Mumbai-based Print Dynamic is a leading producer and supplier of security and textile inks to print service providers (PSPs). Keeping abreast with the technology, the company has recently launched new products in security inks and made contributions to the arsenal of anti-counterfeit measures. Being an ink manufacturer, Akil Contractor, owner of Print Dynamic has carved his initials in the Limca Book of Records for 1,500 ink formulations.
Speaking to Packaging South Asia, Contractor said, “The cardinal role of security inks is to create print results visible to end users and which act as a tool for anti-counterfeit measures. Since the last decade, the security printing industry has undergone significant changes involving technological complexity. As a consequence, security inks have developed in aspects which are different from those of conventional printing inks. Two major elements that determine the need of anti-counterfeit measures are economical damage to the company and consumer health risks. PSPs get in touch with the brand owners to understand their pertinent needs and choose the right strategy for the products. Security inks are only used for banknotes, official identity documents such as passports, identity cards and birth certificates and product markings. Due to increased competition in recent years, commercial printers can opt for security printing or value-addition in prints. Nevertheless, we follow a certain procedure to prevent the misuse of inks against counterfeit.”
The owners of established trademarks and brands lose billions in lost revenues. However, often it becomes difficult to justify the cost of inks to the brand managers who sit in meetings with the mindset to bargain. “If US dollars are being counterfeited, in spite of 20 security features, then no other product in the world is safe. Depending upon the business revenue, a counterfeiter will always make the attempt to beat the original prints in this game. Moreover, a company adopts a different approach and remains a step ahead of the counterfeiters by modifying the packaging from time to time,” Contractor adds.
Talking about the primary issue, Contractor says, “Just embedding security inks in packs are not helpful unless consumers are easily informed about it. With the intention of protecting the brands, industries have to bear the responsibility for making their consumers aware of the anti-counterfeit features adopted by them. Government and regulatory bodies must draw up selective checking plans and devise necessary measures for selective collection of packages in their local areas for authentication followed by suitable actions. Counterfeit menace is an issue which can be managed by the collective responsibility of consumers, brand owners and regulators. Effective messages can be communicated through POP and POS placed at shopping malls.”
“Irreversible piezo chromic and polarized visible inks are the new launches by Print Dynamic. Irreversible piezo chromic inks change their color due to pressure or other mechanical effects on it. Polarized visible inks remain invisible unless viewed with the aid of polarized film. Both the inks will help to prevent counterfeit products,” Contractor concludes.
