Transforming thermal transfer ribbons into a covert security solution | 28-10-2025 |

AIPIA member Authentix now offers brand owners and authorized contract manufacturers a method to quickly deploy a sophisticated covert security ink to products and labels by simply substituting its Traceless® Security Thermal Transfer Ribbons (STTR) into existing Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) printers. In just moments, users can transition from standard TTR printing to a specialized and covert STTR solution only verifiable with a specialized Authentix handheld reader, it says.

The company lists several benefits for these Authentix Security Thermal Transfer Ribbons:

• -Print linear and 2D barcodes including GS1 compliant QR and Data Matrix codes
• -Print variable product information such as date, time, lot number, line number and product ID
• -Works with most substrates including paper, plastics, and textiles
• -Print on apparel labels, hangtags, footwear labels, shipping labels, or directly print on product components, etc.
• -Virtually any components printed on using standard TTR printers can be instantly converted to this  STTR solution
• -Secure verification for use in multiple industries including apparel, footwear, automotive, electronics, and more
• -Easy set up: Drop-in implementation with virtually any existing TTR printer
• -Manufactured using ARMOR-IIMAK®’s high quality resin ribbon with excellent durability and stability
• -Can be combined with Authentix DigiTrax™ to provide authenticated digital UIDs or QR codes in combination with a cloud-based authentication and journey tracking solution
• -Traceless® Ultra handheld analyzers provide instant confirmation of authenticity
• -Custom ribbon sizes are available for minimum volume commitments
• -Sample ribbons and analyzers are available for trial testing to qualified clients*

These proprietary security ribbons are manufactured via an exclusive partnership with ARMOR-IIMAK®, a global supplier in the Thermal Transfer Ribbon industry since 1983. The covert security ink used in the ribbons is an ARMOR-IIMAK approved formulation jointly engineered and industry tested for over a decade by trusted brand names. Authentix Traceless® Security Thermal Transfer Ribbon is the fastest method to implement highly secure brand protection with virtually no interruption or process change required, it claims. Implementing thermal transfer printing security as part of an overall brand protection solution has never been easier, it believes. The security thermal transfer ribbons are supplied by Authentix to qualified clients.

ALL AT AIPIA/AWA SMART PACKAGING WORLD CONGRESS 2026