The supplier consortium’s technology guarantees a high level of security and offers open technology access

Limburg, March 31, 2003 – On March 28, 2003 the steering group for setting up a nationwide, standardized deposit system decided on the technical security concept from the supplier consortium, “Cooperative Effort in the Direct Printing Procedure”. The Labeling and Security Working Group, made up of trade and industry representatives, had made the Cooperative Effort in the Direct Printing Procedure, as well as the technology solution from Bundesdruckerei, available for selection within the context of a pre-selection process held on March 19, 2003.

This significant, fundamental decision has paved the way for a nationwide canceling system for cans and disposable bottles to be introduced as of October 2003. The chosen security concept is comprehensive, encompassing all necessary steps – from the application of a complex security ink, to the recognition and cancellation of the ink when the container is returned.

Technological access to current components is open to other suppliers. The selected security technology (application, recognition, cancellation) is freely accessible to competitors, thus guaranteeing competition among suppliers. This allays any antitrust concerns and promotes the timely availability of technology.

The association, under the lead management of Videojet Technologies GmbH, is made up of the companies, Gavitec AG, PhotoSecure Inc., Prokent AG and TOMRA SYSTEMS GmbH. “We are pleased by the decision that was made and welcome the planning security this move has created”, commented Videojet managing director, Heiko Würth.

In particular, the concept provides for the placement of a 5x5 mm, colored symbol on the bottom of cans, PET or glass bottles. The security ink is applied by the beverage manufacturer and/or filler. Recognition and cancellation take place inside the return automat. This technology is applicable both to large automats and as-yet undeveloped, small devices for medium-sized to smaller accumulation sites. Some existing automat facilities can even be retrofitted. The color of the symbol also changes when the security symbol is cancelled. This change is visible to the naked eye.

At the smallest accumulation sites, the symbol can also be identified by means of reasonably-priced handheld scanners, if desired.

The following companies are members of the “Cooperative Effort in the Direct Printing Procedure”:

• Videojet Technologies GmbH: Supplier of application technology for filling systems and ink manufacturers in the area of filling applications

• PhotoSecure Inc.: Manufacturer of high-security photonic dyes

• Gavitec AG: Developer and manufacturer of recognition technology for sorting in the filling line and in canceling automats.

• Tomra Systems GmbH: Canceling automat manufacturer, developer and manufacturer of recognition and cancellation technology

• Prokent AG: Canceling automat manufacturer, developer and manufacturer of recognition and cancellation technology