New Checkpoint labels deter theft without compromising design

Checkpoint Systems, a global supplier of labeling solutions, introduced its Enhanced Performance (EP) clear labels to protect cosmetics and other high value items from theft without covering the packaging or encroaching on the design.

The new radio frequency label series is the first of its kind, and allows for scanning of bar codes through the label.

It is also the smallest size Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) label available for protecting small, thin, un-carded cosmetics and other high-value merchandise.

Manufacturing made easier

Until now, the technology made manufacturing an EAS label this small with a large, clear viewing window very difficult, according to Checkpoint.

“The ability to scan barcodes through the EP clear label is another breakthrough advancement that makes the labels especially convenient for small cosmetic merchandise for which retailers are reporting increased shrink,” noted Farrokh Abadi, Checkpoint Systems’ president, Shrink Management Systems.

“By introducing this advancement to our ground-breaking EP labels, we have raised the bar and hit the trifecta our customers are looking for: better theft detection, in a smaller and more attractive label, that is designed to work well for source tagged merchandise,”

Pilot studies of the labels in selected retailers; have shown that pilferage is reduced by more than 15 percent.

According to Abadi, the label gives retailers and manufacturers the effective protection they seek for smaller merchandise that is highly susceptible to theft.

“The proven decline in shrink is due to potential shoplifters seeing that products are clearly protected – the label’s electronic circuit is now visible on the products. For small, high-theft items, visible deterrence is a preferred method of protection," he continued.

Health and beauty targeted as a high theft category

The high-theft product category of Health & Beauty is one of the key areas Checkpoint will target with these new RF label circuits, as the labels are small in size and are said to protect items often targeted by thieves such as cosmetics, perfumes and other small merchandise.

The labels can be applied to products in stores by employees, as well as by integrating them into tagging processes by product manufacturers, so that the merchandise arrives in stores shelf ready.

Produced using less aluminum, less paper and less plastic than standard labels, Checkpoint claims they help retailers reduce their carbon footprint.

According to the New Jersey-based firm, by replacing standard EAS labels with EP clear labels, retailers and CPG manufacturers can reduce waste material by up to 65 percent.