According to recent reports counterfeit goods are estimated to cost the UK economy £11 billion annually. In fact, worldwide counterfeit goods make up 5% to 7% of world trade. In the world of product authentication, visual security measures like holograms play a critical role.
But what separates a decorative hologram from one offering genuine security? This article explores the concept of tamper-proof holograms, delving into their functionality and the value they provide for both manufacturers and consumers.
What are tamper-proof holograms?
Tamper-proof holograms are a specific type of holographic label that incorporates security features designed to deter tampering with a product or its packaging. Unlike conventional labels that can be easily removed and reapplied, tamper-proof holograms are constructed with a special adhesive layer that bonds to the product's surface, they’re also designed with specialist cuts and perforations that will cause damage if removal is attempted. This strong adhesion makes it very difficult to remove the hologram intact, and any attempt to do so will typically result in visible damage to the label or the product itself. This innovative adhesive boasts multiple layers, strategically designed to prevent irreparable damage during removal. The weakest layer separates first, sacrificing itself to ensure the underlying layers and the bonded surface remain intact. Despite this sacrificial layer, the adhesive maintains exceptional holding power, capable of adhering to even the most challenging surfaces.
The ultimate protection afforded by a tamper-proof hologram is full label voiding. This ensures evidential destruction of the label on tamper attempts.
This damage serves as a clear indicator of tampering, alerting consumers to the potential for product inauthenticity or compromise. For tamperproof applications, these holograms incorporate intricate patterns for easy recognition of tampering. We understand the manufacturing challenges of premature voiding (accidental separation) or delamination (layer separation). Therefore, De La Rue have developed a market-ready solution to address these concerns. Tamper-proof holograms are particularly valuable for safeguarding high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, and other products where counterfeiting or tampering could pose a significant safety or security risk.
What is holographic foil hot-stamping?
De La Rue leverages hot stamping technology to create a unique security solution: tamper-evident holographic foils. These foils seamlessly integrate with various products during application, forming a permanent bond with the substrate. Despite maintaining a low micron thickness, preventing any raised areas for tampering attempts, these holograms retain exceptional visual clarity, ensuring the holographic effects remain vibrant and unimpeded.
This strong adhesion makes them highly resistant to removal attempts, and any such attempt will likely result in visible damage to the foil itself or the underlying material. This damage serves as a clear indicator of tampering, alerting consumers to the potential for product inauthenticity or compromise.
This makes hot stamping technology ideally suited for applications where both product authenticity and visual appeal are critical, such as packaging for high-value goods, certificates, and secure documents.
Why you need tamper-proof holograms?
Brand protection now demands authentication solutions that not only help a business defend its reputation and revenue, but also enable meaningful consumer interactions and build consumer trust. The technology and physical products offered by De La Rue provide exceptional levels of counterfeit prevention that extend far into the supply chain and beyond the consumer experience.
Here's why tamper-proof holograms are important:
- Combat counterfeiting: Tamper-proof holograms are difficult to replicate, which deters counterfeiters and protects your brand reputation.
- Enhance security: The tamper-proof feature reveals evidence of tampering if someone attempts to open or alter the product packaging.
- Build trust with consumers: Tamper-proof holograms assure consumers that the product is genuine and hasn't been tampered with.
We'll delve deeper into these benefits and explore how this technology can be seamlessly integrated into your brand protection strategy.
Benefits of a tamper-proof hologram
De La Rue's tamper-proof holograms offer a powerful suite of advantages that go beyond just a flashy image on your packaging. These innovative security features can significantly bolster your brand protection, customer trust, and overall brand image.
Let's delve deeper into the specific benefits they bring:
- Unsurpassed Security
De La Rue's holograms are virtually impossible to replicate due to the use of complex holographic origination and production processes. Additionally, the 3D photopolymer film materials used in IZON® labels are strictly controlled with a secure supply chain. This unmatched level of security deters counterfeiting and protects your brand reputation. Our IZON® product offers a layer of tamper detection with its tamper-evident slits. However, for situations requiring a stronger deterrent, our PURE™ range features both tamper-evident slits and a full void solution, leaving a clear and undeniable mark upon removal. - Aesthetically pleasing:
De La Rue's holograms have clear How to Tell Authentication embedded and are designed with visual appeal, incorporating colour, light effects, and intricate patterns. This can enhance the visual impact of your packaging and make your products more visually appealing to consumers. - Engaging:
Holograms can create an interactive experience for consumers. By tilting the hologram or using their smartphone to scan it, consumers can reveal hidden details or access additional information. This can increase engagement with your brand and product. - Enhance Products:
De La Rue's holograms can add a layer of sophistication and innovation to your packaging, making your products stand out on shelves and perceived as more high-quality.
The business benefits of tamper-proof holograms
De La Rue's tamper-proof holograms main benefit for businesses is that they are extremely difficult to counterfeit which promotes brand protection. This is due to a combination of factors, including:
- Complex origination and production processes: De La Rue uses sophisticated methods to create their holograms, which allows for features that are extremely challenging to simulate and therefore can’t be counterfeited.
- Strictly controlled materials: Some of the materials used in De La Rue's holograms are tightly controlled, making it difficult for counterfeiters to obtain them.
- Specialist knowledge and IP rights: The complexity of our products means that they require a specialist level of know-how and access to IP rights to combine the products into the structures required to make it function.
This makes it a strong defence mechanism against counterfeiting, which can protect your brand reputation and financial stability. However, it doesn’t end there.
- Track and Trace
De La Rue's holograms can be embedded with track and trace features. These features allow you to track the movement of your products throughout the supply chain, from manufacturing to the point of sale. This can help you to highlight where counterfeiting attacks occur and support with taking down malicious actors, as well as improve inventory management and logistics.
- Reduced Spoilage and Diversion
Tamper-proof holograms can also help to reduce spoilage and diversion of products. Spoilage occurs when products expire or become damaged before they reach consumers. Diversion occurs when products are diverted from their intended sales channels. Tamper-proof holograms can help to ensure that products are not tampered with or diverted, which can save businesses money.
By using tamper-proof holograms, businesses can gain several advantages, including protecting their brand reputation, preventing counterfeiting, improving track and trace, and reducing spoilage and diversion.
How to safeguard your revenue and reputation?
Counterfeiting can erode your profits and damage your brand image. De La Rue understands the challenges you face. We have pioneered advanced Benton rainbow holography since the 1990s, and we haven't stopped innovating. Our commitment to staying ahead of the curve is evident in our recent introduction of a direct-write micro-lithographic imaging platform.
But that's not all
We further expanded our holographic capabilities with the highly differentiated Lippmann holography platform. This technology delivers unparalleled security with its full parallax 3D effects. De La Rue expertly originates and manufactures both advanced Embossed holograms (metallised and high refractive index coatings) and Lippmann holograms.
De La Rue are your tamper-proof partner
Our expertise goes beyond technology. Deep market insights are the cornerstone of our holographic design, effects, and technology choices. We stay ahead of counterfeiting trends, ensuring our solutions are always a step ahead of the game.
To delve deeper into how our industry-leading hologram solutions can be the key to robust brand protection, visit our Holography Expertise page. There, you'll discover the innovative technologies we utilise and explore real-world examples of how De La Rue empowers businesses across diverse sectors to combat counterfeiting and safeguard their success.
With over 1,500 unique holograms designed, De La Rue is a trusted leader in versatile security solutions for governments and businesses globally. Let's work together to safeguard your brand and ensure consumers receive the genuine products they deserve.
