Security tear tape gives Karelia confidence against counterfeiting

Issue Date: March 2007

Karelia Tobacco Company Inc, have integrated an overt security technology from Payne Security to help fight counterfeiters in one of their key markets. 

Karelia identified counterfeit cigarettes as an issue in one of its markets, with two of its key brands particularly at risk.  With responsibility to its customers being a key aspect of the company’s corporate governance, Karelia acted quickly to introduce security technologies into its products to provide clear differentiation between genuine and counterfeit packs.

Discussions with Payne Security revealed that tear tape was the ideal carrier for a security device.  Since the tape is already implemented onto all cigarette packs, the addition of a security solution is cost-effective because it does not require new applicators or amendments of existing high speed production lines. 

The tear tape has ensured the easy identification of genuine cigarettes packs from Karelia, the largest independent tobacco company in Greece. Karelia selected a colour shift ink integrated into the tear tape design. This overt device is both extremely difficult to counterfeit, and also enables users to verify instantly whether the product is genuine or not. The solution was implemented by Karelia over a period of time to protect two key brands, and a new deal has recently been signed to continue this process.

“Counterfeiting is a real concern in certain markets and having identified this problem, we acted straight away so that our customers could be assured that they are purchasing genuine Karelia branded cigarettes,” comments Catherine Nyfoudi, Karelia’s Purchasing Manager.  “The solution from Payne Security provides a visible and effective deterrent, and strengthens an already excellent working relationship between our businesses.”