Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based global provider of specialty pharmaceutical labeling solutions for over 60 years, will introduce a new label and cap combination anti-counterfeiting solution at interpack 2014, May 8-14 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The company’s Flexi-Cap features a first-opening indication security solution that prevents the illegal reuse of medicine containers under the guise of being unopened, original products.

Flexi-Cap comprises a label combined with a capsule — a capping similar to the cover for wine bottles but adapted to the specific requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The result is clear and irreversible indication that a primary container has been opened.

Flexi-Cap works as follows: The capsule or cap is positioned over the closed container. Then, the label is applied without covering the peel-open tab of the opening strip. Once the strip is opened, the bottom part of the cap, together with the label, remains attached to the container. Attempting to remove the rest of the cap destroys the label, eliminating the possibility of unnoticed illegal reuse.

Flexi-Cap enables flexible use with different container types, forms and sizes. In contrast to shrink-wrap solutions, the label construction can be applied without using heat, making the solution viable for temperature-sensitive medicines. The pharmaceutical manufacturer's label and brand design remain unchanged, due to the combination of label and cap. In addition, the top of the cap allows space for bar code printing or NFC chip integration for electronic tracking.

Flexi-Cap is designed to be easily integrated into existing production processes. By adding extra security features such as holographs, color-shifting inks, void effects or the machine-readable LaserSecure technology, manufacturers can increase even further the hurdles for would-be counterfeiters, according to the company.