Global Anti-counterfeit Packaging Market Outlook, 2029

Counterfeiting is a pervasive issue that spans various industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics, food and beverages, and luxury goods. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, counterfeit goods make up 3.3% of global trade, with an estimated economic impact ranging to $1.13 trillion annually. This illicit trade not only results in revenue losses for businesses but also poses serious risks to public health and safety. In response to this growing challenge, the concept of anti-counterfeit packaging has gained prominence. Anti-counterfeit packaging refers to the integration of technologies and features into product packaging to prevent or deter the production and distribution of counterfeit goods.

This innovative approach plays a crucial role in protecting brand reputation, ensuring consumer safety, and preserving the integrity of markets. Anti-counterfeit packaging serves as a frontline defense against the proliferation of counterfeit products. By incorporating advanced technologies and features, manufacturers can create packaging that is difficult to replicate, making it easier for consumers to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods. The adoption of anti-counterfeit packaging instills confidence in consumers. Knowing that a product is protected by advanced security features reassures buyers that they are making informed and safe purchasing decisions. Businesses that proactively adopt anti-counterfeit packaging gain a competitive edge in the market. The ability to guarantee the authenticity of their products sets them apart from competitors and positions them as leaders in their respective industries. Anti-counterfeit packaging technologies contribute to enhanced visibility and control over the supply chain. This not only helps in preventing counterfeiting but also improves overall operational efficiency. The adoption of anti-counterfeit measures contributes to reducing the economic impact of counterfeiting. By protecting revenue streams and minimizing losses, businesses can invest more resources in innovation and growth.

According to the report “Global Anti-counterfeit Packaging Market Outlook, 2029”, the market is anticipated to cross USD 250 Billion by 2029, increasing from USD 147.57 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow with 10.07% CAGR by 2024-29. Heightened consumer awareness regarding counterfeit products has played a pivotal role in driving the adoption of anti-counterfeit packaging. As consumers become more discerning, they actively seek reassurance that the products they purchase are genuine and safe. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of safeguarding their brand reputation.

Adopting anti-counterfeit packaging not only protects a brand's integrity but also preserves consumer trust, which is vital for sustained success in a competitive market. The intricate nature of global supply chains makes it challenging to monitor and secure every step of the production and distribution processes. Anti-counterfeit packaging technologies provide a layer of security by enabling real-time tracking, traceability, and authentication throughout the supply chain. Governments and regulatory bodies are actively promoting anti-counterfeit measures to protect consumers and maintain market integrity. The adoption of anti-counterfeit packaging helps businesses stay compliant with evolving regulations, avoiding legal repercussions and demonstrating a commitment to consumer safety. The continuous evolution of technology has facilitated the development of sophisticated anti-counterfeit solutions. From holographic labels to QR codes, RFID tags, and nanotechnology, businesses have a diverse array of tools at their disposal to create secure packaging that is challenging for counterfeiters to replicate. Anti-counterfeit packaging is a technology intended to discourage counterfeiters from creating and selling fake or imitation goods. Protecting product authenticity and guaranteeing that customers receive authentic and secure goods are the two main objectives of anti-counterfeit packaging. It uses a range of techniques and technologies such as holograms & security labels, tamper-evident packaging, QR codes & barcodes, invisible ink, UV printing, microprinting, and RFID. For instance, in April 2023, Amazon unveiled an Anti-Counterfeiting Exchange (ACX) solution, which eliminates or discourages counterfeits across the retail sector. The ACX solution makes online shopping safer and more difficult for fake goods sellers. It also protects private sector brands, consumers, and other owners from counterfeiters.

Market Drivers

• Consumer Awareness and Demand: Heightened consumer awareness regarding counterfeit products and their potential risks is a significant driver for the anti-counterfeit packaging industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking assurance that the products they purchase are genuine and safe. This demand for authenticity has pushed manufacturers to invest in anti-counterfeit packaging solutions to protect both their brands and their consumers.
• Regulatory Requirements: Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to combat counterfeiting and protect consumer interests. These regulations often mandate the use of anti-counterfeit measures in certain industries, such as pharmaceuticals and food. Compliance with these regulations is a major driver for the adoption of anti-counterfeit packaging technologies by businesses to avoid legal repercussions and maintain market access.

Market Challenges

• Cost of Implementation: Facing the anti-counterfeit packaging industry is the cost of implementing robust anti-counterfeit measures. Advanced technologies such as RFID tags, holographic labels, and track-and-trace systems can be expensive to integrate into packaging materials and supply chains. Smaller businesses, in particular, may struggle to afford these investments, posing a barrier to widespread adoption.
• Adaptation and Scalability: Adaptation and scalability of anti-counterfeit packaging solutions across different industries and product types is a major challenge. What works for one product or market may not be suitable for another, and ensuring that anti-counterfeit measures are effective and adaptable requires careful consideration. Additionally, scalability can be an issue when implementing these solutions across large supply chains with multiple stakeholders, requiring coordination and collaboration among various partners.

Market Trends

• Integration of Digital Technologies: A significant trend in the anti-counterfeit packaging industry is the integration of digital technologies such as QR codes, NFC (Near Field Communication), and blockchain. These technologies enable consumers to verify product authenticity using smartphones and provide real-time tracking and traceability throughout the supply chain. As digitalization continues to advance, we can expect to see increased adoption of these technologies to enhance anti-counterfeit efforts.
• Focus on Sustainability: There is a growing trend towards sustainable anti-counterfeit packaging solutions that not only protect products from counterfeiting but also minimize environmental impact. Manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials and packaging designs that incorporate anti-counterfeit features without compromising sustainability goals. This trend reflects consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products and aligns with broader industry efforts towards sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

COVID-19 Impacts

The pandemic led to widespread disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the production and distribution of goods. This disruption created opportunities for counterfeiters to exploit vulnerabilities in supply chains. As a result, there has been an increased awareness of the need for resilient and secure supply chains, driving the demand for anti-counterfeit packaging solutions. With lockdowns and restrictions in place, there was a significant surge in online shopping during the pandemic. The increased reliance on e-commerce platforms created new challenges for anti-counterfeit efforts, as the digital space opened up new avenues for counterfeit products.

This has led to a growing emphasis on digital anti-counterfeit technologies and solutions that can be applied in the e-commerce ecosystem. The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors witnessed a heightened focus on anti-counterfeit measures due to the urgency of ensuring the authenticity and safety of medical supplies, medications, and vaccines. The urgency to combat counterfeit pharmaceuticals during the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of advanced anti-counterfeit packaging technologies in these industries. Governments and regulatory bodies have become more vigilant in addressing the risks posed by counterfeit products during the pandemic. This increased scrutiny has led to stricter regulations and guidelines, especially in industries critical to public health. The pharmaceutical sector, in particular, has experienced heightened regulatory focus on anti-counterfeit measures to ensure the integrity of medical products. The need for real-time visibility and traceability in supply chains became crucial during the pandemic, especially for products such as vaccines and medical supplies. This has led to an increased adoption of track-and-trace technologies within anti-counterfeit packaging. Technologies like RFID and QR codes have gained prominence for their ability to provide detailed information about the movement of products through the supply chain.

Mass encoding is leading in the anti-counterfeit packaging market due to its ability to uniquely and efficiently secure large quantities of products through unique identification, providing a scalable solution for widespread implementation.

Mass encoding has emerged as a dominant strategy in the anti-counterfeit packaging market primarily because of its unparalleled capability to secure a vast number of products with unique identification features, offering a scalable and efficient solution for widespread implementation. In the context of anti-counterfeit measures, mass encoding involves the application of unique codes, such as barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags, to products on a large scale. This mass serialization allows each product to have an individual and distinct identity, making it significantly more challenging for counterfeiters to replicate or tamper with the packaging.

Moreover, mass encoding facilitates streamlined tracking and tracing of products throughout the supply chain, enabling swift identification of any anomalies or unauthorized diversions. The scalability of mass encoding is a key advantage, as it allows manufacturers to implement these measures across high-volume production lines without compromising efficiency. This technology not only enhances security but also provides consumers with a reliable means to verify the authenticity of the products they purchase. Furthermore, the dominance of mass encoding in the anti-counterfeit packaging market can be attributed to its versatility in accommodating various industries and product types. Mass encoding techniques, such as serialization and unique identifier assignment, can be seamlessly integrated into diverse manufacturing processes, ranging from pharmaceuticals and electronics to food and apparel. This adaptability ensures that manufacturers across different sectors can implement anti-counterfeit measures without significant disruption to their existing production workflows. The effectiveness of mass encoding also lies in its ability to serve as a deterrent to counterfeiters. The unique codes assigned to each product make it economically unviable for counterfeit operations to replicate them accurately at scale. The risk of detection and legal consequences further discourages illicit activities, contributing to a more secure market environment. Additionally, the integration of mass encoding with digital technologies, such as blockchain, enhances the transparency and integrity of the entire supply chain. This transparency not only aids in preventing counterfeit products from entering the market but also builds trust among consumers who increasingly seek assurances about the authenticity and origin of the products they purchase.

The pharmaceutical industry is leading in the anti-counterfeit packaging market due to stringent regulatory requirements, increasing instances of counterfeit drugs, and the critical need to ensure patient safety by implementing advanced packaging technologies.

The pharmaceutical sector's prominence in the anti-counterfeit packaging market can be attributed to the confluence of stringent regulatory requirements, a rising incidence of counterfeit drugs, and an imperative commitment to ensuring patient safety through the deployment of advanced packaging technologies. The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated globally, with stringent standards imposed to guarantee the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a severe threat to public health by jeopardizing patient well-being and undermining trust in the healthcare system.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, prompting pharmaceutical companies to adopt robust anti-counterfeit measures. Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), require pharmaceutical companies to adopt serialization and track-and-trace systems to enable the monitoring and verification of each unit of medicine throughout the supply chain. This level of oversight not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also acts as a powerful deterrent against counterfeiters seeking to infiltrate the pharmaceutical supply chain. The pharmaceutical industry is particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting due to the high value and life-critical nature of its products. Counterfeit drugs can have detrimental effects on patients, ranging from ineffectiveness to serious health risks. To mitigate these risks and protect public health, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in sophisticated anti-counterfeit packaging technologies. These technologies include unique identification features such as 2D barcodes, holograms, tamper-evident labels, and RFID tags, which not only help in tracking the authenticity of products but also aid in preventing unauthorized tampering. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of the pharmaceutical supply chain, involving numerous stakeholders from manufacturers to distributors to pharmacies, necessitates a comprehensive anti-counterfeit strategy. Pharmaceutical companies are embracing technologies like blockchain to create an immutable record of the entire supply chain, enhancing transparency and accountability. This not only ensures the integrity of the products but also enables rapid identification and containment of counterfeit incidents.

North America is leading in the anti-counterfeit packaging market due to stringent regulatory frameworks, high awareness about counterfeit threats, and a proactive approach by businesses to adopt advanced anti-counterfeit technologies to protect consumer interests.

The leadership of North America in the anti-counterfeit packaging market is primarily driven by a combination of stringent regulatory frameworks, heightened awareness of the pervasive threat posed by counterfeit activities, and a proactive approach by businesses to adopt advanced anti-counterfeit technologies. The region, comprising countries such as the United States and Canada, is characterized by a robust regulatory environment, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, and luxury goods. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), have implemented stringent requirements for traceability, authentication, and serialization of products, prompting companies to invest in advanced anti-counterfeit measures. The high awareness of the detrimental impact of counterfeit products on public health, safety, and brand reputation is a significant factor driving North America's leadership in anti-counterfeit packaging. The region has witnessed several high-profile cases of counterfeit drugs, contaminated food products, and counterfeit luxury goods, leading to a heightened sensitivity among consumers and businesses alike. This awareness has prompted companies to prioritize the implementation of robust anti-counterfeit measures to protect both their brand integrity and the well-being of consumers. Businesses in North America are known for their proactive approach in adopting cutting-edge technologies, and this inclination extends to anti-counterfeit packaging solutions. The region has witnessed a rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), QR codes, holograms, and tamper-evident labels. These technologies not only enhance the traceability and authenticity of products but also act as visible deterrents to counterfeiters. The integration of these advanced technologies aligns with the region's commitment to innovation and reinforces its position at the forefront of the global anti-counterfeit packaging market. Moreover, collaborations between governments, industry associations, and technology providers in North America have played a crucial role in advancing anti-counterfeit initiatives. Public-private partnerships and industry consortiums have been established to share intelligence, develop best practices, and create a collaborative environment for combating counterfeit activities. This collaborative approach fosters a collective response to the dynamic challenges posed by counterfeiters, contributing to the region's leadership in implementing comprehensive and effective anti-counterfeit strategies.

Leading suppliers of anti-counterfeit packaging are emphasizing the geographic and product diversification of their operations. They provide counterfeit protection solutions pertinent to the targeted end-use industries. Additionally, producers are working to develop covert counterfeit packaging options for the healthcare sector that are difficult to spot on the product and package. In April 2022, to provide industrial producers with an automated solution for tape applications that require accuracy, repeatability, and high output, 3M and Innovative Automation Inc. recently announced their alliance.

Industrial companies may employ 3M Tape in their assembly processes while increasing throughput, improving quality, reducing or repurposing manual labor, and reducing rework thanks to the RoboTape System for 3MTM Tape. Players in the anti-counterfeit packaging industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product developments & launches, partnerships & collaborations, and customer retention. These players heavily invest in research & development to introduce innovative solutions in the packaging industry.

• In September 2022, 3M established the “3M Verify platform” to verify and report counterfeits of 3M products. This platform was built on the success of its anti-counterfeit reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included all the products made by the company. Using the platform, the company can take action to deter or stop fraud to ensure consumer safety.
• In October 2022, Drug delivery systems maker Gerresheimer and science and technology company Merck have jointly developed a digital twin solution to maintain traceability and trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The firms have collaborated & developed a Proof of Concept (PoC) to offer primary packaging with a unique ID to access its trustworthy digital twin.
• In June 2022, ExxonMobil Lubricants declared the launch of the 'Mobil Super'- a lubricant for passenger vehicles made available with improved packaging offering a new QR-code-based anti-counterfeit feature on the bottles for the customers to verify the product authenticity.
• In April 2022, 3M announced a partnership with Innovative Automation Inc. to offer an automated solution for tape applications that need precision, repeatability, and high output to industrial producers. The RoboTapeTM System for 3MTM Tape enables industrial producers to use 3M Tape in their assembly operations while increasing throughput, enhancing quality, minimizing or re-tasking manual labor, and lowering rework.
• In April 2022, Avery Dennison announced that operations would begin in its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Greater Noida. The company will consolidate its manufacturing operations through this new facility to better serve customer demands while optimizing new technology and leveraging improved efficiencies.
• In March 2022, Avery Dennison Corporation announced the acquisition of Catchpoint Ltd, a UK company based in Yorkshire, England, and its linerless label technology.
• In February 2022, Avery Dennison Corporation announced the launch of AD Stretch, a first-of-its-kind program in the labels industry aimed at collaborating with startup innovators to solve critical challenges and create new opportunities in sustainability, customer experience, and value chains.
• In February 2022, Avery Dennison Corporation announced the acquisition of TexTrace AG, a technology developer specializing in custom-made woven and knitted RFID products that can be sewn onto or inserted into garments.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Anti-Counterfeit Packaging market Research Report with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Technology

• Mass Encoding
• RFID
• Holograms
• Forensic markers
• Tamper Evidence
• Smart Packaging
• Others

By Application

• Pharmaceuticals
• Food & beverage
• Apparel & footwear
• Automotive
• Personal care
• Electrical & electronics
• Luxury goods
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Anti-Counterfeit Packaging industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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