Security threads for anti-counterfeiting: Everything to know

Once found exclusively in paper currency, security threads (thin strips of material embedded into a product or packaging) are growing in use across industries as a strong anti-counterfeiting solution.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll be taking a close look at the different kinds of security threads on the market today. We’ll also cover the benefits of these flexible solutions, along with how you can use modern anticounterfeiting solutions to boost their protection.

What are security threads?

Security threads are thin strips of material embedded into a product or its packaging to verify its authenticity or act as an anti-tampering solution.

They can be basic metallic threads woven throughout an item or use more advanced methods such as micro-printing, UV reactive materials, or magnetism to increase their security.

Their main function is to offer a quick way to visually verify a product is authentic by being both visible and almost impossible to replicate. This allows consumers, retailers, and regulatory bodies to easily verify the item they’re applied to.

How do security threads work?

Once manufactured using the unique method chosen (we explore the various types below), they’re embedded or woven into packaging materials or documents. They can then be inspected to verify the authenticity of the product.

While some security threads are designed to be quickly verifiable from visual inspections, others are designed to require specialist equipment, like UV lights, to verify authenticity. These types are designed more for inspection by authorized persons or officials as opposed to consumers and retailers at the point of sale.

Types of security threads

There are several kinds of security threads widely available today, with each offering specific use cases for different industries. Here we take a closer look. 

Micro-printed threads

Micro-printed threads are embedded with patterns or writing that is invisible on initial inspection but can be seen under a magnifying tool. This makes them suited to anti-counterfeiting as replicating these details requires highly specialized equipment.

UV-visible threads

UV-visible threads are made using special substances that look fluorescent under UV lights. You’ll often see these used on banknotes, passports, or other official documents. These kinds of threads are designed to be used by official persons as opposed to the wider public, and the substances to make them can be difficult for counterfeiters to procure.

Color-shifting threads

Similar to security holograms, these threads change color depending on the angle that they’re viewed from. This means they give a clear visual indicator of authenticity, making them ideal for verification by consumers as well as inspectors. You’ll often see color-shifting threads used across high-value products.

Magnetic and metallic threads

Magnetic and metallic threads work similarly to UV-visible threads but instead of requiring a UV light to detect, are scanned by special sensors to be verified. These are particularly effective as anti-tampering and grey-market solutions.

Advantages of security threads

Security threads offer multiple benefits to anti-counterfeiting efforts. Most of all they are:

• Difficult to replicate. Due to the complex manufacturing processes needed to make them, security threads are difficult for counterfeiters to copy. This is especially true for features like micro-printing and UV security threads.
• Versatile. Security threads come in many different types and each of these is ideal for different industries and applications. That means they can be used in everything from luxury goods to high-value documents.
• Overt and covert. The flexible nature of security threads means they can integrate both visible and discrete security features. This means they can provide simple visible proof of authenticity as well as hidden features for secondary verification through specialist means.

Challenges associated with security threads

While security threads are effective, they aren’t without their downsides. Some of their main limitations include:

• Cost. The production and integration of security threads can increase manufacturing costs. This is compounded when special equipment like scanning systems or professional-grade UV lighting needs to be procured to interact with the threads.
• Physical limitations. Security threads, especially when embedded in packaging, can be particularly vulnerable to damage. This can be due to environmental factors like heat or moisture, as well as being knocked around during transit to retailers.
• Limited digital integration. While security threads offer a simple means of physical verification, they are only effective up until the point of sale. They also can’t provide deeper authentication by holding any detailed product data for consumers to access.

Enhancing security threads with digital solutions

While security threads offer a variable and flexible means of anti-counterfeiting, their simple physical nature does mean you’ll face drawbacks if you use them alone.

The best solution to counteract this is to pair solutions like security threads with advanced digital authentication methods to boost their anti-counterfeiting protection.

NFC-based technology can embed tiny microchips into products or packaging, allowing for an advanced means of authenticity verification using a smartphone. This eliminates the need for special equipment like UV lights or scanning tools, and the data held within the chip is much more secure than any physical sticker.

You can also boost customer engagement by giving extra product and brand information. 

Authentify It is such a solution, using advanced blockchain-based methods and allowing everybody in the supply chain to access detailed product data.

It also offers a completely new way to communicate with consumers post-sale, building engagement and fostering brand loyalty.

Book a discovery call today to learn more.