OKI’s packaging will be sealed with a label encrypted with a 13-digit ID code and a printed hologram. It believes that this measure will see more people recycling their used cartridges.
The “brand protection system” is apparently the world’s first to incorporate both assessment of authenticity and traceability.
Dai Nippon Printing’s Lippmann hologram is said to be difficult to counterfeit and the user can assess its authenticity “with a single glance”.
The 13-digits can be typed into Oki’s authenticity assessment service web page for users to check against counterfeiting. This uses technology from TUV Rheinland called Product Control Authentication System.
OKI Data President Harushige Sugimoto said: “OKI will be providing a simple authentication system to all end users where the label itself serves as both the seal and the counterfeit prevention measure.
“In addition, the code and location entered into the authenticity assessment service enables traceability, not only for counterfeit goods but also for authentic items, allowing users to gain a better understanding of their consumables usage.
“OKI expects to see higher rates of recycling for used cartridges due to the introduction of this system.”
The system will first be introduced in Asia starting in November 2010, and will be subsequently introduced in other regions.