In the last edition of Authentication and Brand News™, we described Italy’s new state seal adorned with the national flag for wine authenticity. Produced by Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (IPZS), the new seal symbolises Italian patriotism as well as designation of origin. In this article, we look at how IPZS is working as a quiet but formidable guardian for Italian trust and authenticity.

US-based Lumenco, together with its subsidiary in brand protection (Nanopixel®), has announced a strategic alliance with UK-based XRD Nano to co-develop new-generation solutions for manufacturing microlens arrays and high-performance UV chemistry for brand security.

South Korean startup NexpotSolution is emerging as a key player in the anticounterfeiting industry with its proprietary authentication solution, AllmyTAG. Central to this solution is a technology known as the Layer QR Code, designed to address the vulnerabilities of traditional QR codes.

TOPPAN Digital has expanded its Illumigram™ offering with a new colour version. Originally available only in white, the enhanced hologram now delivers multi-colour 3D text and images that appear when illuminated by strong light – such as a smartphone torch.

Crane Authentication has launched two distinct solutions: InsightPulse™ and Digital Asset Watermarking. Each aims to address different challenges in today's complex phygital threat landscape.

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) achieved record revenue in 2024, continuing its growth trajectory.

Crane NXT has announced the formation of a new business unit called 'Crane Authentication' within its recently established Security and Authentication Technologies segment. This move comes as part of its completion of the acquisition of De La Rue Authentication Solutions, which it made in October 2024 for £300 million.

A scientific report appearing in nature. com1 introduces a novel, non-cloneable, chipless RFID tag, created out of the cork of a bottle, for authenticating the wine, liquor, oil, or other liquid product contained in that bottle.

Merck, a leading science and technology company, has partnered with Zebra Technologies, a global leader in digitising and automating frontline workflows, to create solutions that address product verification, authenticity, and trust challenges.

LEONHARD KURZ, a global player in security and surface finishing technologies, has announced the integration of its subsidiary SCRIBOS, a digital platform provider, under a new unified brand identity—KURZ SCRIBOS.