KODAK TRACELESS System for Anticounterfeiting Enhances Brand, Product Security Capabilities of Thermal Transfer Ribbon

Rochester, NY.- Protecting products and packaging against counterfeiters is now drop in simple with new KODAK TRACELESS Thermal Transfer Ribbon. Compatible with millions of thermal transfer printers commonly used to print barcode and product identification labels, the Kodak ribbons automatically deposit a covert security marker on each label or item printed. The markers can only be detected with the handheld KODAK TRACELESS Imaging Reader, providing brand owners with a highly secure authentication tool that is nearly impossible to compromise.

Pharmaceuticals, electronics, software, and cosmetics are among the frequently counterfeited products that commonly use thermal transfer labels at some point of manufacturing, packaging or distribution. TRACELESS Thermal Transfer Ribbon will allow the producers of these items to automatically add Kodak’s ultra covert markers to their labels by simply changing the printer ribbon – with no impact on their production processes or workflow.

“Brand owners clearly understand the scope and impact of the global counterfeiting problem, and they are looking for solutions that can be implemented quickly and easily,” said Steven Powell, General Manager and Director, Security Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “With our new ribbon and their existing thermal printers, brand owners can immediately begin to gain the security benefits of the KODAK TRACELESS System for Anticounterfeiting. By combining the TRACELESS technology with established barcode systems, brand owners can both track and authenticate their products anywhere in the distribution chain, and realize many of the advantages of a secure track and trace system right away.”

The TRACELESS System uses proprietary markers detectable only by handheld TRACELESS Readers. TRACELESS Thermal Transfer Ribbons embed these markers onto barcode or identification (ID) labels as they’re printed. The ribbons are resin-based and work in most standard thermal transfer printers, to create long lasting impressions that are resistant to abrasion, harsh environments and many chemicals.

The new ribbons are available immediately for use as part of a KODAK TRACELESS System implementation. Sample ribbons for conducting print trials are available at no charge. Demonstrations and trials can be arranged with a Kodak specialist by contacting Kodak at traceless@kodak.com.

KODAK Security Solutions leverage Kodak’s expertise in material science, digital imaging, document imaging, and graphic communications to create a broad portfolio of products and technologies that protect against counterfeiting. KODAK Security Solutions are backed by KODAK Service and Support, with more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.