Consideration Factors
Product Characteristics: Different products have diverse requirements for anti-counterfeiting stickers. For instance, products with high hygiene standards like food and pharmaceuticals demand non-toxic and environmentally friendly sticker materials. Electronic products may require materials that are waterproof, moisture-proof, and heat-resistant. Cosmetics often have high expectations for the aesthetic appeal and texture of the stickers. It’s essential to understand the characteristics of different products, as well as the appropriate printing processes and anti-counterfeiting stickers for packaging. For example, matte stickers are commonly used for general electronic products to showcase their luxurious and high-end image.
Budget Constraints: Enterprises should choose suitable anti-counterfeiting sticker materials and printing processes based on their financial situation and the profit margin of their products. Generally speaking, using high-end anti-counterfeiting materials and complex printing processes incurs higher costs. For example, technologies such as special optical materials, multi-color overprinting, and holographic printing are more expensive, while ordinary materials and processes are relatively more cost-effective. The budget can be controlled according to the company’s operating budget and the quarterly budget. Also, a reasonable economic forecast should be made according to the printing process. If the economic situation allows, it is advisable to select higher-quality materials to produce better labels.
Anti-counterfeiting Requirements: Determine the level of anti-counterfeiting requirements based on the value of the product, its popularity in the market, and the risk of being counterfeited. For high-value products that are prone to counterfeiting, such as high-end tobacco and alcohol, luxury goods, etc., it is necessary to adopt anti-counterfeiting materials and processes with high confidentiality and difficulty in replication, such as advanced means like DNA anti-counterfeiting materials and quantum encryption technology. For some common consumer goods with relatively lower anti-counterfeiting requirements, more common anti-counterfeiting materials and processes can be selected.
Usage Environment: If the product is used outdoors, the sticker material should have good weather resistance and be able to withstand the erosion of natural factors such as ultraviolet rays, rainwater, and sandstorms. If it is used in a humid environment, the material should have waterproof and moisture-proof properties. For products used in high-temperature environments, the sticker material should be able to withstand the corresponding temperature without deformation or fading.
Brand Image: As a part of the product packaging, anti-counterfeiting stickers also need to be in line with the brand image. High-end brands may choose materials and processes with good texture and exquisite appearance, such as using hot stamping (gold or silver), embossing, etc. to enhance the grade of the stickers and reflect the high-end positioning of the brand. Some brands that focus on environmental protection and simplicity may choose environmentally friendly materials and simple printing processes. Using hot stamping techniques can effectively highlight the product image and add value to the product itself.
Common Materials and Applicable Scenarios
Paper Materials
Coated Paper: It has good printability and strong color expressiveness, and can present high-precision patterns and texts. It is often used for common products with not extremely high anti-counterfeiting requirements but emphasizing appearance display, such as daily necessities and stationery.
Watermark Paper: Special watermark patterns are added during the papermaking process, which has a certain anti-counterfeiting function. It is suitable for products with certain anti-counterfeiting requirements, such as certificates and bills.
Plastic Film Materials
PET Film: It has good transparency, water resistance, and wear resistance, and can be used for products that need to be waterproof and moisture-proof, such as electronic products and outdoor products.
PVC Film: It has good flexibility and a relatively low cost. Through special treatment, various effects such as frosted and matte can be achieved. It is often used for anti-counterfeiting stickers in the packaging of cosmetics, food, etc.
Special Materials
Holographic Anti-counterfeiting Materials: Patterns with unique optical effects are made using holographic technology, and they have high anti-counterfeiting performance. They are often used for the anti-counterfeiting of high-end products and branded products, such as tobacco and alcohol, cosmetics, electronic products, etc.
Thermal Paper: It will change color when heated, and can be used for anti-counterfeiting scenarios that require information recording or have a certain time limit, such as logistics labels and some bills.
Common Printing Processes and Applicable Scenarios
Relief Printing: The printing pressure is relatively large, and the ink transfer amount is large. The printed products have an obvious embossed feeling, and the ink color is rich. It is suitable for printing some anti-counterfeiting patterns that need to highlight the three-dimensional sense and texture, such as the logos of some high-end brands and patterns with special textures.
Intaglio Printing: The graphic part of the printing plate is recessed, and the blank part is raised. When printing, the ink is filled in the pits. The printed products have a thick ink layer and bright colors, and have good anti-counterfeiting performance. It is often used for anti-counterfeiting stickers that require high precision and high-quality printing, such as banknotes, stamps, and the packaging of high-end tobacco and alcohol.
Offset Printing: It uses the principle that oil and water do not mix for printing. The printing speed is fast, and the color reduction degree is high. It can print fine patterns and texts. It is suitable for anti-counterfeiting stickers with high color requirements and complex patterns, such as the packaging stickers of cosmetics and daily necessities.
Screen Printing: The ink layer is thick, and the covering power is strong. It can be printed on the surfaces of various shapes and materials. It is suitable for some anti-counterfeiting printing that requires special effects, such as printing on curved objects and printing special inks like fluorescent inks and luminous inks.
