Hologram trade body claims 86% of US counterfeit goods now come from China

The report carried out by GIPC (Global Intellectual Property Centre) called ‘Measuring the Magnitude of Global Counterfeiting’, says customs authorities are only seizing 2.5% of the value of total estimated counterfeits.  

'The war on counterfeiting remains far from won'

In a Global Impacts Study​, by the International Chamber of Commerce it says the global value of counterfeit and pirated goods could be $1.77 trillion.  

Dr Mark Deakes, general secretary, IHMA, told BeverageDaily, the US report is a sobering reminder the war on counterfeiting remains far from won and is a wake-up call for those desperate to protect brands and profits around the world.

“More action needs to be taken quickly if the tidal wave of Chinese counterfeit goods flooding onto the market is ever to be checked, let alone stopped,”​ he said.

In the drinks industry alone, hologram counterfeit preventative packaging is on the rise. This year saw the launch of a hologram cap by KISICO and Morphotonix​.

The hologram design is integrated into the production process of the cap, and includes nanotechnology protection against counterfeiting and a tamper evident ring.

Canadian company CCL Label​ has developed patented technology to supply holographic labels to customers with 3D effects.

3D Optical Variable Device

Toronto-based CCL said its 3D OVD (optical variable device) technology - situated at its plant in Holzkirchen, Germany – uses a printing process for all sub-microscopic gratings (including holograms) to be produced and applied in-line with other print.

And, API which makes foils, laminates and holographs for brand enhancement and packaging protection for the snacks, beverage and confectionery industry expanded in the UK and Poland​ last year.

Deakes added, the hologram trade body wants organizations to urgently review and step up its security plans to stem the ‘tidal wave’ of counterfeit goods flooding out of China.

“More needs to be done - and quickly - to begin to deal with the problem and this might include increased integration of holograms as part of brand protection strategies​,” he said.

Increasing adoption of holography in places like India and east Europe reinforces the hologram’s position as a pre-eminent security feature in the global anti-counterfeiting fight.

Security holograms on items like liquor bottles will ensure quality, and check smuggled and illicit liquor, while bottles not displaying security holograms will be seized and destroyed.

“Holography has a key role as a highly effective, highly flexible weapon in the ongoing battle to thwart counterfeiters and fraudsters​,” said Deakes.