US-based Covectra has developed a new security label, StellaGUARD, designed to provide real time authentication and traceability.
Intended for use in the over-the-counter (OTC) and pharmaceutical sectors, the patented StellaGUARD label is embedded with stars arranged in unique and random patterns and contains a serialized GS1 2D barcode.
The barcode provides real time authentication and serialized pedigree tracking through a Covectra-developed mobile application.
Covectra president Steve Wood said: “Our new, patented StellaGUARD solution offers two layers of protection, leveraging the benefits of a barcode and connecting it with an image of a random pattern of “stars” embedded in a label, providing instantaneous authentication and copy-detect protection.
“Since barcodes can be easily copied, this new solution makes counterfeiting virtually impossible – which is especially critical when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry when counterfeit goods can be life threatening.”
Using smartphone, a user can scan the 2D barcode with a mobile device and can take a photographic image, allowing the app’s software to identify and validate the barcode.
Once authenticated, the brand owner can display their product information and customized marketing messages.
Capable of being applied to virtually any package and material, the StellaGUARD label is integrated with Covectra’s Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) certified AuthentiTrack database.
The label complies with the European Union’s (EU) 2019 falsified medicines directive required for tamper evident seals on all pharma and OTC primary packages.
