Xeikon has teamed up with Scribos to develop a new technology that provides interactive brand protection, track & trace and consumer engagement features for label printers. The capabilities of the two companies are utilised in the single-pass label application and bring various benefits and added value to users.
„The consequences of counterfeiting are enormous and far-reaching. Global companies lose billions of euros every year, consumers are at risk from faulty products and the environment suffers, to name just a few examples. These problems can be mitigated by adding unique metallic elements to the printed label. Of course, Xeikon already offers variable data for security applications, but this joint development offers a level of protection with a full-service solution that is truly revolutionary.“
Jeroen Van Bauwel, Xeikon Director of Solution Design
The application, which runs on the X-800 DFE (Digital Front End) from Xeikon leverages Scribos ValiGate technology and the Scribos 360 Cloud Platform to provide brand owners with Serialised, protected QR codes and metallic variable elements to provide a high level of security and complete visibility. Each code not only has a unique ID, but also contains a finely printed sub-pattern that serves as extended copy protection. .
„The secondary copy protection embedded in these QR codes is based on very fine details that can only be achieved with toner digital printing.“
Dr Steffen Scheibenstock, Head of Digital Business Development at Scribos
The seamless coordination between the Xeikon printing press and the Short-The metallisation module enables the integration of Variable Digital Metal (VDM) for Improving authentication. After verifying the ValiGate copy protection with a smartphone, a distribution of symbols reminiscent of a slot machine game is displayed on the landing page. By comparing these symbols on the product with those on the screen, consumers take part in a secure 2-factor authentication (2FA) process.
„In this case, we printed a diverse distribution of birds that differ in position, shape, number and orientation. This method, embedded in the metallic print layer and unique to each label, provides robust protection against counterfeiting without the need for an app and ensures security for all consumers.“
Dr Steffen Scheibenstock
The QR codes are supported by the Scribos 360 authentication platform, which provides a wealth of data for statistics and analyses. Customers can also choose from a range of customer loyalty modules, such as cross-selling options, bonus programmes, games or competitions, all of which are customised to your own branding are.
„This double-encrypted technology also provides brand owners with an ideal way to increase engagement with consumers in a secure way, offering endless opportunities for interaction that can increase brand loyalty, as well as an advanced track and trace function to combat fraudulent goods movements. And because it's a fully digital process, it can also be used for quite short runs, for example to protect limited editions or help small start-up brands tell their customers more about their commitment to sustainability.“
Van Bauwel
At the Xeikon stand (11/A01) at the drupa 2024 visitors will be able to see this new application live on Xeikon's Titon printing press, which is set up for single-pass operation with the Kurz metallisation module. De is shown on a paper wine label and the interactive functions are easily accessible by scanning the QR code with a mobile device. A A multitude of other print patterns will demonstrate the of this technology.
„Our joint development with Kurz continues, providing label printers with even more options that enable them to offer multiple value-added solutions and tap into new high-end segments. With copy-protected QR codes and high-quality metallic embellishments, Xeikon is exploiting the full potential of digitalisation and offering its customers a new innovative way to differentiate themselves in the highly competitive label market.“
Van Bauwel
Source: Xeikon
