Security Tagging Integrated into Folding Carton Packaging
Security labels can be integrated directly during folding carton manufacturing to help brands and retailers protect theft-prone products while simplifying handling at the store level.
Security tagging is most effective when it is integrated into packaging planning, the dieline, glue zones and the production process.
Retail theft remains an operational priority for retailers
According to the NRF, retailers reported a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 compared with 2019, along with a 90% increase in dollar loss due to shoplifting over the same period.2 For higher-risk products, integrating anti-theft solutions into the package can be part of a broader loss-prevention strategy.
Why integrate the security label during manufacturing
Applying anti-theft labels in store adds labor, creates positioning variation and can interfere with presentation if the label is added at the last minute. Applying the label during packaging manufacturing supports a more controlled approach.
Controlled positioning
Labels can be placed in a defined carton area while accounting for the dieline, visible panels, glue zones, folds, flaps and in-store deactivation requirements.
Less post-production handling
Integrating the label during manufacturing can reduce added work for the retailer, distributor or co-packer, especially when multiple SKUs must be prepared for the same retail network.
Better visual control
A poorly placed security label can cover information, affect the primary display panel or make store handling more difficult. Positioning should align with structure, artwork and retail function.
What Netpak can integrate into the packaging process
- 1Inline label application before folding and gluing operations.
- 2Positioning adapted to the dieline, panels, glue zones and store deactivation requirements.
- 3Coordination with label suppliers and the system requirements used by the retailer.
- 4Review of production, folding, gluing, presentation and pack-out impact.
RF 8.2 MHz and AM 58 kHz for folding carton packaging
The right choice depends on the anti-theft system used by the retailer. RF and AM technologies should not be treated as interchangeable. Frequency, label format, application zone and deactivation method should be confirmed before production.
Radio-frequency labels for RF systems
Netpak can integrate RF 8.2 MHz solutions compatible with systems using this frequency, including loss-prevention environments associated with RF and EAS solutions. Checkpoint Systems describes its solutions as covering RFID, RF, EAS and anti-theft technologies for security, visibility and loss prevention.1
Acousto-magnetic labels for AM systems
Netpak can also provide solutions compatible with AM 58 kHz acousto-magnetic systems, depending on retailer requirements. Sensormatic presents its AM EAS systems as anti-theft detection solutions used for in-store loss prevention.3
Positioning should be validated on the dieline before production to avoid fold areas, glue zones, die-cut areas or critical read areas.
Confirm the retail system before production
A label suited to an RF system does not necessarily meet the requirements of an AM environment, and the reverse is also true. Before producing the packaging, confirm the system type, frequency, deactivation constraints, desired location and visibility or concealment requirements.
Product categories where security tagging may be relevant
Security tagging programs are often considered for compact products with relatively high value, easy handling or frequent exposure to retail theft risk.
Beauty and personal care
Cosmetics, fragrances, skin care, hair care and premium beauty products.
Pharmaceutical products
Health products, personal care, OTC products, regulated items and packaging that requires controlled handling.
High-end food products
Chocolates, coffee, non-regulated dietary products, confectionery, gourmet products and gift formats.
Fashion and accessories
Accessories, small fashion items, lightweight electronics and high-turn retail merchandise.
Information to confirm before integrating a security label
Integrating a security label should be treated as a packaging decision, not a simple add-on. It can affect the dieline, print zones, local thickness, folding, gluing, stacking, presentation and in-store deactivation.
To avoid late adjustments, the brand or retailer should confirm the in-store system, expected label type, deactivation zone, positioning tolerance, desired visibility, artwork constraints and affected volumes.
Netpak can apply labels inline, just before folding and gluing operations, to support stable positioning that is compatible with the carton construction. Label selection and validation remain dependent on the anti-theft system used by the retailer.
What to provide for a Netpak review
- 1Retail system type: RF 8.2 MHz, AM 58 kHz or another requirement.
- 2Label format, supplier, technical data sheet and desired location.
- 3Dieline, artwork, glue zones, fold areas and visible panels.
- 4Products, SKUs, quantities, filling method and distribution path.
- 5Deactivation requirements, in-store test requirements and retailer validation.
Plan folding carton packaging with security tagging
Send Netpak your dieline, artwork, anti-theft system type, label supplier, retailer requirements, volumes, SKUs, timeline and filling method. Netpak can review positioning, production integration, folding-gluing constraints and manufacturing options.
Prepare your packaging before production
These Netpak resources can help align structure, materials, printing, finishing and retail requirements before a production request.
Custom folding cartons
Review structures, materials, print options, finishes, warehousing and logistics.
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Folding carton services
Plan design, prepress, printing, finishing, die-cutting, gluing and delivery.
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Paperboard material selection
Compare SBS, SUS, CRB, FBB, URB and micro-flute by structure, print and performance.
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Artwork guidelines
Prepare print files, colors, technical zones and critical production elements before manufacturing.
Open guidelinesSources
- Checkpoint Systems, RFID and RF Technology Solutions. https://checkpointsystems.com/
- National Retail Federation, The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2024. https://nrf.com/research/the-impact-of-retail-theft-violence-2024
- Sensormatic Solutions, EAS Detection Systems. https://www.sensormatic.com/en_in/loss-prevention-liability/eas/detection-systems
- Netpak, Custom Folding Cartons. https://www.netpak.com/en/products/folding-cartons/