How important is security printing?
Security printing is of paramount importance in protecting brand integrity and combating counterfeiting. The choice of printing substrates significantly enhances the effectiveness of security features. Substrates with built-in security elements, such as watermarks, security fibers, or color-shifting inks, create formidable barriers for counterfeiters attempting to replicate genuine products. High-quality, tamper-evident materials for labels and packaging serve as both deterrents and authentication tools.
For instance, combining holographic elements with blockchain-based track and trace systems creates a multi-layered security approach. This makes it extremely difficult for counterfeiters to infiltrate legitimate supply chains and empowers consumers to verify product authenticity easily.
As counterfeiting remains a major global issue, investing in advanced secure printing solutions is essential for brands to protect their reputation and revenue streams.
What are the latest Innovative Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies currently prevailing in the printing packaging industry?
The printing and packaging industry employs various innovative anti-counterfeiting technologies to protect brand integrity. These include both overt and covert security features. Overt elements like holograms, tamper-evident labels, and color-shifting inks provide visible deterrents, while covert features such as invisible inks, RFID tags, and unique polymer-based markers enable authentication by authorized parties.
A significant advancement is the integration of blockchain-based track-and-trace solutions. Blockchain’s tamper-resistant nature makes it extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate a product’s supply chain history. This digital security is often combined with physical features in “phygital” approaches, aligning with the ISO 22383 standard for anti-counterfeiting.
Other innovations include smart packaging with NFC chips or QR codes that allow consumers to verify product authenticity using smartphones. By deploying a layered approach with both visible and hidden security elements, brands can effectively protect their products and consumers from the growing threat of counterfeiting.
Please tell us about the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association. When was it formed? What is its core purpose? How have association members benefitted?
The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) is a non-profit organization established in 1998. With a rich heritage spanning 25 years, ASPA is globally recognized as a regulated and ethical organization dedicated to combating counterfeiting and the illicit economy. ASPA focuses on building robust authentication ecosystems and environments within the country. It operates in four key areas: Awareness, Advocacy (Industry Partnership), Research, and Innovation. ASPA has over 80 member companies that provide physical and digital authentication solutions. As an industry body of authentication solution providers, ASPA encourages its members to adopt best practices, adhere to standards, and utilise advanced technology to deliver cost-effective anti-counterfeiting solutions. Members benefit from ASPA’s efforts through enhanced industry standards, collaborative opportunities, and access to cutting-edge innovations.
Association members have significantly benefited from ASPA’s initiatives. Collectively, they have protected over 15,000+ brands worldwide, helping to identify genuine products and documents while deterring criminals.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its diverse members, ASPA has become a pivotal force in the global fight against counterfeiting, enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the authentication industry.
Who can be a member of the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association?
ASPA welcomes a wide range of professionals and companies involved in the authentication & traceability solutions provided by the industry. This includes Physical, Digital and Phygital Solution providers such as Security Design, Holograms, Security Inks, OVDs, Track & Trace, non-clonable codes, NFC/RFID, Blockchain, etc. ASPA also invites security printers, flexible packaging, Rigid Packaging, and Labelling.
The membership categories are quite diverse. There are Full Members, Associate Members, Honorary Members, and foreign members for international companies. The key criteria for membership is involvement in producing, developing, or supporting authentication and traceability solutions and technologies. This inclusive approach allows us to bring together a broad spectrum of expertise, fostering innovation and collaboration in our ongoing fight against counterfeiting.
What is the critical responsibility of the president of APSA?
The ASPA President’s critical responsibility is to lead the organization in promoting authentication technologies and solutions for brand, revenue, and document protection in India. They oversee efforts to encourage best practices among 80+ member companies, foster collaboration with global organizations, and advocate for conscious consumerism to combat illicit trade and counterfeiting. The President ensures adherence to the Code of Conduct, which emphasizes integrity, ethical business practices, and reporting violations. They also uphold the Anti-Trust Statement, preventing anti-competitive behavior and maintaining independence among members. The President’s role is crucial in driving the adoption of cutting-edge authentication solutions across various sectors while safeguarding the organization’s reputation and promoting fair competition within the industry.
Do the association members receive government aid in producing the Anti-Counterfeiting packaging solutions?
ASPA members do not receive direct government aid for producing anti-counterfeiting packaging solutions. However, the association maintains strategic collaborations with various government-affiliated organizations and industry bodies, which may indirectly benefit its members. ASPA works closely with entities like CSIR-NIIST, GS1 India, CII, PHDCCI, FICCI CASCADE facilitating knowledge sharing and potential access to government initiatives related to anti-counterfeiting measures.
While ASPA does not receive grants or funding as an organization, individual companies or members may be involved in such benefits on their personal level, separate from ASPA’s operations. The association provides a tender notification service, including government tenders for authentication and traceability solutions, helping members stay informed about procurement opportunities in the anti-counterfeiting sector. Through these collaborations and services, ASPA ensures its members are well-equipped to develop and implement effective anti-counterfeiting packaging solutions, albeit without direct government aid.
What are the packaging industry’s challenges or hurdles in incorporating anti-counterfeiting solutions?
The packaging industry faces several significant challenges in implementing anti-counterfeiting solutions. Product tracking remains a major hurdle, as manual tracking is time-consuming and error-prone, leading to inaccuracies and delays in the supply chain. Secondly, the high cost of traditional anti-counterfeiting measures is a substantial barrier, especially as counterfeiters can often replicate these expensive solutions.
Another critical challenge is protecting public health and safety from counterfeit products containing substandard or dangerous ingredients. Additionally, consumers are growing in demand for more product information on packaging, which isn’t always readily available.
The industry also struggles with a harmonised global regulatory environment for anti-counterfeiting measures. Countries have varying standards and legislation, making it difficult for companies to implement consistent solutions across international markets. Lastly, while new technologies like blockchain offer promising solutions, they often require significant initial investment and industry-wide adoption to be genuinely effective.
How does the association spread awareness about the requirement of Anti-Counterfeiting packaging solutions?
The association spreads awareness about the requirement of anti-counterfeiting packaging solutions through various strategic initiatives. It leverages its ASPA & CRISIL Anti-Counterfeiting Report to provide comprehensive insights into the counterfeit landscape, highlighting discrepancies between official figures and industry estimates. ASPA maintains a public repository of counterfeit product raid information, informing stakeholders about counterfeiting incidents and techniques.
The organisation collaborates with various partners to organise webinars, panel discussions, and events that foster dialogue and educate consumers on identifying counterfeit products. ASPA has its own flagship Forum, the Traceability and Authentication Forum (TAF). We have successfully completed five editions of TAF, and the next edition will be announced soon. ASPA’s bi-monthly publication is The Authentication Times, a 16-page publication dedicated to the latest developments in anti-counterfeiting solutions. We recently introduced the ASPA Supplier Directory, an extensive resource detailing the Authentication & Traceability technology our members offer. These initiatives focus on raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods, particularly in high-volume, low-cost items and higher-value products susceptible to adulteration.
ASPA’s data-driven advocacy supports policy development and consumer protection efforts. By facilitating collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and consumers, ASPA creates a more secure marketplace and safeguards public health and economic interests. ASPA recently launched our Middle East and Africa (MEA) chapter. We invite security printers and anti-counterfeiting solution providers to join ASPA and benefit from our expanding network and resources. The association also participates in international events like Drupa 2024 and IHMA conferences to expand its global influence and share knowledge on anti-counterfeiting solutions.
