Ceepackaging

Technology

Package design needs to incorporate fraud defence

“A number of companies actively protecting their products has dampened their security problems, but the general trend is that it is increasing,” says counterfeiting consultant Glen Gieschen of Gieschen Consulting (www.gieschen.com). In Gieschen’s just-released 2005 totals, drugs tracked in at #5 behind currency (#1) as the most popular items counterfeited.

“You have to continually raise the bar and change your security tactics, but not necessarily your strategy,” offers Gary Lerner of the Red Oak Group (www.redoakgrp.com). The tactics available range from optical variable devices such as  holograms to any number of technologies — including RFID.

Priyanka Gouthaman of Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com) says, “Considering the specter of counterfeiting, RFID makes the clearest business sense right now for pharma.”  But it won’t be a solo act. Scott Gottlieb, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs, says, “We need layers of technology. holograms to any number of technologies — including RFID.
RFID is the most promising, and most advanced of these technologies, but we still need to continue to pursue other remedies.”     But how to begin? According to Lerner, “Companies should be proactive and include protective security measures from the outset as part of the package design process.”