Merck partners Zebra on traceability ecosystem

German pharma and chemical group Merck KGaA has added another pillar to its traceability and authentication platform, signing up Zebra Technologies as a partner for the recently launched M-Trust programme.

Zebra's TC58 mobile computer range will be integrated into the M-Trust system, according to a Merck statement, which said the objective is to work together on the creation of "solutions to address challenges around product verification, authenticity, and trust."

The first outcome of the collaboration will be a new handheld reader that will be used with M-Trust, a blockchain-enabled platform that relies on the use of 'digital twins' of physical products that allow them to be tracked and authenticated through the supply chain, guarding against issues like diversion and counterfeiting.

The duo have already come up with a prototype reader (pictured above), built on the TC58 platform and Merck's security-pigment detector SEC-Reader. It is described as an all-in-one solution that will allow customers to verify products without switching devices and includes features for frontline communication, such as two-way radio, a 16 MP camera, and a 1D/2D barcode scanner.

"By combining our expertise in identification and authentication, both companies will deliver essential solutions for reliable data access across value chains. This integration builds trust in AI systems regarding data authenticity and origin," said Thomas Endress, head of M-Trust at Merck.

"Our collaboration with Zebra presents great potential for customers to enhance their operations for more accurate and compliant processes that businesses and consumers can trust," he added.

Merck has developed M-Trust to help companies meet global traceability and other regulatory requirements, such as the EU Digital Product Passport initiative.

A working prototype of the mobile scanner, crypto anchor technologies, and M-Trust platform will be demonstrated at the Hannover Messe 2025 event this week.