Glossary

A holographic image style created by a series of two-dimensional planes of artwork that are layered into the image volume of the hologram.

A holographic image style that places a two-dimensional plane of artwork at, in front of, or behind the image plane of the hologram. 

The construction of a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design, whereby material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer control, with the material being added together, layer by layer.

An optical system free from dispersion or used to describe a colourless (grey tone monochrome) holographic image.

A common plastic material (along with PVC) used for the manufacture of moulded or injected card bodies for certain kinds of plastic cards.

A stage in the use of a tax stamp, when applicable taxes become due. Also refers to a unique identifier used for track and trace, which is activated at the point where the identifier is applied to an item and scanned, and then linked to that item in a central database.

An overt security feature identified by sight or touch alone. See also Passive security feature.

Colours created by the mixing of visible light emitted from different colour light sources.

A means of sticking two surfaces together. In the anticounterfeiting context label adhesive should allow effective application but prevent unauthorised removal.

The tampering of a product to extend its use by dilution or deliberate addition of a harmful substance that renders the product dangerous or less effective.

Artificial intelligence systems that operate with a certain level of autonomy and intentionality. Unlike generative AI systems, which only respond to specific prompts or tasks given by users, agentic AI systems are designed to take independent actions, pursue goals, or make decisions based on a set of objectives or desired outcomes. This type of AI can proactively seek information, adapt to changing environments, and perform tasks without direct human oversight.

Allows the identification of individual items within an outer package to be recorded and associated with a unique identifier applied to that package. The identifier can then be used to record the movement of the outer package (together with the movement of its contents) throughout the distribution chain. In the case of cigarettes, this parent-child relationship can record the hierarchy between packs and cartons, cartons and master cases, and master cases and pallets.

A mathematical procedure or formula for solving a recurrent problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. For example, an encryption algorithm transforms data according to specified actions to protect that data. Provides the basis for many proprietary coding systems.

A human-readable character set containing both letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). The increased number of permutations resulting from using letters and numbers allows data to be encoded with fewer characters than if only numbers are used.

Using a wristwatch as an example, an analogue watch uses the movement of hands over a dial to represent passing time. It’s not the same thing as time itself, but an analogy of time. Sometimes contrasted with ‘digital’, a numeric representation of information.

Authentication technology based on the affinity (binding) between small molecules (marker) added to the product or its packaging during production and a protein (the antibody) added during the verification test.

A security feature that does not accurately reproduce when copied or scanned using a mechanical or digital device. Includes printed security features integrated in the background of security printing which are invisible to the naked eye under normal inspection conditions but become visible or cause flaws to appear after copying or reproducing with a scanner.

Technical measures designed to prevent or detect counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade. Not synonymous with non-secure track and trace technologies used for purely logistic purposes (codes on mail items for example).

A topcoat layer added to the surface of any number of materials, including adhesive materials such as labels and tape. The film contains a bacteria-blocking agent called Agion, produced by combining silver ions and zeolite.

A security feature that uses infrared radiation to create an emission within the visible spectrum. An anti-Stokes ink contains crystals of rare-earth metals (ytterbium thulium etc.) and glows when exposed to high-intensity IR light. Luminophores which glow green are the most commonly used.

A feature such as a secure closure specifically used to resist the opening of a container or identify that a container has been opened.

Software on a mobile device used to link the holder to a specific web page/service.

A connection between computers or computer programmes. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software. A document or standard that describes how to build such a connection or interface is called an API specification. The term API may refer either to the specification or to the implementation.

Specially formulated ink which reacts when in contact with water-based reagents, leaving a visible mark.

The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

A procedure that identifies the presence and amount of a substance (such as a marker or taggant) in a particular composition.

A process that uses a pair of related keys – one public and one private – to encrypt and decrypt a message and protect it from unauthorised use.

An analytical technique used to determine how much of certain elements are in a sample. It uses the principle that atoms (and ions) can absorb light at a specific, unique wavelength. When this specific wavelength of light is provided, the energy (light) is absorbed by the atom.

A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image onto a user’s actual view of the real world. AR devices often use the term ‘hologram’ to describe the heightened visual reality they provide.

Something that is real, genuine, valid, of undisputed origin. Authentication is the process of confirming that a product, document or even person is authentic.

The process of determining that a product, document or even person is authentic.

Digital technologies used to automatically capture data, including barcodes, smart cards, biometrics, RFID and NFC.

A type of holographic recording that combines features of off-axis and volume recording schemes, with the result being a phase-quantised, or terraced surface relief pattern. The groove profile, instead of being sinusoidal, resembles a stepped pyramid.

A band or tape used as a closure to seal or provide tamper resistance. A banderol(e) is another name for a tax stamp, usually referring to the long stamp placed over the neck of alcohol bottles.

A method of storing limited amounts of data in a linear array of lines and spaces (1D barcode) or larger amounts in a rectangular array (2D barcode).

A series of vertical printed black bars of controlled thickness and separation representing variable data information in a linear, one-dimensional format (eg. UPC, EAN).

A 2D barcode (eg. datamatrix, QR code, dotcode), typically square-shaped, capable of representing more data per unit area than a linear barcode.

An optical device that divides a beam of light into two beams.

A variant of polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer that forms an ideal printing surface for labels and banknotes.

A component in a mixture (such as ink) that provides two distinctive emission spectra when excited by two different wavelengths.

A system used to produce void pantographs. Consists of two-dot patterns of differing sizes that allow a desired message or image to appear when an original document is copied. The system plays off the physical limitations of the optical systems in copiers and scanners. The little dots are sized below the optical resolution and thereby disappear when copied, while the larger dots are preserved and subsequently stand out visually.

Authenticating a claim on identity by matching a captured biometric to a stored one.

A biological (fingerprint, face, iris) or behavioural (gait, handwriting, signature, keystrokes) attribute of an individual that can be used for biometric recognition.

An attribute of the person held on a record that can be measured and against which the bearer of an ID document can be tested, such as fingerprint, face and iris.

The science and technology of measuring and statistically analysing biological data.

A phenomenon exhibited by certain materials in which an incident ray of light is split into two rays, called an ordinary ray and an extraordinary ray, which are plane-(linear) polarised in mutually orthogonal planes, or circular-polarised in opposite directions (left and right).

The fraudulent act of connecting an unauthorised device to an automated teller machine in order to bypass security measures and gain access to cash. It is a type of cyber attack in which the attacker has little or no prior knowledge of the internal workings of the target system.

A printing method consisting of two blanket cylinders through which a sheet of paper is passed and printed on both sides.

A diffraction grating which has a sawtooth profile structure.

Security ink containing dyes which, in combination with a solvent, penetrates the paper substrate so that any attempt at mechanical erasure will cause visible damage to the document.