FUJIFILM Corporation's (President: Shigetaka Komori) "ForgeGuard", the world's first*1 anti-counterfeit label that enables full-color images or text clearly
The number of counterfeit products in circulation is getting larger each year, causing damage worth tens of trillions of yen each year, across the world. The fake items include premium brand products, software, automotive parts, electronic components, toys, foods, medicines, and pharmaceutical products. Forgery has emerged as a major social issue, as counterfeit products not only cause lost sales and tarnish brand image, but also distribute substandard products that may cause accidents, or possibly harm or kill in the case of fake pharmaceuticals. In recent years, there have been many cases of anti-counterfeit technologies being counterfeited.
The newly introduced „ForgeGuard" taps into Fujifilm's technologies for proprietary functional material, precision processing, and image design. It is an anti-counterfeit label that regulates light wavelengths on the nano-optic level, so those with special viewers can see hidden full-color images. The use of a special viewer makes this label difficult to forge, as it effectively masks the type of anti-counterfeit technology applied. ForgeGuard can display a high-resolution full-color image, a worldwide first for anti-counterfeiting technology, thus making counterfeits even more difficult to produce. Recent anti-counterfeit systems (e.g. Color Shifting that changes colors / images based on angle, 3D animation) have become so complex that, despite the improbability of complete reproduction, users can no longer tell the difference between the real and fake labels at a glance. ForgeGuard's ability to display a clear full-color image enables a simple visual check.
ForgeGuard is available in three types; (1) sticker label, (2) ID-size laminating pouch with ForgeGuard in the ID photo section, and (3) roll film with ForgeGuard on the full surface. The use of a new digital drawing system eliminates the need to prepare an original printing plate, and accommodates small-lot orders of around 100,000 pieces.
Fujifilm will continue to utilize its advanced proprietary technologies it has nurtured over many years to provide products that meet customer needs in the field of security.
Details
1. Product name: ForgeGuard (Labels / Laminating Pouches / Roll Films)
2. Features:
(1) World's first viewer-type anti-counterfeit system that supports full-color images
Users look through the special viewer to clearly see hidden high-resolution image or text in full color.
(2) Advanced counterfeit-proof system
The functional material technology, precision processing technology and image design technology that Fujifilm has nurtured over many years, are applied to regulate light wavelengths on a nano-optic level, to deliver a full-color image that is nearly impossible to counterfeit.
(3) Easy real-fake judgment
The display of a high-resolution full-color image means anyone can immediately tell whether an item is genuine or fake, by simply examining the item with the special viewer.
(4) Accommodating small-lot orders
Unlike a hologram-based system, ForgeGuard does not require a special mold or original plate for production, thereby accommodating small-lot production of 100,000 pieces.
(5) Advanced image durability
ForgeGuard offers advanced durability against heat and light, which often cause degradation of anti-counterfeit systems (5-hour heat resistance at 200ÂoC, approx. 20-year light resistance*2 under indirect sunlight [500 lux x 12 hours / day]). It can withstand outdoor use or application to industrial products / parts, which are expected to be used under harsh conditions including high temperatures.
*2 Data under Fujifilm's simulation conditions
(6) Printability
Logos and various other images may be printed on ForgeGuard.
4. Main applications:
Genuine product label, ID card, certificate of appraisal for jewelry / artwork, product package, package film, entertainment use, advertising / PR material (e.g. poster.)
*1 The world's first such system that supports full-color and uses a special viewer as of February 2010, according to Fujifilm research