Opportunities for Digital Print In Product / Brand Protection with some Lessons from Security Print - PART I

Inkjet as a print technology has become mainstream competing with screen litho flexo and gravure. It’s advantages have been clear and has typically been justified on its ROI (Return On Investment) for short run flexible workflow situations. However as we move to digital integrated workflows with non-contact printing, print becomes part of a process rather than a standalone operation and offers many more opportunities.

This is not to oversimplify the complexity and difficulties of inkjet printing (questions welcome) but to explore how digital print can become the key marketing tool, whilst become a key weapon in the fight against fakes, counterfeiting, grey market distribution and smuggling.

With examples from the security print market we will be examining how database integration, product identification and product authenticity verification all become part of the same process.
Instead of chasing the last dollar, print becomes part of the value of the item and can regain its crown in the marketing portfolio.

Part One On 21st April is an introduction. Exploring the potential of smart systems
Print has always played a large part in promotional activities, from posters to packaging; magazines to annual reports. Today print has to compete with digital media in a global village.

Print once again needs to start with the creative marketing, product verification need to engage and reward the consumer. Although in the middle of the process, print need to be fully integrated to the secure data and verification process.