NFC Tags for the Authentication of Cosmetics

The Early 2000s

In 2004, Verlag & Freie Medien, now the Think WIOT Group, launched the German print magazine RFID im Blick.

At that time, the main focus was on the traceability of goods, access control, and labeling and identification with RFID technology. Metal and water were hostile environments, UHF was not yet state-of-the-art, RFID and sensor technology were mere visions and experts predicted that it would be a long time before RFID would become widespread.

RFID is now an established technology in numerous automation and digitalization projects. The trend is rising.

Internationalization and Wireless IoT (WIOT)

Since 2016, the publishing house has no longer focused primarily on RFID, but on wireless IoT technologies. These include: LPWAN, BLE, NFC, RTLS, UWB, 5G, wireless sensor technology and ORM. RFID is now one of many wireless technologies.

The first English-language magazine Wireless IoT Global was also published in 2016. The Think WIOT Group is now experiencing its strongest growth in Asia and North America.

Think WIOT Group

The publishing house has diversified since 2017.

Today, the portfolio includes two topic-oriented e-magazines, two information platforms, a partner network for more than 70 companies, regular livestreams, video interviews, an end user conference, and joint booths at the Wireless IoT tomorrow.

All activities take place under the umbrella of the Think WIOT Group.

20 Years Later

Supply chains are transparent, processes in the warehouse can be mapped in real time as a digital twin, Manufacturing X achieves a high level of connectivity, big data and transparency, wireless sensor technology, data glasses, robotics and AI expand the applications.

The technologies are developing more rapidly than the implementations.

Customers of the Alba 1913 cosmetics line of the Polish company Alba Thyment can check the authenticity of all products via NFC and App.

NFC tags on the packaging are the interface to services ranging from authenticity checks to information about ingredients.

The Alba Thyment company, based in Posen (Poland), was founded in 1913. The Alba 1913 cosmetics line is now present with its own stores in the EU, Asia and the USA.

Process Requirements

Counterfeit products in the cosmetics sector are damaging for business. 51 percent of counterfeit beauty products come from China, followed by Hong Kong with 14.4 percent.

Objective

Independently verify the authenticity of products
Additional NFC features to strengthen customer loyalty
Analysis data for the optimization of marketing

Solution

The packaging of Alba 1913 products is marked with NFC tags. Customers can install an app on their smartphone. The authenticity check starts with a tap of the NFC tag.

The app provides customers with additional information about the product (ingredients, shelf life). A consumption calendar can also be set up, for example to reorder products in advance. Video tutorials provide tips on the correct application or combination with other products.

For each tap of a tag, anonymized localization data is stored, which provides information on how often and how many products were tapped where. This information is used by Alba Thyment to open new store locations.

Hardware & Software

NXP Semiconductors – NTAG NFC-Chips

Advantages

Authentication convenient for customers via tap - no camera required
Customer loyalty through additional information in the app
Messages about marketing activities via push function
Anonymous localization data supports the optimization of sales channels

Perspective

The use of a hybrid UHF NFC chip creates the opportunity to realize additional potential in the supply chain.

Learn More

Wireless IoT Technologies in HEALTHCARE 2019/2020 as an E-Magazine.

Questions? Your contact to the editorial team!

NFC Tags for the Authentication of Cosmetics

Brand Think WIoT