Have you ever been wandering around a market only to spot a stall selling Givenchy perfumes at ridiculously low prices? Or perhaps you've been waiting for your train when someone's approached you selling a MAC lipstick for a few dollars? Counterfeiters exploit the popularity of well-known brands by replicating their products and packaging. As a result, consumers unknowingly purchase low-quality imitations.
Counterfeit products pose an economic risk for the companies who fall victim to having their products counterfeited and pose a health and safety risk to customers. When it comes to keeping businesses and consumers alike safe from counterfeiting and tampering, packaging plays a key role. Keep reading to find out how:
- Authentication features: To combat counterfeiting, manufacturers are incorporating advanced authentication features into their product packaging. Such features are often invisible to the naked eye, but they can be easily verified. Some common authentication techniques include things such as holograms, tamper-evident seals and unique serial numbers. Tamper-evident seals, for instance, break or show clear signs of interference when the package has been opened, which alerts consumers to potential tampering.
- Tamper-proof design:Tampering with skincare and cosmetic products can have dire consequences. From harmful substances being introduced to products to altering their composition, tampering jeopardizes consumer safety. Packaging designers are responding to this threat by creating tamper-proof designs that make it nearly impossible for unauthorized access.
One such design is the induction seal, which creates an airtight and tamper-evident barrier. This is the little piece of foil that you often find when you open a new moisturizer. Consumers can immediately spot tampering if the seal is damaged. Some products are also packaged in airless containers to avoid contamination and guarantee that they stay in perfect condition until use.
- Transparency through packaging: Consumers today place a high value on transparency, particularly in the skincare and cosmetics sectors. By enabling customers to view the goods without opening it, packaging can contribute to this transparency. Customers may observe the product within the packaging and confirm things such as its color, consistency, and condition thanks to clear windows or transparent parts. This helps consumers to have more faith in the products they're purchasing.
- Consumer education: While sophisticated packaging solutions are essential for safeguarding skincare and cosmetic items, it's equally important to inform customers about these security features. Brands ought to make an investment in educating their customers about how to spot fake goods and what to look for in authentic packaging, as this empowers customers to make wise judgments and avoid being duped by fake goods.
At APG, we're committed to making high-quality packaging solutions that help to protect your brand against the threat of counterfeiting and tampering. If you want to learn more about the measures we take, don't hesitate to get in touch.