US-based Rollprint Packaging Products (Addison, Illinois; www.rollprint.com) has developed anti-counterfeiting technology for medical and pharmaceutical flexible packaging. Called "Ghost", the proprietary process creates an integrated, repeating watermark which is embedded in the packaging material. Dwane Hahn, vice president of sales and marketing, commented: “Companies that are currently using anti-counterfeiting measures typically employ covert options that add significant cost and frequently require specialised equipment. Because the watermark is added concurrently during normal processing, we can usually add the feature at little or no additional cost.”

Rollprint said the technology is ideally suited for chevron pouches used in medical devices, such as sutures, scalpels, prefilled syringes, artificial joints, catheters, etc. It can also be used with blister packs, packets as well as packaging for other security-driven or luxury items, such as electronic components, jewellery and documents. “The World Health Organization reports that more than 8% of medical devices in circulation are counterfeit and more than 10% of global pharmaceutical commerce is counterfeit. These counterfeit devices and drugs not only pose a significant danger to consumer safety, but also present a dramatic economic impact to the industry,” Hahn said.

Ghost can be applied to various material combinations including peelable and weld seal options used with polyester foil, nylon and other substrates. Rollprint said its technology would be “particularly challenging” to copy, as it requires very specialised equipment with knowledge of proprietary, advanced technology as well as significant investment.