Toppan, a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, provides smart packages that maintain security and design quality with anti-fraud NFC1 tag functions built into paper-based structures. One such smart package has been adopted as the gift box for Halfism “Fuding White Tea” celebrating the 125th anniversary of the birth of Wu Juenong,2 known as the “contemporary saint” of Chinese tea. Halfism is a brand of Chinese tea sold by Shanghai-based Shanghai Kukoushi Culture Development Co., Ltd.(Shanghai Kukoushi). One hundred thousand Fuding White Tea gift boxes will be shipped to regions throughout China.
Background
Shanghai Kukoushi produces and sells Chinese tea with a view to promoting Chinese and global tea culture and advancing R&D on tea-related technologies. It markets the Halfism tea brand in China and is driving transformation of Chinese-tea-related supply chain management and marketing to differentiate itself from other suppliers and enhance branding. Toppan’s ID authentication platform and smart packages with embedded NFC tags have therefore been adopted because their features and functions align with the transformation of supply chain marketing that the Halfism brand is aiming for.
The smart packages that have been adopted feature built-in NFC tags with an opening detection function, making it possible to identify whether a package has been opened and prevent fraud without impacting external appearance. Consumers can use a smartphone or similar device to read the NFC tag and brands can supply content and product information that varies depending on whether the package has been opened or not.
When consumers touch the ‘Halfism’ logo on the package with a smartphone, they can obtain product information including production address, date, and method; category grade; storage location and conditions; and inspection reports.
