PR: Brady partners with Kezzler and Honeywell for anti-counterfeiting solution

Brady's brand protection business has partnered with Kezzler and Honeywell to bring product authentication labeling and tracking to a leading industrial product - Genetron 134a refrigerant, which can be used in automotive, commercial and industrial air conditioning, and refrigeration applications.

To combat counterfeiting, Brady provides secure label design services, layered anti-counterfeit materials, serialized label converting, and controlled supply chain distribution through one of its NASPO-certified secure facilities; Kezzler offers a real-time serialization solution that provides each product its own digital identity; and Honeywell contributes covert security
taggants and detection devices.

Nearly 3,500 containers of counterfeit Genetron 134a product were seized by local law enforcement in Saudi Arabia in 2013. In response, Brady and Kezzler developed a comprehensive brand protection labeling and tracking solution. Initially, this program was developed specifically for the Genetron 134a products in the Middle East, but has since expanded globally.

“Counterfeit products, particularly when it comes to refrigerants, are a dangerous and costly problem for manufacturers, distributors and consumers around the world,” says Dennis Polinski, global product manager of Brand Protection for Brady. “In order to combat hazardous replications, it’s essential to establish and sustain a strong brand protection approach. We take pride in offering customized, total solutions that protect the integrity of these products and brands."

The companies jointly developed a specialty label that is applied to the top of the product cylinder and is easily seen or scanned. This label has various levels of authentication, including a proprietary machine-readable covert taggant containing a unique signature in the form of an Over Print Varnish (OPV). The label is also tamper evident to eliminate illegal removal and reuse, and contains a unique QR barcode and tracking serial number provided by Kezzler. The kezzlercode enables the brand owner and its distribution network to digitally verify, track and monitor their product throughout the supply chain. Consumers are also able to enter the cylinder tracking code online to validate and access data.

“Developing the complete brand protection solution was truly a team effort. With contributions from Brady, Kezzler and Honeywell Authentication Technologies, we were able to leverage each company’s expertise to create a fully integrated solution that aligns with the product’s unique needs,” says Garth Zambory, business development manager for Honeywell. “This labeling and tracking program was a much needed resolution, especially considering the large volume of the product manufactured and shipped globally. We look forward to future opportunities to continue to protect more products through this partnership.”

“The partnership between Kezzler and Brady is a great example how we provide a costeffective solution to global companies who face ongoing fraud and counterfeiting issues on a daily basis. We are pleased to see our partnership expanding and that we can continue to provide solutions that ultimately benefit the consumer,” said Thomas Körmendi , CEO of Kezzler.

About Brady Corporation

Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect people, products and places. Brady’s products help customers increase safety, security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems and software. Founded in 1914, the Company has a diverse customer base in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, medical, aerospace and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and as of July 31, 2016, employed approximately 6,400 people in its worldwide businesses. Brady’s fiscal 2016 sales were approximately $1.12bn. Brady stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC.

About Kezzler

Kezzler is a global leader in serialization technologies and operated platform designed for industrial scale. Kezzler’s mission is to standardize serialization and change global business practices by making product items digitally unique and interactive. Kezzler has offices in United States, India, and the Netherlands.

About Honeywell

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials.