Application Classification and Development of Anti-counterfeiting Technology for Pharmaceutical Packaging
June 27 04:18:30, 2025
Anti-counterfeiting technology in pharmaceutical packaging requires continuous development and refinement to bridge the gap that China has faced as a latecomer, ensuring it keeps pace with advanced countries in Europe and America. The anti-counterfeiting solutions used in this industry are not just simple printing techniques but comprehensive systems that integrate technology, testing methods, and management strategies.
China's pharmaceutical packaging anti-counterfeiting efforts started later than those in developed regions, and the application of such technologies is still limited in scope and variety. Most current implementations rely on basic, easily recognizable anti-counterfeiting features, while more advanced methods remain underutilized. As the broader anti-counterfeiting industry evolves, there is an urgent need for improvement in pharmaceutical packaging security.
Currently, most anti-counterfeiting measures in China’s pharmaceutical packaging are simplistic. Many products only use counterfeit labels on outer packaging, while fewer apply anti-counterfeiting technologies directly to drug-contacting materials. These are often basic and lack real effectiveness. In contrast, in Germany, a small pill box may feature nearly ten different anti-counterfeiting marks, including microtext, glazing, and engraving techniques similar to those used on banknotes—features that can be viewed with the naked eye or special lenses.
The anti-counterfeiting performance in China remains low, and high-quality, hard-to-copy materials tend to be expensive. Additionally, public awareness of counterfeiting issues is weak, which affects the adoption of anti-counterfeiting packaging in the domestic market. Only well-performing domestic companies and foreign-invested pharmaceutical firms tend to invest in these technologies.
In terms of classification, anti-counterfeiting technology in pharmaceutical packaging is a complex system rather than a single technique. It involves integration with consumables, software, and detection and management methods to effectively prevent counterfeiting. Several technologies are available, such as holographic anti-counterfeiting, ink-based anti-counterfeiting, special paper or material anti-counterfeiting, positioning hot stamping, laser film, nuclear track, bio-anti-counterfeiting, and more. However, many of these are not yet widely adopted in China.
Holographic anti-counterfeiting includes rainbow holograms and transparent holograms, with standard holograms being the most common. These use light interference and diffraction to create 3D images that change when viewed from different angles. However, due to technical and management challenges, counterfeiters have become increasingly skilled at copying these marks. Despite this, fake versions often show flaws like blurred lines or incorrect colors.
Ink-based anti-counterfeiting includes UV, heat-sensitive, and pressure-sensitive inks. UV inks glow under ultraviolet light, but they are frequently replicated. Heat-sensitive inks change color when exposed to specific temperatures, making them useful for verification. For example, some sealing labels change color when heated, revealing hidden information.
Paper and special material anti-counterfeiting involve using watermarked paper, embedded fibers, or chemically treated materials. These are commonly used in drug instructions and packaging.
Positioning hot stamping is another advanced method that requires precise equipment and high technical standards. It integrates with other anti-counterfeiting features and enhances both security and aesthetics.
Laser film anti-counterfeiting is a newer approach that combines laser effects with traditional packaging materials. This creates a visually striking and difficult-to-copy design, improving both security and product appeal.
Other methods, such as nuclear track and biometric anti-counterfeiting, also play important roles in the fight against counterfeit medicines. Overall, the development and application of these technologies require collaboration across industries to raise the overall level of pharmaceutical packaging security in China.