PR: Surge in counterfeit goods during coronavirus outbreak sparks hike in demand for authentication protection

Speciality security printer Eltronis has reported a 20 per cent increase in enquiries for its brand protection and track and trace solutions since the outbreak of coronavirus.

The majority of these new enquiries have come from the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting the rise in public demand for immunity and health protection against the virus.

Eltronis, which recently opened its European head office in the UK in Oxfordshire, delivers security and authentication solutions to leading global brands in the pharmaceutical, automotive, security, brand protection and industrial sectors. The significant growth in enquiries follows the recent warning from the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), of which Eltronis is a member, about criminals profiting from the COVID-19 crisis. Its report highlighted the urgent need for more investment in anti-counterfeiting technologies. The message from the IHMA coincided with alerts about counterfeit goods from Europol and EUIPO, particularly regarding the international trade in fake pharmaceuticals, which is worth in excess of $4bn.

Pete Smallwood, Business Development Manager for Eltronis, said, “Since the outbreak of coronavirus we have seen a significant increase in the number of anti-counterfeit enquiries we have received, largely from our pharmaceutical customers. “These enquiries have not only come from our traditional markets but also from further afield, with projects throughout Europe, the Middle East and a number of specific requests in Indonesia and the Far East.”

Eltronis technologies and products enable consumers to carry out a quick and trusted authentication check, while also ensuring a significant deterrent to counterfeiters.

The patented solutions can be integrated into a range of label and packaging applications and combine with other technologies such as Eltronis’ in-house track and trace system. This not only allows customers to quickly and easily check that their goods are genuine, but also gives brands the opportunity for greater consumer engagement. In addition, bespoke software development can help detect grey imports across markets, providing multi-layered functionality from one product.

“Counterfeit goods generally do not meet the required quality standards and pose a real threat to public health, particularly during this pandemic,” said Pete. “People who buy these fake products are given a false sense of security, when in fact they are left unprotected against the virus, as well as being at potential risk from the contents of the fake medicines.

“Having an effective brand protection strategy is now an essential part of today’s medicines and pharmaceutical goods, ensuring they meet all legislative requirements, as well as enabling examiners and consumers to clearly verify the authenticity of the products in the market and protect themselves from fakes.”

About Eltronis

Founded in 2003, Eltronis is a privately owned speciality security printer which has established itself as a trusted partner for a wide range of global brand owners, pharmaceutical suppliers and automotive manufacturers alongside its various long-standing governmental projects.

Headquartered in the UK and with manufacturing in Eastern Europe, Eltronis combines all forms of traditional security print with digital and holographic technologies. By identifying the key issues faced by each customer, the business ensures its unique and often patented solutions meet the specific needs of each project.

As an established supplier of security solutions for governments worldwide, Eltronis offers a single source supply for security documents such national IDs, voter programmes, tax stamps and driving licences.

Production is within a guarded and patrolled environment with full access control, CCTV, secure storage and waste destruction. Eltronis is ISO certified for Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety and is a member of the IHMA.