.
The making of counterfeit electronic parts have become a very big business across the globe. In fact, counterfeit electrical and electronic products now occupy second place after pharmaceuticals. Worldwide counterfeiting of electrical products is estimated to range anywhere between US $11 billion to US $20 billion annually. In North America
alone, the electrical product counterfeiting is estimated
to be in the US $300 million to US $ 400 million range and
rapidly growing. Research from the Mobile Manufacturers
Forum (MMF) says around 148 million counterfeit or
substandard mobile phones were sold worldwide in 2013,
mostly in developing countries. Our current issue highlights the “Issue of Electrical and Electronic products Counterfeiting” and needs of an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy to combat this problem. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents and events.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 22nd edition of The Holography Times.
Identity counterfeiting is an increasing global menace that has turned our identities into highly valuable assets. Since being developed over 60 years ago holograms have been the most successful anti-counterfeiting measure in this battle against ID counterfeiting. While the first DOVID appeared on a credit card in 1982 and on a banknote in 1988, in 1985 the first metallized hologram appeared on the passport of Iraq.
Our current issue highlights the “Identity Theft and Counterfeiting” and “Role of Hologram in Document Protection”. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 23rd edition of The Holography Times.
Counterfeiting continues to be a major growing issue in the automotive component industry. According to Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), USA the global automotive industry loses US $ 12 billion to counterfeiting. In a 2007 study issued by the US Chamber of Commerce, Ford concluded that counterfeit auto parts cost it roughly US $ 1 billion annually. The Indian scenario is not a different story. According to FICCI – CASCADE latest study (Grey market the invisible enemy) released in 2012, the Auto component industry loses 29.6% of its sales due to grey market, worth US $ (INR 9198 crores out of estimated size of INR 31,046) affecting the growth of economy, loss of jobs, brand owner goodwill as well as to public safety.
The parts that tend to be counterfeited the most are frequent replaced parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, and various types of filters. Now, imagine servicing a vehicle with what you think are high-quality brake pads. But instead of friction material, the pads are made from compressed grass or sawdust. Or imagine installing an oil filter that contains crunched up newspapers or rags and no filter element.
To combat this menace all Stakeholders need to fight at their level. Governments have a particularly critical role to play in this effort. All over world, they are doing their best creating the necessary legal infrastructure, educating police force, developing suitable laws to deter fraudulent behaviour. Businesses, however, must also do their part to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit products.
Our current issue highlights the “Issue of Auto Counterfeiting” and Needs of an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy to combat this problem. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 26th edition of our newsletter “The Authentication Times”.
Various Government authorities across the globe consider drug counterfeiting to be a major issue and coming with various policy measures in order to fight against this menace. The Indian Government has also mandated for all pharmaceutical firms to build track and trace capability for exports using barcode technology at three levels of packaging: primary, secondary and tertiary. Although the Government is doing work at the policy level, there is a clear need to involve all stakeholders in the efforts in fighting this menace.
The mandates to serialize all pharmaceutical products is a challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Keeping in view, we decided to cover a story highlighting “Overview on Pharmaceutical Serialisation”. The issue also covers our series of article on “Authentication Technologies”. The current article will give an overview of key available anti-counterfeiting technologies to be followed by anti-tamper technology and track and trace technologies. Apart from this the issue also covers the industry updates including news, counterfeit seizure report, appointment, global patents and upcoming events.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
TAX Stamps have always been an important authentication solutions used by Government authorities to curb the illicit trade, protect consumer and to increase the excise revenue. It was only 20 years ago; due to the globalization many countries started using tax stamps for the first time, especially in the Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union. Today across the globe, 81 countries are using approximately 130 billion cigarette tax stamps and 14 billion alcohol tax
stamps.
In India also, the revolution of first tax stamp was introduced by Tamilnadu State Excise Department in early eighties. Today, 22 States (including Union territories) are using approximately 11 billion tax stamps per annum. In contrast to globally, all these tax stamps are for alcohol, excluding cigarettes industry. The tax stamps were introduced in India
to prevent and minimizing the hooch tragedies, curbing the menace of duplication, as well as in increasing the excise revenue collection.
Our current cover story is on “Tax Stamp in India – An overview”. It also cover global expert view on “Product security solutions currently implemented in Turkey”. Apart from these, the issue also covers industry updates, ASPA and
member news, counterfeit seizure report and global patents.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 29th edition of The Authentication Times.
The current edition focus on the issue of FMCG counterfeit
products in India.
FMCG being one of the largest sector in Indian economy is
currently facing the heat of counterfeit products. The grey
market percentage in the FMCG-personal goods industry
has increased from 25.9 per cent in 2010 to 31.6 per cent in
2012. Parallelly, the loss to the industry has also increased to
approximately Rs.19,243 crores in 2014 to Rs.15,035 crores from 2012, attributable to the increase in the industry size as well as grey market percentage.
Our cover story highlights this core issue and details on the
kinds of counterfeiting prevalent and its impact along with the
factors involved for the increase in counterfeit FMCG products.
The story also highlights the usage of various authentication
solutions adopted by FMCG companies to counter this menace.
We are please to inform that we had join hands with FICCI
CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting
Activities Destroying the Economy) for content sharing,
highlighting their efforts against counterfeiting.
In this issue, you will also find a Q & A with our new member
SPROXIL and various other industry updates.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to
receive your feedback.
Sincerely,
Chander S Jeena
Editor
Holography has evolved from security to packaging, since Glaxo used it in 1989. Again in 1994 Smithkline Beachem launches Aquafresh white toothpaste in USA in a carton covered in holographic laminate, the first time of holographic packaging has been used for branding.
The journey started by these companies is on its road to success with drastic developments in holography. The key is innovation and the approach is to stay one step ahead of counterfeiters. At this time of cut throat competition and global market conditions, companies have turned to new forms of packaging and intelligent labelling to ensure they get the attention of consumers to be successful in moving their product off the shelf and aid in helping consumers check for authenticity . Not every good packaging idea comes with a price tag. A little creative thinking is all that is needed. The article discuss the increasing use
of Holography in packaging and product promotion.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 34th edition of The Authentication Times.
In, The Authentication Times, we continue to raise the issue of
counterfeiting, which impacts the consumers and society by large.
After a grand and successful 2nd Authentication Forum, our current edition highlights the recent development and initiative by the Indian government on pharma, tobacco, land management, high security registration plate and others. The cover highlights the issue of combating illicit tobacco trade, India policy & collaborative solutions in fighting this menace.
We would like to express our gratitude to Shri. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ministry of Commerce & Industry & Civil Aviation Government of India for taking his precious time and gracing the 2nd Authentication Forum.
We are very hopeful that the recent announcements will make a very modern Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) era in India.
Special thanks to Ministry of Agriculture, Central Board of Excise & Customs and all industry association and partners for supporting this important event.
We are also thankful to eminent dignities from Government, Media, Industry Association and member companies.
We hope you will found this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 33rd edition of The Authentication Times.
In, The Authentication Times, we continue to raise the issue of
counterfeiting, which impacts the consumers and society by large.
Our current edition focuses on the follow up story on issue of rising incidents of fake baby infant milk products. We are proud to say that The Authentication Times covered this story in its 30th edition as well.
Managing food safety standards across a global supply chain is complex and challenging. However, steps must be taken to ensure safe and secure shipping, and distribution of food products that end up in consumer's hands. In a recent development, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) have announced notification for organic food traceability. To protect the 25 million babies born every year in India, it is essential to protect baby milk powders and other nutritional products from the scourge of counterfeiting. The Authentication Times urges, FSSAI to take similar steps for all food items especially baby food products.
The cover story again highlights this issue of fake baby milk, challenging issue in detail covering aspects such as its impact, consequences and why the importance of secured packaging is becoming need of an hour.
In this issue, you will also find interesting developments happening in traceability via block chain technology, GS1 view on food traceability along with latest news from industry.
We hope you will found this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
Zero brand attack is an utopia. Brand owner can only take action in reducing the overall impact of brand attack.
Better management and use of effective brand protection solutions can result in brand owners getting better sales and market share; consumer getting the right products at the right price, government getting better revenues and a satisfied and loyal channel. Brand are under attack in various forms however main four are tampering, replication, diversion and recirculation. There is a need of authentication + tracking solutions to be used with proper communication to consumers.
Counterfeiting continues to be a major growing issue in the
automotive component industry. According to Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), USA the global automotive industry loses US $ 12 billion to counterfeiting. The Indian scenario is not a different
story. According to FICCI – CASCADE latest study (Grey market the invisible enemy) released in 2012, the Auto component industry loses 29.6% of its sales due to grey market, worth US $ 2 billion (`9198 crores out
of estimated size of ` 31,046) affecting the growth of economy, loss of jobs, brand owner goodwill as well as risk to public safety. The parts that tend to be counterfeited the most are frequent replaced parts such as brake pads, spark plugs, and various types of filters. Governments have a particularly critical role to play in this effort. All over world, they are doing their best creating the necessary legal infrastructure, educating police force, developing suitable laws to deter fraudulent behaviour. Businesses, however, must also do their part to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit products.
Illicit tobacco trade and tobacco tax evasion are problems that costs governments and manufacturers dearly in terms of lost revenue and damage to brand reputation. Further, the high tax policies on tobacco products make them a lucrative target for counterfeiters. In this article, we
will find out how hologram, an anti-counterfeiting technology, could prove to be an important tool
in tackling this problem.
Authentication Solutions are a must to curb spurious medicines
There are a variety of solutions available, as per requirement, through member companies of ASPA. The Government of India has already taken steps to protect medicines that are exported. Now it is time to protect medicines that are being distributed and consumed within India.
Identity theft and ID counterfeiting are among the fastest growing types of crime, especially in highly industrialized
countries. According to FBI statistics, it is the fastest
growing crime in USA. The Federal Trade Commission
estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have
their identities stolen each year. The article highlight the issues related to document counterfeiting and the
importance of hologram in document protection.
Counterfeiting is not a new term for electronic industry as counterfeit electrical and electronic products now occupy second place after pharmaceuticals estimated to range anywhere between US$11 billion to $20 billion worldwide
every year. However, counterfeit electronic parts have been much in the public eye in recent weeks. On March 28, 2014 one of Indian Air Force Aircraft (C-130J Super
Hercules) crashed near Gwalior city killing five crew members. There were controversial news reported
in media about the counterfeit electronics being the reason for C-130J air crash. Over the past several years the electronics industry has seen a marked increase in the
availability of counterfeit electronic components. Counterfeiters have attacked every commodity of electronics, from simple components such as capacitors,
to complex integrated circuits such as microprocessors. In expensive commercial devices, as well as high cost military components, have seen counterfeiting on the rise. This article highlights the serious risk, its impact and the possible proactive steps that can be taken to curb this menace.
Counterfeiting is menace for brand owners and Government authorities. In over a decade the problem has expanded rapidly and is now not limited to luxury goods and developed economies. There are any numbers of reports available on internet discussing the loss to industry and people due to counterfeiting.
Over the years, in order to prevent counterfeiting from plaguing their business, brand owners started using authentication solutions. With the availability of various authentication solutions, companies and Government authorities are facing problem in selection of a specific authentication solution as the adoption of any given solution is a complex question involving issues, amongst others, of cost, compatibility, feasibility and reliability, and there are divergent views on which technologies should be adopted and the timing for their adoption. While these solutions can sometimes add to the problem, the right selection, usage & implementation of authentication solutions helps companies and authorities to keep them one step ahead of counterfeiting. The selection of an authentication1 solutions2 that protects a document or product is a complex process and necessitates review of a number of factors regarding the role and implementation of the technology. Not all authentication solutions and security features are appropriate for all applications. It is important to understand the strengths and limitations inherent to different technologies, as well as between similar features supplied by different manufacturers.The article explain, “Steps to identify authentication solutions to curb counterfeiting”.
Holograms have been used in India as an anti-counterfeit technology since 1990. The introduction of security holograms on India’s National Identity Voter Card provided recognition of the use of a hologram as a secure authentication device by both the authorities and by large numbers of consumers.
In authentication, the usage of holograms as excise seals is the biggest market in India. To date, around 22 of India states excise departments are using holograms to combat the illicit liquor trade and subsequently increasing the revenue of their departments. In India security holograms are gaining popularity as key element of authentication and used by almost every sector facing the menace of counterfeiting.
The industry is going strong on year to year basis, and is moving forward by combining security holograms with digital technologies. Recently, holographic features have been introduced for Financial Cards in India re-strengthening its position as one of the key visual authentication features.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 30th edition of The Authentication Times.
In The Authentication Times, we continue to raise the issue of counterfeiting, which impacts the consumers and society by large. Our current edition focusses on the issue of milk adulteration in India. Managing food safety standards across a global supply chain is complex and challenging. However, steps must be taken to ensure safe and secure shipping,
and distribution of food products that end up in consumer's hands. To protect the 25 million babies born every year in India, it is essential to protect baby milk powders and other nutritional products from the scourge of counterfeiting.
According to a survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2011, 68.4 of per cent milk served throughout the country was found adulterated, which itself defines the grim situation and calls for strict rules over fake and adulterated milk.
The cover story highlights this challenging issue in detail covering aspects such as its impact, consequences and how this menace can be tackled with the help of technology – adopting authentication, and track and trace solutions.
In this issue, you will also find a new section “Questions raised in the Indian Parliament related to counterfeiting and Answers by the Members of Parliament against these.” Other than this, you will also find our regular sections such as reports from FICCI CASCADE, News Bytes, Counterfeit Seizure Report and Events in this issue.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to receive your feedback.
Regards,
Editor - The Authentication Times
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 24th edition of The Holography Times.
As you know our previous edition focused on Auto Counterfeiting and we received overwhelming response from majority of you. We would like to thanks you all for your valuable inputs and time.
Our current edition will focus on “The making of counterfeit electronic parts” which has become a very big business across the globe. In fact, counterfeit electrical and electronic products now occupy second place after pharmaceuticals. Worldwide counterfeiting of electrical products is estimated to range anywhere between US$11 billion to $20 billion annually. In North America alone, the electrical product counterfeiting is estimated to be in the $300 million to $400 million range and rapidly growing3. Research from the Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF) says around 148 million counterfeit or substandard mobile phones were sold worldwide in 2013, mostly in developing countries4.
Although not much has been done in India to assess the impact of counterfeit electrical components, there is a study by FICCI CASCADE that focused on computer hardware and mobile phones. According to this study counterfeit computer hardware constitute 26.4%, or INR 47 billion by value, of the total market size estimated at INR 179 billion for 2012. Similarly, the Grey market for Mobile Phone constitute 20.8%, or INR 90 billion by value, out of total market size estimated at INR 434 billion in 2012
The counterfeit electronic parts are available everywhere from sophisticated semi-conductors and chips used in commercial and military electronics as well as the normal day to day used electronics items, and they represent a serious hazard if used in critical systems such as aircraft navigation, life support, military equipment, or space vehicles.
Our current issue highlights the “Issue of Electronic & Electronics Counterfeiting” and Needs of an effective anti-counterfeiting strategy to combat this problem. Apart from this the issue also covers industry updates including news, patents.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
Everyone involved in the goods supply chain - manufacturers, distributors, consumers, taxation and
government authorities- has learnt the value of security holograms and will be reassured by their presence
on products and/or the packaging, recognising the benefits they provide. However, as coding and serialisation becomes mandated in various countries for products such
as medicines and tobacco products, the ability to incorporate QR, data matrix and other types of code in to
holograms further enhances the role they can play in supply chain control. Ian Lancaster, general secretary
of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association, highlights the latest developments.
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 25th edition of our newsletter with a new name “The Authentication Times” (formerly known as The Holography Times).
Recently, HoMAI had completed its re-branding and now will be known as Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA).
With this it is becoming inevitable for us to change the name of “The Holography Times” as “The Authentication Times” and will focus on providing information, industry trends and news on authentication solutions from across the globe.
In the last few months, one of the two biggest economies of paper banknotes has shown their interest in polymer banknotes. Our current cover story is focus on “Evolution of polymer banknotes: pros and cons”. Apart from this we are starting a series of article on authentication with name “All about authentication”. The first article of his series will give you an overview of authentication technologies. Apart from this the issue also covers the industry updates including news, counterfeit seizure report, event review, appointment and global patents.
We are thankful to our readers for their support in last 7 years and hope that they will like the changes we are going for.
Do send us your feedback/critics at info@aspaglobal.com.
With Best Regards,
C S Jeena
Editor
The presentation is from Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) & Indian Printing Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers Association (IPAMA) recent workshop organized during PRINTPACK 2019. It covers recent initiatives & latest trends in physical authentication technologies. ASPA’s latest project “Counterfeit News Repository”, a unique repository providing a record of incidents of counterfeiting, theft and illegal diversion of products worldwide. Examples of innovation in Anti-Counterfeiting industry including irreversible holographic effect for medicine carton, NFC chip based Tamper Evident Label for medical Auto-injectors, high security holographic cap seal with digital authentication, use of special film on spot registration feature for carton packaging etc. etc and steps in developing Anti-counterfeiting strategy. The key learning from presentation is to integrate physical anti-counterfeiting technologies with traceability technologies to make customized authentication solutions. The future will be Current Labelling integration with innovative authentication solutions will lead to Smart Packaging Solutions which will ensure efficient supply chain, revenue enhancement , consumer safety and loyalty towards products, brands and authorities.
Holoflex: scanning the hologram market - Study by FPSFame Per Second
Holoflex, one of the leading houses in the hologram industry, asked us for a brief study regarding the current hologram industry.
Presenting the study.
Since the last fifteen years, Kuwer has been a leading name in the complex field of Holographic Films/ Holographic Paper, Window metallised/ De-metallised films, coatedlacquered films and allied products.
Labelling and packaging requirements for transporting your goods.ShirleyChan94
Garment labels basically are those little pieces of cloth attached to a textile product, mainly bearing information about things related to that product. These include wash care labels, size tabs, safety tabs and the tags indicating their origin of manufacture. It is the law in the textile industry that for every garment leaving the factory they must bare these labels.
Holographic Origination and Machineries Limited is a Kolkata based firm engaged in manufacturing/servicing of Security Hologram of superior quality and eco- friendly Security Hologram Page 4, Hologram Stickers, Security Hologram Page 2, Narrow Web 150mm Hard Embossing Machine HOML NWHE 03, Micro Slitting Machine Model No HOML MSM 06, . Established in the year 1998, our competitive pricing, creative and innovative designing has enabled us to create a niche for ourselves in the market.
The current cover story focuses on this issue and summarizes the importance of securing vaccines and other personal protection equipment from fakes. From this edition, we are also starting a dedicated section providing the financial health of companies in the industry to understand industry pulse.
Apart from it, readers will also find an update on anti-counterfeiting policy measures taken by authorities across the globe, counterfeit seizure reports, industry trends, and analysis. It also covers a case study on How 3M fighting counterfeits and a special report on merger and acquisition happened in the
authentication industry in 2020.
Hope you will find this issue informative and interesting and as always, look forward to receiving your feedback. If you have any news, contributions, or comments for the editorial team, please email us at info@aspaglobal.com
Welcome to the 38th edition of The Authentication Times.
We hope you are doing well, staying healthy, and, most importantly, taking care of
your loved ones. The pandemic COVID-19 is affecting all of us and we can only face it all together. Let’s all work together to remain calm, be positive and fight this outbreak.
Firstly, we request all stakeholders to #Stayhome and practice social distancing. While there are various myths and rumors are spreading, we would suggest adhering to some practices while forwarding these messages at social media. Various other concerns are increasing among the public including the news of getting fake personal protection equipment’s, including sanitizers & masks. Witnessing a scarcity of sanitizers and
face masks since the COVID-19 outbreak, Counterfeiters and profiteers have offered the bogus public treatments and unfounded advice. These are ideal conditions for
criminals to capitalize on people’s fears by advertising falsified therapies and vaccines and spreading rumors of potential cures. In this challenging situation, being vigilant is the most important thing (Please refer our special page on COVID-19 & counterfeiting).
Secondly, referring to current issue, we are highlighting the issue of “Food & Beverages Safety & Quality – An overview on recent regulation, product recall, authentication & traceability”. Apart from it, you will also find various authentication & traceability initiative various countries are adopting in combating illicit trade, smuggling and counterfeiting. This is a positive step and we hope more and more countries will come together in fighting illicit trade.
We hope you will find this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look
forward to receiving your feedback. If you have any news, contributions or comments for the editorial team, please feel free to email us at info@aspaglobal.com
Illicit liquor trade poses a serious threat to government, socially
as well economically. Excise duty which is an important source
of revenue is continually under threat from the practice of illicit
trade. Considerable amount of money which could be used to
benefit the government services of a country are being diverted
to the pockets of criminals participating in illegal trading. In
addition, the illicit trade in liquor poses a serious threat to
consumer health.
To counteract it, some State governments have implemented
Tax Stamps as part of their anti-counterfeiting strategy. This
has not only minimized the hooch tragedies and duplication but
has also substantially increased the excise revenue collection in
States.
This issue brings our cover story on “TAX STAMPS
ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING IDEAL STATE EXCISE
POLICY”. Apart from this, the issue also covers interviews,
industry updates & news.
We hope you will find this issue informative and interesting and
as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
If you have any news, contributions or comments for the
editorial team, please feel free to email us at info@aspaglobal.
com
Welcome to the 36th edition of The Authentication Times.
Last month, two unfortunate hooch tragedy in Assam, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand in India claimed over 250 lives. These unfortunate incidents raise serious concerns over policy and review of correct implementation of technologies in fighting illicit trade.
The current edition is focused on this issue. Experts have shared their opinion on issue of counterfeiting in detailed such as when it started, why it is increasing, who are involved in this, where it takes place and what can be done to counter it. The issue highlights the correct usage of Anti-Counterfeiting technologies and need of combination of physical Authentication with traceability.
The advancement in technology must be used with purpose. If we do not integrate both digital and non-digital (physical and sensory) authentication methods into our approach, then we risk wasting the major investments that are made in track and trace.
We must address illicit trade as an integral part of tax reform and overall tobacco & liquor control, and this is the right time for Government to change their approach towards it. The same is recommended by World Bank in its latest guidance report, title “Confronting Tobacco Illicit Trade: A Global Review of Country Experiences”.
The edition also addressed article on Making your Serialization Program Successful, short report on Cannabis, industry, member and association recent activity news.
We hope you will found this edition informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Welcome to the 35th edition of The Authentication Times.
This issue of THE AUTHENTICATION TIMES is dedicated to importance of design in authentication industry.
Designing a consumer product, with a specific set of functions (authentication) to perform is very challenging, especially when it comes to banknotes, product authentication and brand protection, the consumer experience is everything.
In an era of consumer empowerment, the importance of design have increase manifold. The brand protection community (brand owners, packaging convertors, security feature developers and security printers, distributors and supply chain security professionals) must step out of their comfort zones and interface with the user, consult the user, open a dialogue with the user and listen.
While designing any banknote, selection of security features also play an important role. The issue also addressed the usage of Holograms, optically variable devices (OVDs), diffractive optically variable devices (DOVDs), diffractive foil features (DFF) or diffractive optically variable image devices (DOVIDs) as important security features on banknotes.
We hope you will found this issue informative and interesting and as always, we look forward to receiving your feedback.
Would like to extend my warmest greetings to the readers, supporters and editorial team of The Authentication Times (TAT), on its 10th anniversary year.
Launched in 2007, TAT (then The Holography Times) marks this year as an important milestone for us.
Over the last decade, we have written extensively about counterfeiting problem in various sectors and the solutions which can be implemented in eradicating this problem. At this special celebration of the 10th anniversary of TAT, we at TAT are highly motivated and confident that TAT will move up to another level of excellence in the coming years.
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we will be presenting a collection of articles from international experts on recent trends and developments in currency, identity documents & tax stamps. In addition, the issue will also cover an article by editorial team on “Need of Anti-Counterfeit Secured Packaging - Tamper evidence and Serialization Solutions”, news about our association recent activities and industry news.
Once again thank the members of the Authentication community, our readers, contributors & advertisers for their ongoing support and guidance, and acknowledge that The Authentication Times would not be what it is without them.
Looking forward for your feedback.
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the 31th edition of The Authentication Times.
Empowerment of Industry, Government and Consumers is the key against counterfeiting. With this theme, in a strong move against counterfeiting and enabling the “Make-Sure-India” movement in the country, India's first two-day authentication conference cum exhibition – The Authentication Forum 2017, opened on February 8, 2017 at The Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi.
This forum was organised by Authentication Solutions Providers Association (ASPA) and Messe Frankfurt India (MFI) jointly. The event was well attended by more than 230 delegates and eminent experts,along with many other industry veterans who came together to participate and encourage us in our fight against counterfeiting. It also received an
overwhelming support from prominent industry associations such as Automotive Component Manufacturers Association, FICCI CASCADE, Indian Beverage Association, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Indian Cellular Association, and International Hologram Manufacturers Association in our fight against counterfeiting. (For a
detailed story, do read our special report on (Authentication Forum 2017.)
In addition to this, the current issue also covers stories on How FMCG brands are gearing up against counterfeiting and the need of authentication solutions for SME sectors, interview of our new members along with regular columns such as reports from FICCI CASCADE, news bytes and upcoming events.
We thank you for your continual support and look forward to receive your feedback.
Sincerely,
Chander S Jeena
Editor, The Authentication Times
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The Holography Times, April 2010, Volume 4, Issue no 10
1. www.homai.org
TM
The Holography Times
An endeavour to safeguard products and people
1
The Holography Times
April 2010 | Volume 4 | Issue 10 www.homai.org
High tech
HOLOGRAMS
can uproot
tobacco
counterfeiting
The Holography Times is a quarterly newsletter published by Hologram Manufacturers Association of India (HoMAI).
3. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
Tobacco counterfeiting and tax evasion are problems that have
existed for legitimate manufacturers, government agencies and
its users since long. Whenever a tobacco product is counterfeited, it
poses serious risks to its users. Governments suffer as counterfeit
products escape taxation. This is because such goods are either
smuggled or come with forged documents. Manufacturers suffer
due to lost revenues and hampered brand image. Workers suffer as
counterfeit products directly affect employment leading to fewer jobs
in the legitimate manufacturing sector. Consumers suffer because
they are duped into buying an inferior copy of the legitimate product,
which may present serious and unforeseen health risks. Moreover,
even societies suffer as counterfeiting, to an extent, is proven to
support organized crime.
So, the real question that arises is
1. What are tobacco manufacturers doing to protect them from
saving their products and profi ts?
2. What are governments doing to fi ght this problem?
The answer may be a hologram, which is used globally since the
past 15 years as an important authentication device for government
tax stamps. In this issue of THE HOLOGRAPHY TIMES, we
feature views on how “HIGH TECH HOLOGRAM CAN UPROOT
TOBACCO COUNTERFEITING”. Here we will give you a snapshot
on the tobacco industry, the extent of tobacco counterfeiting both
in India and globally, the challenges that governments and brands
face in an era of globalization, and the solution in a Holographic tax
stamp.
We also aim to look at various holographic developments worldwide
such as HOLOPRINTTM - the revolutionary machinery developed by
Stensborg and Bobst VISIONFOIL. Besides this, there are features
like newsbytes, company profi le and industry updates to keep you
informed.
As always, we value your comments on this issue of
The Holography Times.
Please send them to info@homai.org.
Best Wishes,
Team HoMAI!
In this issue
Editorial
News Bytes 4-6
High tech hologram
can uproot
tobacco
counterfeiting 8
Holostik security solutions
for the tobacco market
UV assisted
casting of
microstructures
for high-volume
production of
diffractive optical
elements on foil
13
Industry Updates 19
Editorial Board
Neha Gupta, Editor in Chief
C S Jeena, Editor
12
The Holography Times is published by
HOLOGRAM MANUFACTURERS
ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (HoMAI)
21-Ground Floor, Devika Tower 6, Nehru Place,
New Delhi - 110019, INDIA
Telefax: +91-11-4161 7369,
Email: cjhomai@gmail.com
Web: www.homai.org
Designed and Printed by
EYEDEA Advertising
E-439/9, SDV, Charmwood Village,
Faridabad, Haryana (INDIA)
E-mail: eyedeaadvertising@gmail.com
on behalf of HoMAI
Disclaimer: The data used here are from various
published and electronically available primary and
secondary sources. Despite due diligence the source data
may contain occasional errors. In such instances, HoMAI
would not be responsible for such errors.
3
4. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
BOBST visionfoil provides ultraprecise
hologram application
The newly launched visionfoil is dedicated to hologram industry
BOBST GROUP, the leading supplier
of equipment and services for the
folding carton, corrugated board and
fl exible materials industries has recently
launched a version of its VISIONFOIL
press, dedicated to security hologram
application.
As more and more industries look for
solutions to protect the authenticity of
their products, holographic materials
offer an ideal solution, helping its brand
owners make a clear difference between
originals and forgeries, deterring
counterfeiters. However, reproducing
holograms, and placing them accurately
on the product, require specialized
equipment. Until 2010, the reference
machine for fl at-to-fl at hologram
application on paper, labels, or board
has been the BOBST SP 76-BM foil
master. Now BOBST has introduced the
VISIONFOIL 104 H to deliver hologram
application of utmost accuracy.
The VISIONFOIL 104 H uses BOBST’s
patented, high precision registration
cameras to bring each hologram on the
sheet into perfect register, be they 2-
D, 2-D/2-D, 3-D, 2-D/3-D, or
multiplexed. The same cameras
process diffraction foils,
skipping the unusable
shim line areas. All
current sizes of
holograms
can be
processed using the VISIONFOIL 104
H. The smooth foil path created by the
specially designed internal foil unwind
module, enables high precision foil
handling and better productivity. The
cameras are auto-setting, reducing make-ready
time. Up to six independently
driven advance shafts, increase fl exibility
and cut down on foil waste. The platen
entry easily handles light materials
which make up the majority of security
print jobs.
Alongside its hologram application
capabilities, the VISIONFOIL 104 H
is highly fl exible, being able to apply
conventional as well as holographic
foil. The press shares with the rest of
the VISIONFOIL 104 range a maximum
running speed of 7,500 sheets per hour,
along with the ability to run paper and
labels down to 80 gsm, carton board to
2000 gsm, and corrugated sheets up to
4 mm in thickness. The maximum sheet
size the VISIONFOIL 104 H can handle
is 1040x740 mm.
The VISIONFOIL 104 H is ideal for
banknote printers applying holograms
and/or metal stripes; software packaging
manufacturers applying seals to CD/DVD
cases; ticket printers producing concert,
event and sporting event tickets, tobacco
industry suppliers and other industries
trying to protect their products. ■
Contact, Marco Lideo at
marco.lideo@bobstgroup.com or
visit www.bobst.com
“The VISIONFOIL 104 H is
ideal for banknote printers
applying holograms and/
or metal stripes; software
packaging manufacturers
applying seals to CD/
DVD cases; ticket printers
producing concert, event
and sporting event tickets,
tobacco industry suppliers
and other industries trying
to protect their products.”
4
News Bytes
5. JERSEY’S new holographic
bank note
Another bank note joining the hologram club for security
KAMA launched hologram
stamping system
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
BP acquisition
adds to
Filtrona’s label
expertise
Filtrona PLC a division of Payne
international, market leading
speciality plastic and fi bre products
supplier, has acquired BP Labels
Limited and BP Secure Solutions
Limited, representing a signifi cant
expansion in the label capability of the
Coated and Security Products (“CSP”)
division.
BP, based in Cardiff, United Kingdom, is
a manufacturer of high quality, creative
and secure self adhesive labels for the
pharmaceutical, healthcare, cosmetic
and food & drink markets, providing
it as an authentication solution. The
business will complement with Coated
and Security Products, sharing a focus
on providing consumer products
companies with value added packaging
and security solutions through
maximizing the use of technologies,
systems and production capabilities.
Tony Edwards, Divisional Managing
Director of Coated and Security
products said, “The acquisition is
consistent with our vision to be the
premier provider of creative and
secure packaging, identity and security
solutions to our customers and markets
of choice. We believe we can deliver
signifi cant benefi ts from utilising
our existing global commercial and
operational footprint to access new
markets for BP’s products as well as
from offering our existing packaging
and security products and technologies
to BP’s current customers.” ■
Source: www.payne-security.com
The Treasury of States of Jersey has
unveiled its new note series to be
issued in April 2010. Printed by De La
Rue with imprint, the 10-, 20-, and 50-
pound notes have been redesigned to
refl ect various aspects of the island’s
culture, history and architecture.
Increased security measures have
been taken by the treasury to prevent
forgeries, including a new hologram,
all denominations having windowed
security threads, map of Jersey as a
registration device, and watermark of a
Jersey cow, electrotype denomination,
Cornerstones and 100% cotton paper.
The hologram only features on notes of
higher denomination. All feature a portrait
of Queen Elizabeth II on the front. For
the fi rst time Jèrriais, the island’s native
Norman French, appears on the note in
addition to English and French. ■
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk
KAMA- manufacturer of print
fi nishing machines and developer
and manufacturer of the ProCut 53, the
world’s fi rst A3 fl atbed die cutter, is now
introducing a hologram stamping system
designed specifi cally for this machine.
With its ability to stamp holograms
onto the product being processed,
the new design allows the machine to
be used for high quality labeling of
print products and packaging. This
application opens up an attractive market
because in addition to their decorative
effect, holograms are also in great
demand as a visible safety marker for
copy and brand protection.
The new system for the ProCut 53 works
with two separate foil feeders. In contrast
to the continuous hot foils, holograms
have to be positioned with absolute
precision when they are stamped.
Hologram foils use markers on the
carrier foil to achieve this. The hologram
stamping system of the ProCut 53 has
four individually controllable heating
zones. Holograms can be applied within
a working area of 510 mm x 360 mm.
In addition to hologram foils the KAMA
module is also capable of processing all
kinds of hot foils. The ProCut 53 has
an output of up to 3500 sheets per hour
when stamping holograms, up to 5,000
sheets per hour for hot foil stamping and
up to 6,000 sheets per hour for die cutting
and creasing.
The broad spectrum of applications
make the A3 die cutter of interest for
digital printing and digital packaging
production where heavier paper and
fi nishing is in increasing demand. Kama
chief executive Marcus Tralau said: “Two
out of three of our ProCut 74 diecutters
are now being ordered with hot foil or
hologram-stamping systems.” ■
Source: http://www.proprint.com.au/News
5
News Bytes
6. Lebanon’s report on healthcare and medical
market
The new report praises hologram technology in fi nding the fakes
SCRIBA nanotecnologie’s for anticounterfeiting
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
The fi ndings of the Lebanon’s report
are that patented medicines contribute
74.8% of the prescription drug market
and 67% of the total pharmaceutical
sector. Although generic drugs continue
to feature as a small proportion of
all pharmaceutical spending, their
proportion of the prescription market
will rise from 25.2% in 2009 to 30.3%
by 2014.
Pharmaceutical industry representatives
in Lebanon have announced that drug
packaging needs to be redesigned to
enable easy confi rmation of product
authenticity. The move is part of an effort
to address the counterfeit medicines
that are on the rise. The Order of
Pharmacists (OOP) in Lebanon has
stated that drug packaging can easily
be forged and that new hologram or
high-tech identifi cation tags are to be
added to medicine labels to make fakes
easier to detect. Public enlightenment
campaigns have also been underlined
as one of the strategies that will deter
further purchases and lower demand for
these drugs.
The association is also suggesting that
testing laboratories should also be
established to ensure that seizures or
closures of suspected illegal outlets can
be supported with evidence. Imports
could also be tested for bioequivalence
in this manner, alleviating the reliance
on US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA)- or European Medicines Agency
(EMEA)-derived medicines to ensure
product safety. ■
Source: www.companiesandmarkets.com
Scriba Nanotecnologie a spin off
company of the Italian National
Research Council producing new
technologies for anti-counterfeiting
have developed NU-CODE
technology- a complete system that
uses ultra-miniaturized digital tags
for: identifi cation, traceability,
anticounterfeit, security and quality
control.
Nu-CODE is based on a technology that
allows permanent recording of digital
data, on specially modifi ed holograms
(EN-TAG labels). EN-TAG is cost-effi
cient permanent data storage and
a security hologram at the same time.
Digital data recorded on the EN-TAG™
can be easily read either by commercial
digital cameras or custom designed
cameras.The anti-counterfeit features
of the hologram substrate adds to the
endless capability of encrypting digital
keys making the Nu-CODE system a
very powerful, viable and versatile anti-counterfeit
solution.
EN-TAGTM micro label which can be integrated into any security hologram.
NU-CODE can be easily integrated
in the printing process of most types
of holograms and offers security and
anti-counterfeiting capabilities at
very affordable prices. NU-CODE™
is the proper tool to implement the
RESPONSIBLE PACKAGING criteria
for all products. ■
For more information contact Serena Lanza
at slanza@scriba-nanotec.com or
visit www.scriba-nanotec.com
6
News Bytes
8. High tech hologram can uproot
tobacco counterfeiting
Illicit tobacco trade and tobacco tax evasion are problems that costs governments and
manufacturers dearly in terms of lost revenue and damage to brand reputation. Further, the high
tax policies on tobacco products make them a lucrative target for counterfeiters. In this article, we
will fi nd out how hologram, an anti-counterfeiting technology, could prove to be an important tool
in tackling this problem.
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
An addictive industry
It was in 1600 when tobacco was introduced in India by the
Portuguese. It became a valuable commodity of barter trade,
being used by the Portuguese for purchasing Indian textiles.
In 1776 with the independence of American Colonies, the
British East India Company began growing tobacco in
India as a cash crop, both for domestic consumption and
foreign trade. As domestic consumption of cigarettes rose,
the Imperial Tobacco Company (ITC, now Indian Tobacco
Company) commenced production. Also, in the late nineteenth
century, the beedi1 industry began to grow in India. Even
though tobacco chewing was practiced for many centuries,
commercial production and marketing have been up scaled
recently, with the introduction of the gutkha2.
This industry remains an addictive one since it contributes
in a unique manner to several important facets of Indian
economy, covering revenue, export, employment, and
GDP growth. The Indian tobacco industry mainly covers
manufacturing of cigarette, beedi, cigar and cheroot,
hookah, snuff and other chewing tobacco like zarda , gutkha
and other pan-masala.
Tobacco market in India
Presently, India is the second largest producer of tobacco
in the world after China. Of the total amount of tobacco
produced in the country, around 48 per cent is in the form
of chewing tobacco, 38 per cent as beedis, and only 14 per
cent as cigarettes. Thus, beedis, snuff and chewing tobacco
(such as gutka, khaini and zarda) form the bulk 86 per cent of
India’s total tobacco production.
The global roadblocks- illicit tobacco
trade and tax evasion
i) Illicit tobacco trade – smuggling and
counterfeiting
Illicit trade in tobacco products is a global problem. The illicit
trade, through smuggling and counterfeiting, creates serious
health problems, robs Governments of tax revenues and
threatens public safety and security. Moreover, the damage
caused by counterfeiting to a company’s brand reputation,
loss of sales and market capitalisation can be incalculable.
A report commissioned by Framework Convention Alliance,
said this billion dollar counterfeiting business was estimated
at 10.7 per cent of worldwide sales.
Fig1: Tobacco Consumption in India
Christopher Columbus saw people
using tobacco in the Americas in
1492.
Some quick facts:
• 5.5 trillion cigarettes get smoked per year
• One out of three cigarettes is smoked in China
• The total sales from cigarettes is US $ 5570
billion
• Every year $600 bn counterfeited & smuggled
cigarettes cross national borders
• In India, smuggled cigarettes are estimated at
Rs 1700 crore in value.
• Hungary was the fi rst country to use holograms
on their tax stamps
8
Cover Story
9. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
Table 1: The 10 biggest market for illicit trade in 20073
Ranking Country Illicit trade
(bns of cigarettes)
1 China 214
2 Russian Federation 76
3 United States 62
4 EU 58
5 Brazil 38
6 Philippines 19
7 India 18
8 Indonesia 14
9 Pakistan 13
10 Turkey 12
Table 2: Revenue generated and lives saved with
elimination of global illicit trade4
Current situation Global High Low and
income middle
countries income
countries
Total illicit cigarette 11.60% 9.80% 12.10%
market (% of consumption)
Total illicit cigarette market 657 bn 124 bn 533 bn
(cigarettes per year)
Total revenue lost to $40.5 bn $17.6 bn $22.9 bn
governments
Estimated deaths in 2030 8.3 mn 1.5 mn 6.8 mn
If this illicit trade were $31.3 bn $13 bn $18.3 bn
eliminated immediate gain
in revenue
Lives saved in 2030 and 164,000 32,000 132,000
annually thereafter
(ii) Tobacco tax evasion
Tobacco taxes are a major source of revenue and have
been a signifi cant contributor to the economies of over 150
countries. For example In countries like India and Pakistan
the unorganised beedi and gutkha industry which represent
bigger share of tobacco consumed are big sources of revenue
loss to government.
Governments lose money when cigarettes are smuggled from
lower tax to higher tax states. Most of the world’s leading
cigarette brands are duplicated because they generate big
profi ts for counterfeiters. The smugglers smuggle into
a country where they can make the highest profi t, and this
should be a country where tax is a high proportion of the
price. The losses in revenue as a result of illicit tobacco
trade are enormous, but vary widely among countries. Taxes
(excise duties and Value Added Tax), for instance, on a pack
of Marlboro vary between $US 0.85 in China to $US 8 in the
United Kingdom (see Table 3).
Table 3: Cigarette prices in selected markets5
(value in US $)
Market Average price of a pack of 20
cigarettes
Russia Federation 0.68
India 0.78
China 0.84
Brazil 1.58
USA 4.10
Canada 6.34
United Kingdom 8.24
When tax revenues are stolen, they don’t go to their intended
sources of funding tax relief programs, healthcare and
infrastructure. In some cases, these stolen revenues have been
shown to fund criminal and terrorist activities. As a result,
governments lose millions of dollars in tax revenue and the
security of their citizens is threatened.
Loss to Indian industry
In India, the demand for low cost copies of premium brands,
access to high quality reprographic technology that has made
it easy and affordable to copy brand packaging, industrial
globalisation, extended supply chains, lax regional law
enforcement and criminal penalties are the main reasons for
explosion in counterfeiting.
As per Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) –responsible
for keeping a watch on the illegal entry of foreign-made
cigarettes into the Indian market), the margin in cigarettes
is more nowadays and smugglers are now fl ooding the Indian
market with foreign-made cigarettes as well as their fake.
■ India smuggled cigarettes were estimated to account for
more than 14 percent of total cigarette consumption in
India.
■ It is estimated that nearly 4 billion fi lter cigarettes are
made annually and sold by unscrupulous manufacturers
without paying of excise duty.
■ The 2007 ERC6 report noted that non-duty paid sales
remains a major problem in India.
■ Further, the unorganized beedi and gutka industry have
become a big source of revenue loss to government in India.
■ The inferior quality and inedible betel nuts being
smuggled into the country, bypassing the excise duties,
9
Cover Story
10. Fig.2: A Hungarian tax stamp for cigarettes. Using since, 1995 Hungary
was one of the fi rst countries to use hologram on its tax stamps.
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
trade and entry taxes, from Nepal and north-eastern
states are not only taking a toll on people’s health but
also ruining the revenue targets of the government.
■ The revenue department is estimated to incur a loss of
over Rs 3,000 crore US$ every year due to this.
■ DRI had recently issued guidelines for the manufacturers
to show their monthly statements of raw material
purchase and fi gures for gutkha production but the effect
seems to be trifl ing
■ According to industry players, Rs 200,000 worth betel
nuts produce around Rs 2 crore worth of gutka. So, an
estimated 100 tonnes of betel nuts (worth Rs 40 lakh)
being traded into the city everyday produces gutka worth
over Rs 4 crore everyday while this production is never
on the record.
■ Further the increased excise duty on tobacco industry in
the Union Budget for 2010-11 may encourages evasion
and inter-state / international smuggling (See Table 4).
Table 4: Basic excise duty on tobacco in India
Commodity Excise Duty Increased Excise
F.Y. Duty F.Y.
2009-2010 2010-11
Branded 42% 50%
unmanufactured tobacco
Tobacco refuse 42% 50%
Chewing tobacco 50% 60%
Zarda, Scented tobacco and Snuff 50% 60%
Pan Masala 8% 10%
Branded Hookah or gudaku 8% 10%
Source: Union Budget 2010-2011
Solution - Hologram
Globally, steps have been taken to fi ght this problem. One
answer could be for India to adopt hologram or holograpic
tax stamps. Tax stamps serve two purposes. One is to provide
a record of payment of tax that is tracking of cigarette/
tobacco packs throughout their distribution would enable tax
authorities to ensure proper tax collection.
The other is to provide evidence that the stamp, and hence
the product to which it is affi xed, is genuine. Although it is a
15-year old application, holographic government tax stamps
prove to be an important device for authentication and revenue
collection purposes. Today, tax stamps make up a signifi cant
share of the security print market. It is part of the largest sub-sector
of the security print market, placing tax stamps ahead
of banknotes in terms of printed documents globally.
In the current global markets, to fi ght the problem of tobacco
counterfeiting, holographic tax stamps are widely used for
authentication worldwide. Holograms are security devices
that have effects which cannot be exactly replicated by
normal reprographics methods. Expensive and high-tech
hologram printers print holograms directly on cigarette
packets. As per Reconnaissance international, UK globally,
an estimated 124 billion tax stamps are issued annually for
cigarettes out of which 60 billion features a hologram. As of
2007, 68 countries were using tax stamps for cigarettes, of
these 20 used hologram on their cigarette stamps which is
29% of the total.
Kanpur alone accounts for a revenue shortfall of Rs 900
crore owing to large consumption of such betel nuts in
over 40 pan masala and gutkha production units. Accord-ing
to an offi cial of the Department of Revenue Intelligence
(DRI), the volume of trade in gutkha industry should fetch
around Rs 3,500 crore as revenue but the recovery has
failed to move beyond Rs 800 crore. The department had
recently seized large quantities of betel nuts being illegally
smuggled into the country from the Nepal border. A large
number of smaller gutkha manufacturers spread across
the city procure this smuggled supari from the network and
sell the manufactured products in the market, without con-sidering
the ill-effects of low quality inputs. Due to the illicit
nature of procurement, the fi nished products and the raw
material purchases for this processing are not shown on
the company records, thereby hitting the revenue targets
of the government
Source: www.business-standard.com
Fig 3: Latvia’s cigarette tax stamps are applied as self-adhesive
holographic labels
10
Cover Story
11. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
For example In Asia also, a Chinese
tobacco company uses a fl exo press
printer that incorporates a hot foil
hologram unit to print holograms.
These are printed on the fl ip-tops of
boxes and on the outer boxes of the
cigarette packets, so consumers can
easily check if products are genuine.
Further, Bangladesh has started using tax stamps six
years back, and since the introduction the government’s
collection from this industry increased consistently. After the
introduction of tax stamps and band rolls six years back, the
Bangladesh government’s collected approximately Taka 45
billion (US $ 650 million) in VAT and supplementary duty
during fi scal 2007-2008.
As per Ukraine’s EADPS consortium, which is endorsed
by INTERPOL, advances in hologram technology can help
government in safe guarding loss of revenue worth $ 50
billion (US).
In India, holograms are used by tobacco manufacturers
to combat counterfi eting. It is used in various forms for
example:
i. Holographic tagger foil for tin boxes
ii. Holographic security thread for tobacco packs
iii. Holographic pouch
iv. Security Hologram
The strategy is to increase the sale of products by using
innovative packaging, giving unique look, increasing brand
identity as well as to secure the product from counterfeiters.
Recommendations
Undoubtedly, hologram have become widely accepted as an
effective authentication device. Today, they present a great
opportunity for governments to act decisively & boost excise
revenue from growing tobacco sales, and for manufacturers to
protect their brand and use the technology as an integral part
of their strategy.
The Secretary General of the World Customs Organizations
has singled out praise for the Ukrainian systems of protecting
goods with tax stamps with holographic security elements.
Also, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
have both declared the introduction of anti-counterfeiting
measures such as forgery-proof tax stamps as essential to
combating tobacco smuggling.
Thus, Indian Excise Department too should use security
holograms to check the theft and pilferage of Central Excise
Duty on various excisable tobacco products like Cigarette
and Pan Masala. The Hologram should have central excise
Logo, incorporating various holographic security features,
lot number and serial number etc. Mandatory application of
Holograms on tobacco products and the use of holographic
technology will substantially increase the Excise Revenue
and prove to be the best solution for protecting tax stamps
against the indelible mark of the counterfeiter. ■
References:
1 Beedi-A beedi is a thin, South Asian cigarette made of 0.2-0.3
grams of tobacco fl ake wrapped in a tendu (or temburini; Diospyros
melonoxylon) leaf and secured with colored thread at both ends.
2 Gutkha – Manufactured in India Gutkha is a preparation of crushed
betel nut, tobacco, catechu, lime and sweet or savory fl avorings.
3 Framework Convention Alliance, How big was the global illicit
trade problem in 2006? Geneva, 2007, available at www.fctc.org/.../
fca-2007-cop-illicit-trade-how-big-in-2006-en.pdf
4 A report on tobacco taxation by Bloomberg Philanthropies & Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation
5 Euromonitor international
6 ERC group, World cigarettes/1, The 2007 Survey India, Suffolk,
2007
■ Reconnaissance International
■ British American Tobacco
■ Euromonitor International Currency market insight, India,
March 2005
■ Godfrey Phillips India.
■ ITC India
■ www.taxstamforum.com
In year 2007-2008, Imperial Tobacco
developed holographic cartons
designed to celebrate Lambert &
Butler position of 10 years as UK’s
biggest FMCG brand. The hologram
used by Imperial Tobacco received
the “Best promotion award” given by
International Hologram Manufacturers
Association (IHMA).
Lambert & Butler is a British cigarette brand.
11
Cover Story
12. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
Holostik security solutions for the
tobacco market
Forgery and falsifi cation affect
almost every area of economic and
social life today- Tobacco counterfeiting
and trade in fake cigarettes being the
latest alert that has been in the news.
It is a huge business all over the world,
operating as an underground economy.
Both smokers and non-smokers alike
know, smoking is bad for health, but
fake cigarettes can be even more so.
Holostik India, a pioneer in providing
security solutions, views tobacco anti-counterfeiting
with signifi cant priority.
To counteract the duplication of
tobacco products and packaging, there
are many anti-counterfeit technology
products that can be introduced, the
most effective solution amongst them
being the use of holograms. These are
recognised worldwide as the premier
optical security and authentication
technology.
Since 1991, Holostik India provides
security solutions to various industries
helping them combat counterfeiting.
Today, it provides customised tailor-made
solutions to more than 5000
customers in the government, public and
private sectors including some of the
leading tobacco manufacturers in India.
Today, Holostik’s security solutions are
used to protect and authenticate varied
products and packs in the tobacco
industry.
These solutions are available at varied
levels of security- security solutions,
semi high security solutions and high
security solutions but, Holostik always
incorporates certain security features
in all of the above three categories so
that it is impossible for counterfeiters to
duplicate.
Security Solutions for the
tobacco industry:
Using holographic products is a reliable
way to integrate brand protection security
solutions onto tobacco packaging /
products. This is because they are
instantly recognizable to the naked eye,
and uniquely resistant to counterfeiting.
Holostik on the basis of demand and
requirement, offers a wide range of
products to address the challenges
faced by the tobacco industry. From
security labels to security holograms,
high security paper label to holographic
stripe, holographic pouch to holographic
tagger foil; Holostik overt security,
covert security and forensic technologies
have been applied to a wide variety of
products within the tobacco sector.
These include
■ Holographic tagger foil for tin
boxes
■ Holographic stripe
■ Holographic pouch for gutkha
industry
■ Security seal for cigarette packs
■ Re-sealable labels for loose tobacco
■ Security labels for loose tobacco
■ High security paper label with
security hologram
■ Complete holographic solutions
Holostik is a leading manufacturer with
fully integrated and modern facilities
and capabilities from master origination
to fi nished products all under one roof.
It offers services like design, origination,
manufacturing and distribution to help
steer clients from concept to product
launch. It develops security solutions
according to specifi c packaging shape
and size requirements, whilst integrating
the latest security technology.
Holostik stands for authenticity. It has
helped the government protect revenue,
manufacturers protect brand image and
has made the consumer more confi dent
about buying a genuine product. ■
For more information contact at
holostik@vsnl.com or
visit www.holostik.com
12
Company Profi le
13. Technology
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
Abstract
We present the first commercially available system for in-line printing of diffractive microstructures as a part of a conventional
4-colour printing machine for e.g. label printing. The purpose of these diffractive microstructures is either as decorative or
product security. This article will focus on the challenges of transferring diffractive microstructures, by means of rotation
micro-moulding and UV curable lacquers in a process known as HoloPrint™ at a speed of 60 m/min with high fidelity. The
possible use of this technology as a generalised platform in industrial roll-to-roll (R2R) fabrication of microstructures will also
be discussed.
Introduction
Diffractive optical elements can be
applied as an integral part of packaging
materials, where they are used for
decoration or as a security element
or a combination of both. This is
normally done by application of a label
containing diffractive optical elements,
that is holograms. The label is often
manufactured by an embossing method.
This requires the label to be applied to
the packaging material in a process that
is separate to the label fabrication. Often
this is a multi-step procedure, taking
place at different locations.
From a printers perspective this solution
is not very satisfactory. First of all,
the many handling steps often involve
transport of the material between multiple
locations resulting in high costs of this
type of label material. Furthermore, the
mere fact that the diffractive elements
have to be added to the printed material in
an off –line process makes it diffi cult to
integrate these structures in the graphics
design, The result is the familiar silver-like
patch with sparkling colour seen on
bank notes and tickets.
In order to change this paradigm, two
Danish companies Stensborg A/S
(hologram manufacturer) and Nilpeter
A/S (manufacturer of label printing
machines) formed a joint venture aimed
at developing a printing process that
would enable a printer to execute both
conventional 4-colour printing and
transfer of diffractive optical elements
to a web in an in-line process. An
additional feature of the printing process
should be its ability to print in register
. Implemented on a printing machine
this would allow the printer to integrate
diffractive optical elements at will in a
graphics design. Such a process would
represent a major shift in paradigm in the
printing industry.
The design of the system that we wish
present in this article is largely inspired
by conventional fl exographic printing
machines and an extension of a replication
technique known as soft lithography.
The concept of soft lithography based
on replication of UV curable polymers
using elastomer as micro moulds was
originally pioneered by Whitesides et al
and the IBM research group in Zurich
(CH).
Fabrication of diffractive
optical elements (DOEs)
The fabrication of DOEs can be divided
into three steps:
1. Master fabrication
2. Fabrication of replication tool
3. Mass production
The most common diffractive DOEs are
those based on a micro surface relief.
This type has the advantage of being
fairly easy to replicate and to mass-produce
due to its surface structure .
The generic feature of all diffractive
DOEs is a periodic microstructure like
the one shown in Figure 1. Typically,
this structure will have fringe spacing of
500-1500 nm and a relief depth of 50-
300 nm.
Fig.1. AFM scan of section of master grating
in photo resist on glass. Depth is 300 nm and
width is 1000 nm of the groove structure
The two most prevalent methods of
master fabrication are either by the use
of a high-resolution laser plotter Figure
2a, or by interference of two or more
laser beams as shown in Figure 2b.
13
UV assisted casting of microstructures for
high-volume production of diffractive optical
elements on foil
Lars R. Lindvold (lali@stensborg.dk) and Jan Stensborg, (jan@stensborg.dk)
Stensborg A/S; Frederiksborgvej 399/Niels Bohr, DK 4000 Roskilde, Denmark (www.stensborg.com)
14. www.homai.org
The Holography Times
The recording of the microstructure requires a photosensitive
material, typically photo resist. This material will record
the microstructure as a surface relief after exposure and
subsequent development as shown in fi gure 1.
The glass master is too fragile to be used in mass production
and it is necessary to make a replica of it. Fortunately, the CD
and DVD industry already has developed a method known as
electroforming whereby replicas of microstructures can made
commercially . The basics of this method, sometimes referred
to as electroforming, are outlined in Figure 3 a and b. The
Ni-replica can be used for mass fabrication either by injection
moulding or embossing in suitable polymer materials like the
mould material currently used in the HoloPrint™ process, as
will be described later in this article.
The UV replication method
The advantage of using UV curable polymers is that this
type of polymers is commercially available with a variety
of mechanical, thermal, optical and chemical properties as
shown in table 1.
Table 1. Properties of UV curable polymers in the
cured state.
Property Range
Mechanical Hardness Shore D 30-85 Modulus of
Elasticity (psi) 103-105 Tensile
strength
Thermal Degradation temp 140-400°C
Chemical Water absorption down to 0.5%
Chemical resistant good except
chlorinated solvents
Optical Refractive index 1.42-1.65
Transmission windows: 350-900 nm,
450-900 nm, 500-900 nm, 600-900 nm
The wide range of properties is facilitated by the difference
in polymer and photoinitiator composition . Typically the
commercially available UV resins are pure acrylates, or
acrylated urethanes, epoxies or silicones.
Furthermore, this type of polymers can be dyed to enhance
the contrast of the hologram without sacrifi cing its UV curing
property. In that case the UV curable polymer is referred to
as UV curable ink.
In terms of surface properties, UV curable polymers provide
the user with a plethora of possibilities. One of the most
common methods of surface modifi cation is the so-called
photografting . Using this procedure, surface properties like
hydrophilicity and friction can be altered.
Fig. 2b. Interferometrical recording.
Fig. 3a. A thin metal layer is deposited on the photo resist glass
master in vacuum to render it electrically conductive.
Fig. 3b. The glass master is placed in a Ni-sulphamate bath as a
cathode together with a Ni anode. By passing a current through the
bath, Ni is electrolytically deposited on the cathode in a layer with
a thickness of a few 100 microns. After the process this Ni-replica
is removed from the glass master.
2a. High-resolution laser plotter
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The wide range of properties is facilitated by the difference
in polymer and photoinitiator composition . It is noteworthy
that the photoinitiator not necessary has to be UV sensitive
but can have its spectral sensitivity in the visible spectrum.
Therefore, it may be more appropriate to describe the process
as photo-curing rather than just UV-curing.
The HoloPrint™ process
In order to develop this method into a fully integrated mass
production tool, we need to turn the batch process into a
reciprocating process that is compatible with a fl exographic
process. The proof-of-principle set-up that has demonstrated
this concept is shown in Figure 4. The process has been
dubbed HoloPrint™ . Although the process strictly speaking is
a micro-moulding process we decided to name it HoloPrint™
to make it more acceptable to the printing industry.
The key feature of this technology is photo-curing of a liquid
polymer in the contact point of a mould material placed around
the cylinder and the web carrying the UV-curable lacquer.
Technically speaking, this step is referred to as curing in the
nib.
The UV curable polymer is applied to the web by a
conventional fl exographic roller. The thickness of the layer
typically ranges from 1 to 10 microns. The lower limit on
the thickness is set by fl atness of the foil and the mechanical
tolerances of the roller.
The upper limit is essentially set by the UV power available
from the lamp and the viscosity of the UV resin. In the case of
paper foil it is recommended that an overcoat of UV polymer
be applied prior to the actual hologram coating.
A polymer material was developed for the HoloPrint™ mould
that could fulfi l the following requirements:
• Highly UV transparent
• Good mechanical stability
• Perfect release properties with respect to the cured
lacquer
Fig.5. Transmission curve of a HoloPrint™ mould material
recorded using a CARY 50 spectrophotometer.
As it can be seen in fi gure 5, the new HoloPrint™ mould
material turned out to possess good UV transparency.
Further refi nements in the optics and proper thermal
management of the lamp-printing cylinder unit eventually
lead to a printing speed of 60 m/min, the design target for the
HoloPrint™ process.
HoloPrint Mark IV (HP 4)
The HP 4 unit has been designed to match the functionality
of a printing machine. This version was presented at the
LabelExpo 2009 in Brussels and is shown in fi gure 7 and 8.
Fig.7. The HP4 machine as it appeared at the LabelExpo 2009
exhibition in Brussels.
Fig.4. HoloPrint™ principle. UV resin is applied to a substrate
material and brought into contact with the mould. UV resin is cured
in the line of focus and the micro surface relief is replicated onto
the substrate.
Fig.6. Details of printing roller with mounted wafers (maud)
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Applications
The aim of this project was originally to be
able to print microstructures in-line, and
in register, with an ordinary multicolour
fl exographic printing machine. The main
application for this application was in-line
printing of labels for product security
. It is evident that the applications for
this system extend far beyond this goal.
We have identifi ed a number of possible
application areas for the HoloPrint™
system.
Replication of digital data media
Fig.10. 5μm x 5 μm AFM images shown
in top-view pseudo 3D projection of the
DVD Ni-master (left), the polymer mould
(middle) and the UV lacquer replica
(right). The image of the polymer mould
has been inversed and mirrored in order
to ease comparison. AFM scan courtesy
of Dr. Anders Kühle Danish Institute for
Fundamental Metrology (DFM).
Throughout the past 10 years optical
data storage has increased its storage
capacity dramatically. One of the media
is the DVD. This medium is fabricated
by cementing together two 600 micron
thick DVDs made by injection moulding.
The current trend points towards even
higher storage capacities. This can only
be accomplished by stacking even thinner
layers. The fabrication of these discs
with conventional injection moulding
technology will become quite diffi cult as
thickness decreases. We have tested the
UV replication technology described in
this article for this purpose. The result can
be seen in fi gure 10.
Holographic optical elements (HOEs)
HOEs are essentially fl at elements
with optical properties determined by a
microstructure. The proliferation of mobile
phones has augmented the use of HOEs, as
they frequently are use as focussing diffusers
and colour fi lters in the LCD displays of
these phones. A present, these components
are mass-produced using the DuPont
Omnidex photopolymer . We believe that
the replication method described in this
article could be a cost-effective alternative
to DuPont photopolymer.
Fig.9. Close up of the printing.
Fig.10. 5μm x 5 μm AFM images shown in top-view pseudo 3D projection of the DVD Ni-master
(left), the polymer mould (middle) and the UV lacquer replica (right). The image of the polymer
mould has been inversed and mirrored in order to ease comparison. AFM scan courtesy of Dr.
Anders Kühle Danish Institute for Fundamental Metrology (DFM).
Fig. 8. Close up of the fl exo and HP4 units.
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Microstructures for control of cell
growth
An interesting application of micro-and
nanostructures is the control of
cell growth . This area of research is
particularly relevant when it comes to
growing artifi cial tissue. Usually this is
done on a collagen coated Petri dish. We
suggest that our method could prove to be
of value, if the microstructure had to be
transferred to a membrane.
Optoelectronics in plastics
One of the emerging technologies in display
technology is polymer-based LEDs and
fl at-screen displays . Unlike conventional
LEDs based on semiconductor processing,
these components are based on screen-printing
technology combined with
conductive polymers like Orgacon from
Afga . This format permits the display to
be formed on a fl exible substrate at very
low cost. Combining this technology
with HoloPrint™ would make it possible
integrate light control function like
polarisation control and focussing directly
into the light emitting structure. In this
way, novel designs for light emitting
devices may be devised.
Microfl uidics
One of newcomers to Life Science is the
Lab-on-a-chip. The aim of this technique
is to provide drug discovery and genetics
with a tool for high throughput screening
methods. The core technology in most
of these systems is microfl uidics.
The technology makes it possible to
microfabricate fl ow channels, mixers and
reaction chambers on a chip . Recently,
microfl uidics has merged with optics
and light emitting components into
optofl uidics . It would be interesting to
see if HoloPrint™ combined with ink-jet
and laser direct write technologies
could provide a platform for complete
chemical analysis system to be integrated
monolithically.
So far, most of the work done in this area
has used conventional chip fabrication and
microinjection moulding technology. We
believe that a novel concept for Lab-on-a-
chip would be Lab-on-a-foil. We claim
that this could be a future application for
the HoloPrint™ process.
Conclusions
It has been demonstrated that in-line
fabrication of diffractive microstructures,
in register with the printed graphics
design, is possible on a conventional fl exo
label printing machine.
We are convinced that this system can
be utilised in general for industrial scale
production a variety of micro- and even
nano structures. A number of these
applications may even fi nd their way into
smart packaging materials.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the following
individuals for contributing to the
project:
Bent Hansen, Nilpeter A/S, for his
patience, ingenuity and technical support
during the factory tests of the system.
Research Professor Dr. Niels B. Larsen,
DTU Nano, for performing the AFM
scans and his expert advice on PDMS.
Christian Elbek, Chempilots A/S, is
acknowledged for fruitful discussions
on UV curable polymers other materials
issues.
Process and technology innovation
manager Steen Vesborg, Carlsberg Group,
for his valuable suggestions pertaining
UV lacquers, polymers and process
integration. ■
References
1. Printing in register is a term used in
the printing and desktop publishing
industry. It is the method of correlating
colour separations.
2. S.Brittain, K. Paul, X-M Zhao and
G. Whitesides, “Soft lithography and
microfabrication”, Physics World, 11,
no. 5, pp 31-36, 1998.
3. B.Michel, A. Bernard, A. Bietsch, E.
Delarmarche, M. Geissler, D. Juncker,
H. Kind, J. -P. Renault, H. Rothuizen,
H. Schmid, P. Schmidt-Winkel, R.
Stutz and H. Wolf, ”Printing meets
lithography: Soft approaches to high-resolution
patterning”, IBM J. Res. &
Dev., 45, No. 5, pp 697-719, 2001.
4. M.Gale, “Replication techniques
for diffractive optical elements”,
Microelectronic Engineering, vol. 34,
pp 321-339, 1997.
5. Typically this kind of plotter has a
resolution of 25000 dpi, which should
be compared to an ordinary laser
printer with 1200 dpi.
6. Strictly speaking the electroforming
process dates back to the days of the
old vinyl records.
7. C. Roffey, “Photogeneration of reactive
species for UV curing”, Wiley 1997.
15. I.R. Bellobono and E. Selli,
“Photografting processes into
polymers”, pp 115-148, in
Photopolymerisation and photoimaging
science and technology, ed. N.S. Allen,
Elsevier Applied Science, 1989.
16. C. Roffey, “Photogeneration of reactive
species for UV curing”, Wiley 1997.
17. Patent EP1150843 “Method And Device
For Rotational Moulding Of Surface
Relief Structures”, L.R.Lindvold,
J.Stensborg and T.Rasmussen.
18. R.L. van Renesse ed., Optical
Documents Security, Artech House,
1998
19. B. Loiseaux, C. Joubert, A. Deboulbé,
J.P. Huignard, B. Morbieu, F. Delauzun,
T.J. Trout and W.J. Gambogi, “Phase
volume holographic components for
LCD applications, Proceedings of the
Sixth International Display Workshops,
pp 1025-1028, 1999.
20. C.S. Chen, M. Mrksich, S. Huang, G.M.
Whitesides and D.E. Ingber,”Geometric
control of cell life and death”, Science,
276, pp 1425-1428, 1997.
21. For an extensive update on this
area please consult the homepage of
Cambridge Display Technology at
www.cdtltd.co.uk
22. For more information please consult
http://www.agfa.com/en/sp/solutions/
orgacon_electronic_materials/index.
jsp
23. M.J. Madou and G.J. Kellogg,
“The LabCD: A centrifuge-based
microfl uidic platform for diagnosis”,
Proceedings of the SPIE, 3259, pp 80-
93, 1998.
24. An excellent review of the current state-of-
the-art can be found a special issue
of Microfl uidics and Nanofl uidics, Vol.
4, No 1 & 2, 2008.
17
Technology
19. Industry Updates
www.homai.org
The Holography Times
Upcoming Events
Secure Documents 2010
28-30 April 2010, Rennaissance M Street Hotel, Washington, DC, USA
An important event in the fi eld of high security printing, encompassing the latest products,
technologies, and application for the production and issue of currency, passports, e-ID, revenue
stamps and other government issued fi nancial or identifi cation documents.
For more details contact Tel: +1 202 3097296,
Email: john.buss@pira-international.com; Web: www.securedocumentsconference.com
2nd Tax Stamp Forum
14-15 June, 2010, London, UK
Theme: Effective Programmes to Maximise Revenue, Focus: Development and deployment of
technologies and system that are resulting in an increase in government revenues and a decrease
in contraband and counterfeit products.
For more details contact Tel: +44 (0) 1932 785680, Fax: +44 (0) 1932 780790
Email: info@reconnaissance-intl.com; Web: www.taxstampforum.com
Abu Dhabi International Anti-Counterfeiting Conference & Exhibition 2010
10 - 12 Oct 2010, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Anti-Counterfeiting Conference & Exhibition 2010 focuses on the
displaying of counterfeit goods and identifying to the general public, trading companies and brand
companies the difference between genuine goods and counterfeit goods.
For more information visit http://www.zonegroupuae.ae
Holopack-Holoprint 2010
14-16 November 2010, Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A must attend event for all holography community, the venue for the Annual General Meeting of
International Hologram Manufacturers Association and a place where the best industry work was
awarded with Annual Excellence Holography Awards.
For more details contact Tel: +44 (0) 1932 785680, Fax: +44 (0) 1932 780790
Email: info@reconnaissance-intl.com, Web: www.holopackholoprint.info
9th Asian High Security Printer Conference
17-19 November 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For more details contact Tel: +44 (0) 1932 785 680, Fax: +44 (0) 1932 780 790
Email: info@cross-conferences.com; Web: www.cross-conferences.com
Pack Plus 2010
3-6 December 2010, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
A mega event that encompasses all the segments related to packaging, processing and
supply chain.
For more details contact Tel: +91 (11) 29812833, Fax: +91 (11) 41722130
Email: info@packplus.in; Web: www.packplus.in
19