Adding smart technology to existing products often raises concerns about redesign, workflow disruption, and operational complexity. This project between Tadbik and Scodix demonstrates that RFID can be integrated into even highly complex labels while preserving original design, logistics, and production processes.
Tadbik worked with Scodix, which is a global provider of advanced digital embellishment solutions for the printing industry with the objective to protect a high-value consumable from counterfeiting while leaving the label and production workflow unchanged. Below explains the use case and deliverables from this collaboration.
The Use Case: High-Value Ink Authentication
Scodix supplies specialized inks that are essential to the performance of its digital embellishment presses. These inks represent a significant value and had become a target for imitation products using look-alike labels. The goal was to ensure each ink container could be authenticated with certainty, without altering the appearance or handling of the product.
The original label introduced multiple constraints that made RFID integration particularly demanding. The label measured approximately 197 mm by 100 mm and fully wrapped around the ink jerrycan. It incorporated multiple print layers, embossing, and structural elements designed to provide stiffness and durability. In addition, the label design included a reversed window and back-side cutting, all of which were integral to its function and appearance.
Equally important, the production layout had already been standardized, and operators were fully trained on the existing process. Any changes would have introduced risk, retraining, and potential downtime. Finally, because the jerrycan is discarded once the ink is consumed, the label itself could not be reusable, adding another element of complexity to the integration.
The RFID Integration Approach
Tadbik’s solution was to replicate the original label exactly, maintaining the same dimensions, materials, structure, and production parameters. To do this, an HF RFID tag was embedded within the label construction itself, without altering any visible design elements or functional characteristics. Historically, HF RFID tags were typically integrated by affixing them to the product, followed by the application of the original label. However, as demonstrated in this use case, we are now embedding the RFID tags directly into the label structure. From a visual and tactile standpoint, the label remained identical to the original. Operators applied the label the same way they always had. From a process perspective, nothing was changed so no additional steps or training was required.
Results and Operational Impact
The RFID-enabled label enabled secure authentication of each ink container through printer-based and cloud-enabled validation. Since the label could not be removed without destroying the container, the risk of reuse or precise reapplication for counterfeit purposes was eliminated. This ensured that each ink container could be reliably verified as authentic throughout its lifecycle.
Maybe most importantly, these security enhancements were achieved without disrupting existing workflows. Production processes remained unchanged, logistics were unaffected, and Scodix’s brand identity and functional label requirements were fully preserved.
Project Conclusions
This project demonstrates that even large, highly engineered labels can be enhanced with RFID technology without compromising design, usability, or operations. For manufacturers managing high-value consumables, RFID has shown it can be a powerful tool for authentication and protection while remaining invisible to the end user.
Scodix continues to deliver economic, productive, and sustainable digital embellishment solutions for commercial print, web-to-print, publishing, and folding carton applications. By integrating RFID into its existing ink labels, the company strengthened product integrity while maintaining complete continuity across its production ecosystem.
Learn more about how TADBIK works to protect products, enhance authentication and integrate smart features into current labeling processes.