Today it is very common to find fake products. The most prestigious names are blatantly imitated in cheap versions, even to the smallest detail. Consumers are confused, for they believe to have found a bargain as they buy something they think is original, at an affordable price. This means cheating both manufacturers and consumers, and the initial enthusiasm fades very soon for this fake product will fray or fade even when still new. Negative results impact on both consumers and brands, so the only possible solution against fraud will be safe labeling right from the moment products leave the factory. Anti-fraud labels guarantee that the product is an original creation by the label, designer or company to which the name is registered, so buyers and consumers know that they buy what they are really looking for.
Part of the responsibility lies with retailers, and this is not a minor battle. Anti-fraud and anti-theft labels protect retailers and consumers. Store owners find them valuable as a means against shoplifters.
Against theft during the production process
It is necessary to detect those situations where theft takes place at the store, be it when they are on display or left on the counter. Though it is also necessary to set up control systems from the very beginning of the chain, at the production department of companies. Stock controls and traceability of clothes during production allow business owners to perfectly know where items are at all times. RFID is a system recommended by Varmys Trading in order to avoid in-company theft, as a solution developed by this company in response to clients’ needs.
Quality and brand guarantee with anti-fraud labels
Anti-fraud labels enable clients to authenticate clothes, as truly manufactured by the company of their choice. Varmys Trading offers this solution and we contacted Sara Eva Ferrer, Product Manager, to learn about the properties and performance of these labels. “There are three types of applications. The first one consists of laser-engraved laminated threads integrated into the fabric of labels, or in customized thread twisted with rayon and integrated into a tag. The second option consists of progressive numbering of woven labels, and the third, in the use of holographic motifs, also made by Varmys, SA on each cardboard label”, our interviewee explains. Then she adds more details.
Laser-engraved thread for anti-fraud labels
For their anti-fraud woven fabric labels Varmys Trading uses a laser-customized thread, with a thickness of 0,75mm to 1,5mm, which is integrated into the label. These may be manufactured in several different materials, and are available in up to seven colours. The same technology and materials are used for currency notes, and the customized thread may also be read with or without using a magnifying glass. Materials are manufactured under the strictest technical specifications and we guarantee resistance against all types of washing procedures in the textile industry sector.
Another alternative is the use of laser customized thread twisted with rayon used by Varmys Trading for automatically assembled tags. The thread is definitively integrated to the tag and it is impossible to tamper with. In this case, a magnifying glass is needed to see the customization.
Progressive numbering
Fraud may also be prevented by means of variable data, based on progressive numbering of labels, which may also include bar codes. Clients tell us the code they wish for their products and this code will only be known to the owner. For quality controls, the cancelled numbers are easily recorded and then tags are replaced with the corresponding numbers, which of course are also given to the client.
Varmys S.A. uses progressive numbering for hanging labels, and progressive laser marking for both hanging and sewn labels.
Holographic motifs
The third option Varmys offers in order to eliminate imitations is the addition of holographs on woven labels, tags and cardboard tags. The motif may be chosen by clients, using their own logotype for instance, or may be one of the many standardized and exclusive designs by Varmys. The holograph is then finally positioned on the woven or cardboard label.
For warranty tags, the holograph will be integrated into the plastic and this guarantees full protection, for once the tag is removed it is impossible to reuse it, so no other clothing item will be sold with this tag attached.
As to hanging tags, Varmys SA offers the possibility of customizing holographs for each client. This is usually the choice of large companies willing to invest heavily in security.
The more convenient though also highly efficient alternative involves the inclusion of standard anti-fraud holographs, which are easily visible.
The latest development, however, is the imperceptible inclusion of a common colour into the usual design of labels. The label will seem to be ordinary, but under a laser beam the colour will show, and it is easy to tell if the item is genuine or not, even if this solution does not involve major investments.
Anti-theft tags or labels
Anti-theft solutions are almost indispensable these days. Sara Eva Ferrer comments that any investment made in these tags or labels will prove to be cost-efficient over a short period of time, for theft causes major losses. “And with anti-theft tags and labels clients know that they are avoiding losses. For the solution to be effective, security tags and detecting antennas must be of good quality. Also, de-activators or label and tag removers have to be efficient. And you need software to control the whole system”, our interviewee comments. Then she adds, “In the clothes making sector, Sensormatic and CheckPoint are the most recognized companies, and we can integrate their systems into woven or cardboard tags and labels in an innovative, cost-effective way, thus unifying presentation, brand and protection”.
RFID technology
Varmys also offers RFID technology to clients, and our interviewee tells us this is a system allowing for the identification of items by means of radio waves. A chip may be integrated into the tag or label that is attached to the clothing item. This chip will store and send information to a reader. RFID tags serve the purpose of adding information to an item, with data about the item itself”, Sara Eva Ferrer explains.
RFID vs. bar codes
RFID technology is similar to bar codes, for it mainly serves the purpose of identifying items. But RFID also offers additional advantages, and in the future, RFID may even replace bar codes. Our interviewee comments, “RFID is a technology that enables distance identification of items, products, clothing items and textile material supports (cones, fabrics...) even when they are not in sight. So you can check the contents of closed boxes, thus avoiding unnecessary handling of delicate clothes, for instance. Among its advantages, I can mention multi-identification, data storage, and the possibility of reading and writing as many times as necessary”.
In a work, RFID offers superior results in comparison to bar codes, for with RFID you can visualize multiple codes in real time without even seeing items.
Further advantages
Our interviewee also explains that Varmys Trading offers additional advantages: “We can even conceal there RFID adhesive labels, by integrating them into woven labels or cardboard tags, which can later be reprinted. This unifies presentation, brand, information and protection, as an all-inclusive solution. Our flexibility allows us to adapt to clients’ needs, and each project is studied separately. We work with software integrating companies”.
Varmys Trading offers solutions to everyday problems in today’s markets. These labels do not just offer information on a brand or product, but add immediate solutions against fraud and theft. Their products have become almost indispensable.
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