Self Destructive Irreversible Security Packaging Film

Abstract

A self destructive irreversible security packaging water soluble film and method for manufacturing the same. The water soluble packaging film is embedded with various security elements, which will get irreversibly destroyed upon final usage as the whole package along with its contents will dissolve in water. This process of self destruction will control the duplication of the package or alteration of the product inside the package.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/IN2006/000133, filed on Apr. 17, 2006, which claims priority of Indian patent application number 469/MUM/2005, filed on Apr. 15, 2005, both of which are incorporated in their entiries herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a self destructive irreversible security packaging water soluble film and a method for manufacturing the same. The water soluble packaging film is embedded with various security elements, which will get destroyed irreversibly upon final usage as the whole package along with its contents will dissolve in water. This process of self destruction will control the duplication of the package or alteration of the product inside the package.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Securing a product like pesticides, agrochemicals, cosmetics, etc have been in urgent need by the industry. Simulation, alteration and duplication of genuine products have always been rampant in today's world. No forceful solution has been found to ensure that the security package itself gets used up every time the end product/content is being consumed.

There have been several methods of securing a product by printing security tracers, or by affixing varied OVD's, like holograms, or colour shifting inks, etc. However, these are usually on packages. Once the package is successfully opened, the original product can be replaced by a duplicate and the resultant product can be brand damaging and may lead to legal suits. Many times the package is discarded after the contents are used and this same package becomes a target for unlawful duplication.

There have been several attempts in the past to either encase or laminate or package different security elements in films, but none have proved fool proof and successful for such varied end uses.

One such patent WO 2004048113 relates to a blister film partially applied with a security feature. The application of the security features ensues by detaching the security feature from a supporting substrate, which is provided with a UV-curable separating paint that is capable of being deep-drawn.

Here, the blister film with security feature can be tampered or a discarded package can be reused for packaging a duplicate product.

It is a long-standing need of the industry to develop efficient and cost effective methods for the manufacture of a fool proof security package for controlling piracy, simulation, alteration or duplication of original products in diverse applications and especially an unique all-encompassing packaging film that is capable of irreversibly destroying itself. Furthermore, the need for carriers that can selectively carry a combination of materials with dissimilar properties, such as miscible/immiscible, hydrophobic/hydrophilic security materials, continues to elude the industry.

The present invention relates to a security package which has built-in embedded security elements which form a part of the package itself. This package is not needed to be opened, and is self-destructing. The package itself is part of the product and delivers the security features. After the final usage of the package, the packaging material including the security elements are irreversibly self destroyed. The security elements and genuineness of the product/package can be verified, while it is on the shelf of distribution as well as off the shelf. The security elements may be traceable, if the need arises, even after the security package and its contents have been consumed or delivered to the desired location (e.g. soil, laundry) after the same has been dissolved in water.

The invention addresses various problems and also reduces costs and ensures that fraudsters are brought to book legally and action taken against them. It also ensures that new products and brands get their true value by ruling out any tampering, duplication and alteration of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Object of Invention

The main object of the invention is to provide a self destructive irreversible security packaging water soluble film to prevent duplication, alteration and simulation of the packed products.

Another object of the invention is to embed one or more security elements with similar and/or dissimilar properties into one or more layers of a WSF to form a multi-layered WSF embedded with security features.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide the method of manufacturing a self destructive irreversible security packaging water soluble film wherein one or more security elements with similar and/or dissimilar properties are embedded into one or more layers of a WSF to form a multi-layered WSF embedded with security elements.

In accordance with the present invention, self destructive irreversible security packaging water soluble film (WSF) for packages or the like is provided, comprising one or more layer(s) of water soluble film and at least one built-in security element embedded or entrapped or imparted in at least one layer of the WSF to form a part of the security package which will irreversibly destroy itself during final usage after dissolving or dispersing in water.

In accordance with the present invention, a security packaging WSF, wherein more than one security elements of similar and/or dissimilar properties are embedded/entrapped or imparted in one or more layers of the WSF is provided.

The WSF is single layered or multi-layered and made of raw materials selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric poly vinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteinaceous binders such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such as starch, gum Arabic, pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, either alone or combinations thereof.

The WSF is cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble or non soluble depending upon the formulation.

The security element(s) is/are of an overt nature or of a covert nature and are selected from optically variable pigments, multi-layer thin-film interference pigments, liquid crystal pigments, holographic pigments, interference coated particles, thermochromic pigments, photochromic pigments, luminescent compounds, magnetic compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds, micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles, nano tracers, security markers printed security features, like barcodes, metallised fibres, metallised/demetallised texts, active molecules, DNA taggants and the like.

The security element(s) is/are light source readable, machine readable, PCR or otherwise readable by any mechanical, electrical or digital device.

The security elements, like holograms, barcodes, metallised/demetallised microtexts, are printed or embossed on the WSF forming a part of the WSF.

The security packaging WSF can be converted into a self adhesive web and further converted into a printed seal with a barcode including 2D or 3D barcode forming self adhesive label/seal used for securing the openings of a package or a bottle.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing a self destructive irreversible security packaging WSF is provided comprising following steps:

• • a. providing a formulation of the water soluble film;
  • b. casting formulation to form a water soluble film;
  • c. embedding/entrapping at least one desired security element in the formulation of the water soluble film prior to and/or after casting the water soluble film; and
  • d. drying the film with the embedded security elements.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing self destructive irreversible security packaging WSF comprising adding the security element(s) into at least one batch mixer containing batch solution of the WSF, mixing thoroughly and feeding to the primary or subsequent casting heads for further processing in a known manner to achieve security element(s) embedded WSF is also provided.

In accordance with the present invention, a method in which the security element(s) is/are introduced at the primary, secondary, tertiary or subsequent sprayers to achieve security element(s) embedded WSF is also provided.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF is also provided comprising the following steps:

• • a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of the WSF casting machine;
  • b. mixing security element(s) with the WSF raw materials batch solution in a batch mixer;
  • c. casting WSF on the liner at the primary casting head of the casting machine, with embedded security element(s) and metering and smoothening the same;
  • d. drying the WSF with embedded security element(s) in the primary dryer section;
  • e. casting of another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s) embedded therein, at secondary casting head of the casting machine;
  • f. drying the multilayered WSF with embedded security element(s) in a secondary dryer section; and
  • g. guiding the film of step (f) through hot chilled cylinder and rewinding or splitting at the rewinder.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF is also provided comprising the following steps:

• • a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of the WSF casting machine;
  • b. casting of WSF on the liner with or without the security element(s) at the primary casting head and metering the cast film;
  • c. spraying the security element(s) by a primary sprayer and smoothening the film;
  • d. drying the WSF of step (c) at the primary dryer section;
  • e. casting another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s) at a secondary casting head;
  • f. drying the WSF with embedded security element(s) at the secondary dryer section and
  • g. guiding the multilayered WSF with embedded security element(s) of step (f) through a hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a rewinder.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF is also provided comprising of the following steps:

• • a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of a WSF casting machine;
  • b. casting WSF with or without security element(s) and metering and smoothening the same;
  • c. drying the WSF of step (b) in the primary dryer section;
  • d. casting another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s) at a secondary casting head;
  • e. drying the WSF of step (d) in the secondary dryer section;
  • f. unwinding a preformed WSF with or without a liner from another unwinder and guiding it to meet the WSF from step (e);
  • g. entrapping security element(s) between the semi-cured WSF of step (e) and the preformed WSF; and
  • h. guiding the multilayered WSF with entrapped security element(s) through hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a rewinder.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF is also provided comprising the following steps:

• • a. unwinding two WSFs with or without the liners from two unwinders;
  • b. dispensing the security element(s) in between the two WSF's; and
  • c. rewinding the multilayered WSF with entrapped security element(s) in roll form or sheet form or fan-fold form.

The security element(s) is/are dispensed in between the two incoming cured, semi-cured or uncured WSF's in a vertical position or a horizontal position.

The preformed WSF's used here can be water soluble films produced by a cast process or an extrusion process.

The liner used is treated or untreated and coated or uncoated and is of paper, film, foil or fabric.

The WSF can also be cast on a conveyor instead of a liner.

In accordance with the present invention, a method, in which WSF is cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble or non soluble depending upon the formulation formed from raw materials selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric poly vinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteinaceous binders such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such as starch, gum Arabic, pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, either alone or combinations thereof is also provided.

In accordance with the present invention, a method, in which the security element(s) is/are of overt or covert nature and is/are selected from optically variable pigments, multi-layer thin-film interference pigments, liquid crystal pigments, holographic pigments, interference coated particles, thermochromic pigments, photochromic pigments, luminescent compounds, magnetic compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds, micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles, nano tracers, security markers printed security features like barcodes, metallised fibres, metallised/demetallised texts, active molecules, DNA taggants is also provided.

The WSF embedded with security element(s) can be slit in ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons or cut sheets of any size.

The WSF embedded with security elements slit into ribbons, tapes, etc can be inserted into a package during the process of making a pouch. The ribbons, tapes, etc. will irreversibly destroy itself during the final usage when the entire pouch along with its contents will dissolve itself in water.

The WSF embedded/entrapped with security element(s) is in sheet form or roll form or pouch form as per the end use.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising overt security element(s) like holograms embedded into the WSF by directly embossing a holographic plate on the WSF preferably with a liner which can be detached after the process of embossing is also provided.

The holograms are imprinted/imparted on the WSF with hot stamping foil method or by an adhesive transfer method.

Other overt security element(s), like barcodes, microtexts, are embedded in the WSF by printing them on the WSF itself by known printing methods, such as inkjet, flexo, gravure, web offset and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising mixing of security element(s) in the printing ink and printing letters or graphics on WSF with the printing ink consisting security element(s), forming a part of WSF itself is also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a method in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an alterantive method in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another alternative method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments.

The materials of the WSF formulation are taken in the batch reactor and mixed intimately to ensure complete dissolution in the desired solvent.

The raw materials used for making the water soluble film are selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric poly vinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteinaceous binders, such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides, such as starch, gum Arabic, pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble cellulose derivatives, such as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose either alone or combinations thereof. However, these raw materials are by no means limiting. The water soluble films can be cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble or non soluble depending upon the formulation.

The preformed WSF used in the present invention can be a cast film or an extruded film depending upon the end application.

The security elements to be embedded into the WSF can be selected from optically variable pigments, multi-layer thin-film interference pigments, liquid crystal pigments, holographic pigments, interference coated particles, thermochromic pigments, photochromic pigments, luminescent compounds, magnetic compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds, micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles, nano tracers, security markers, printed security features, like barcodes, metallised fibres, metallised/demetallised texts, active molecules, DNA taggants and the like.

Some of these security elements are of an overt nature or of a covert nature which can be identified on the shelf or off the shelf depending upon the security elements embedded in the WSF.

Covert security elements are the ones that are not visible and will require a particular instrument for verifying the same. Examples of covert security features include pigments, dyes, nano particles, nano tracers, active molecules DNA taggants, and the like.

A WSF package embedded with covert security elements, like invisible inks or dyes, can be identified on the shelf under an ultra violet (UV) (long wave) flouorescing light source.

A WSF package embedded with covert security elements, like nano particles, can be identified on the shelf with the help of a 100× magnifying glass.

Some covert security elements can be identified off the shelf only as the package has to be taken to a laboratory having elaborate instruments and machines so as to read the embedded covert security elements. There may be a need to destroy the package in some cases, for example, certain pigments which are Infra Red light readable with an algorithm of software chain designed to read the reflected light and confirm the presence of such pigments/dyes/security elements or magnetic field readable pigments embedded in nano particles which give an audible beep when the machine reader reaches the precise proximity, etc.

Overt security elements are the ones that are visible and can be identified on the shelf almost instantaneously without the need of an elaborate laboratory instruments or machines. Examples of overt security elements include holograms, barcodes, metallised/demetallised micro texts, RFID tags, and the like. These kind of security elements are printed or embossed on the WSF and will form a part of the WSF.

In one of the embodiments of this invention, the security elements to be embedded in the WSF are added to the batch solution and mixed thoroughly before feeding it to the casting head for further processing. The materials that can be taken into the batch mixing are selected from those that are water-soluble, sheer insensitive, temperature resistant, like certain UV security dyes, or machine readable pigments.

In another embodiment of this invention, the security elements to be embedded in the WSF may optionally be introduced at the primary, secondary, tertiary and subsequent sprayers and/or at the second or subsequent casting heads fed from second and/or subsequent batch mixers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the security elements to be embedded are dispensed in between incoming cured or uncured WSF's.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the security elements of overt nature such as holograms, barcodes are printed or embossed on the WSF.

Casting on the Liner for manufacturing WSF Embedded with Security Features by Batch Mix Method Shown in FIG. 1 Comprising of the Following Steps:

• • i. unwinding of the liner (1) at the unwinder (2) for the formation of WSF. The liner can be optionally treated or untreated and coated or uncoated. The liners can be of paper, film, foil or fabric, preferably of film, more preferably of polyester film. The film can be in the range of 2 microns to 500 microns, preferably in the range of 10 microns-300 microns, more preferably in the range of 12 microns-250 microns. The film liner may be plain, embossed, gloss, matt, extrusion coated laminated or release coated depending on the desired characteristics of the end product. The paper liner that accept temperatures needed for production of WSF, may be in the range of around 7 gms to around 500 gms, preferably a range of around 20 gm to around 300 gms, more preferably in the range of around 60 gm to around 180 gms. The paper liner may be plain, embossed, gloss, matt, extrusion coated laminated or release coated depending on the desired characteristics of the end product. The fabric liner is made of cotton or synthetic yarns and solution coated, plain, embossed, gloss, matte, extrusion coated or laminated based on the desired end product properties.
  • ii. Optional coating of the liner with a primer via a primer coating station (3).
  • iii. Casting of the WSF on the liner at primary casting head (5) with embedded security elements in the batch mix (4). The temperature of the batch solution ranging from 10° C. to 95° C., preferably from 13° C. to 90° C., more preferably from 15° C. to 85° C.
  • iv. Metering of the cast film at the primary casting head (5).
  • v. Smoothening of the film by passing it through smoothening rolls (7) with the embedded security elements at the primary station.
  • vi. Drying of the WSF from step 3 in the primary dryer section (8). The temperature in the dryer section ranging from 50° C. to 250° C., preferably from 60° C. to 200° C., more preferably 75° C. to 170° C. vii. Casting of another layer of WSF with or without the security elements to be embedded at secondary casting head (12).
  • viii. Drying of the WSF from step 7 in the secondary dryer section (13). The temperature in the secondary dryer section ranging from 50° C. to 200° C., preferably 60° C. to 160° C., more preferably 75° C. to 170° C.
  • ix. The multi-layered WSF of step 8 is guided through hot/chilled cylinder (20) for rewinding or splitting at rewinder (21).

Optionally the above steps may also be carried out on a rolling conveyor instead of a liner.

Casting on the Liner for Manufacturing WSF Embedded with Security Features by Application of Spraying Method Shown in FIG. 1 Comprising of the Following Steps:

• • i. Unwinding of the liner (1) at unwinder (2) for the formation of WSF. Optionally a conveyor can be used instead of a liner.
  • ii. Optional coating of a primer on the liner via a primer coating station (3).
  • iii. Casting of WSF with/without security elements to be embedded at primary casting head (5).
  • iv. Metering of the cast film at primary casting head (5).
  • v. Spraying of pre-measured quantity of security elements to be embedded by primary sprayer (6).
  • vi. Smoothening of the film with the embedded security elements at primary station by passing it through smoothening rolls (7).
  • vii. Drying of the WSF of the above step 5 at the primary dryer section (8). The temperature in the dryer section ranging from 50° C. to 250° C., preferably from 60° C. to 200° C., more preferably from 75° C. to 170° C.
  • viii. Casting of WSF with or without security elements to be embedded at secondary casting head (12).
  • ix. Drying of the WSF from step 8 in the secondary dryer section (13). The temperature in the secondary dryer section ranging from 50° C. to 200° C., preferably from 60° C. to 160° C., more preferably from 75° C. to 170° C.
  • x. The multi-layered WSF of step 8 is guided through hot/chilled cylinder (20) for rewinding or splitting at the rewinder.

Similarly, one or more security elements can be embedded into the WSF by the secondary, tertiary sprayers to form a multi-layered WSF embedded with security elements.

Casting on the Liner for Manufacturing WSF Embedded with Security Features by Online Entrapment Method as Shown in FIG. 1 Comprising of the Following Steps:

• • i. Unwinding of the liner (1) at the unwinder (2) for the formation of WSF, optionally a conveyor can be used.
  • ii. Optional coating of primer on the liner via a primer coating station (3).
  • iii. Casting of WSF with/without security elements to be embedded at primary casting head (5).
  • iv. Metering of the cast film at casting head (5).
  • V. Smoothening of the film with/without the embedded security elements at primary station by passing it through smoothening rolls (7).
  • vi. Drying of the WSF from step 5 in the primary dryer section (8). The temperature in the dryers ranging from 50° C. to 250° C., preferably from 60° C. to 200° C., more preferably from 75° C. to 170° C.
  • vii. Casting of WSF with or without the security elements to be embedded at secondary casting head (12).
  • viii. Drying of the WSF from step 7 in the secondary dryersection (13). The temperature in the dryers ranging from 50° C. to 200° C., preferably from 60° C. to 160° C., more preferably from 75° C. to 140° C.
  • ix. Unwinding of a pre-formed WSF with or without liner from an unwinder (18) and guiding it through the guide rolls (17) to meet the WSF from step 8 for entrapping of security elements to be embedded. Both the liners along with WSF film, which may be semi-cured WSF and the entrapments, may remain in the roll form or sheet form in its original construction, stripping from casting liner can be done immediately or after an self-curing ageing period ranging from around 1 hrs. to around 720 hrs., prior to splitting the liners so as to deliver the final WSF product with entrapped materials. The preformed WSF used here can be a WSF formed by the extrusion process. The performed WSF used here can be a WSF made by a cast process or by extrusion process.
  • x. The multi-layered WSF of step 9 (ix.) may be guided through hot/chill cylinder (20) for rewinding or splitting at the rewinder (21). Optionally offline or online splitting between the WSF film and the liner can be done.

Offline Vertical Entrapment Method for Manufacturing WSF Embedded with Security Features as Shown in FIG. 2 Comprising of the Following Steps:

• • i. Unwinding of the preformed two water soluble films with or without liner at the unwinders (22 and 28). The preformed WSF used here can be a WSF formed by the extrusion process. The performed WSF used here can be a WSF made by a cast process or by extrusion process.
  • ii. Dispensing of the security elements (25) vertically in between two WSF's at guide rollers (24 and 26).
  • iii. Affixing of the two WSF's from step 2 at the affixing rollers (23 and 27).
  • iv. Rewinding the multilayered WSF with security elements of step (iii) in roll form or sheet form or fan-fold form. The casting liners can be stripped immediately or after aging period of around 1 to around 720 hrs. or can be supplied all together and the end user may be informed to strip the casting liner before use.

Offline Horizontal Entrapment Method for Manufacturing WSF Embedded with Security Features as Shown in FIG. 3 Comprising of the Following Steps:

• • i. Unwinding of the two WSF films with or without liner at the unwinders (30 and 36). The preformed WSF used here can be a WSF formed by the extrusion process.
  • ii. Dispensing of the security elements (33) horizontally in between two WSF's at guide rollers (32 and 34).
  • iii. Affixing of the two WSF's from step 2 at the affixing rollers (31 and 35).
  • iv. Rewinding the WSF with security elements, of step (iii) in roll form or sheet form or fan-fold form. The casting liners can be stripped immediately or after aging period of around 1 hour to around 720 hours or can be supplied all together and the end user may be informed to strip the casting liner before use.

The WSF embedded with security elements can be slit in ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons or cut sheets of any size.

The WSF embedded with security elements slit into ribbons, tapes, etc. can be inserted into a package during the process of making a pouch. The ribbons, tapes, etc. will irreversibly destroy itself during the final usage when the entire pouch along with its contents will dissolve itself in water.

Such methods offers various product options such as:

• • 1. Entrapped security elements in WSF with or without liner/carrier.
  • 2. Entrapped security elements in WSF in roll form or pouch form.
  • 3. Entrapped security elements in WSF in roll form with perforations.
  • 4. Entrapped security elements in WSF in sheet form with multiple pouches.
  • 5. All above entrapped security elements in WSF with casting liner for the consumer to remove after aging period of around 1 hour to around 720 hours.

A WSF film in the entrapment may be pre-embedded by a batch mix or sprayer method or any other method explained above.

The above sequence may be repeated in multiple layers as per the requirements of the end use of the multiple WSF's embedded with security elements. Furthermore, this method also allows the manufacture of a multilayered WSF embedded with security elements using combinations of cold WSF's and hot WSF's in various sequences. It also provides the options of using cured/uncured films of CWSF's and HWSFus in any desired sequences

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the overt security elements like holograms can be embedded into the WSF by directly embossing from a holographic plate/cylinder/shim on WSF. The WSF used for this purpose is preferably with a liner.

Holograms can also be embedded in the WSF with the hot stamping foil method or by a transfer method, wherein the holographic film is coated with an adhesive and the adhesive side of the holographic film is laminated to the WSF.

Other overt security elements, such as microtexts, barcodes, can be embedded in the WSF by printing on the WSF itself. The printing of microtexts, barcodes, etc. can be done by known printing methods such as inkjet, gravure, flexo, web off-print and the like.

All security elements and WSF shall irreversibly destroy itself upon dissolution of the package in water during final usage of the packed product.

As per the methods mentioned above, one or more security elements having similar and/or dissimilar properties can be embedded into one or more layers of the WSF to form a multi-layered WSF. Also, one or more security elements can be synthesized and can be added in the same layer of WSF. For example, DNA taggants can be synthesized with florescent pigments for on-shelf checking of presence of florescent pigment DNA. Actual DNA presence has to be done off the shelf by a method of PCR readers.

Also, one or more security elements can be positioned at a prerequisite place so as to come up in the same place in the final package. This can be done by inserting a strip of HWSF/non soluble hydrophilic film embedded with security elements into the web of WSF during the process of casting the WSF. The other way of doing this is zone coating of a WSF batch mix embedded with security features onto a preformed WSF.

All security elements and WSF shall irreversibly destroy itself upon dissolution of the package in water during final usage of the packed product. Covert security features like DNA, can be traced even after usage, for proof of usage of materials, by checking its presence at the place where the security film was destroyed such as soil or laundered clothes.

Security elements can also be mixed with printing inks and then particular designs or letters can be printed on the WSF. Here, the security elements will be present in the printed designs only and can be identified on the shelf or off the shelf depending upon the security elements embedded in the printing ink.

EXAMPLE 1

10 ml of Tracetag DNA T7 TAG 1e*16 was added to 100 ml of florescent UV ink and mixed thoroughly. This synthesized mixture of security elements was then added to a 40 liter batch-mix of WSF made out of the raw-materials mentioned herein before and mixed thoroughly. The batch mix consisting DNA and florescent UV ink was then cast on a liner as per the method described herein before to form a self destructive irreversible security packaging WSF having a thickness of 45 microns. This security film can be used for various packaging purposes.

The presence of the florescent UV ink can be identified on the shelf under a UV reading lamp but for identifying the DNA, the package has to be carried to the laboratory and a separate process of covert forensic PCR checking is needed. The remnants of DNA taggants can also be checked after usage like in soil in case of agrochemicals and on washed clothes in case of a detergent package.

EXAMPLE 2

100 ml of florescent UV ink was added to a 40 liter batch-mix of WSF made out of the raw-materials mentioned herein before and mixed thoroughly. The batch mix consisting florescent UV ink was then cast on a liner as per the above process to form a self destructive irreversible security packaging WSF having a thickness of 35 microns. The same WSF with florescent UV ink was embossed with holograms at prerequisite places. The holograms are visible instantaneously while the presence of the florescent UV ink can be identified under a UV reading lamp. Hence, here both the security features can be identified on the shelf. During the process of final useage of the package, the same shall dissolve, disintegrate and shall irreversibly destroy itself.

EXAMPLE 3

RFID tags were printed at prerequisite places on a hot water soluble film. This HWSF printed with RFID tags was then accurately cut into thin strips of 20 mm width. A strip of HWSF printed with RFID was then positioned and inserted into a web of CWSF during the process of casting the CWSF. This security element can be read by RFID machine reader which has been specifically designed to read the outcome. During the process of final useage of the package, the same shall dissolve, disintegrate and shall irreversibly destroy itself.

It is now clear that the self destructive security packaging film can be produced by methods mentioned herein before and that the same can be used to secure various types of packages to ensure that the rightful owner gets their earnings and the fraudsters are dealt with properly by the legal/judiciary systems prevailing in the respective countries.

Such security elements embedded WSFs are used for diverse applications, such as, but not limited to, embedding such WSF into a bed of pulp to make security paper, or to make a pouch or a web or a slit tape or any article from such a security film to deliver pesticides, seeds, drugs, vetinary products, agrochemicals, perfumes, softeners, flavours, detergents, etc., so as to identify the products while on the shelf as well as after consumption by reading the reactions of the security elements while the package is intact or reading the reactions of the security elements after the package has been dissolved and traces of such security elements can be observed on the used areas of the product which can be for example soil in case of agrochemicals/seeds or garments in case of detergents, softeners, etc.

A security element embedded WSF can also be converted into self adhesive web and subsequentially converted into a printed seal with a barcode, including a 2D or 3D barcode. This self adhesive label/seal can be applied for example to secure the opening of a package or a bottle with instructions to dissolve seal in water to open the package.

What has been described above are preferred aspects of the present invention. It is of course not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, combinations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water soluble film (WSF) carrying at least one security element incorporated in/on at least one layer, orbetween at least two layers, orone or more of a combination of (a.) and/or (b.).

2. A WSF, with or without one or more of a security feature incorporated in said water soluble film, as a self adhesive web and further converted into a printed seal with a barcode, and used for securing the openings of a bottle meant to be opened by applying water to said printed seal.

3. A package, comprising: at least one water soluble film (WSF) incorporated with at least one security element; andat least one material packed in said WSF incorporated with at least one security element in such a way that when said packed material is intended to be used, said film, as well as the content of said package, are able to be dissolved or dispersed in water along with said at least one security feature serving as a mark of identity.

4. The package according to claim 2, further comprising at least one material packed with at least one piece of said WSF incorporated with said at least one a security element in such a way that when said packed material is intended to be used, said WSF, as well as the contents, are dissolved or dispersed in water along with said at least one security feature for serving as a mark of identity.

5. A security element for use with a water soluble film of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2 or a package of claim 3, wherein at least one security element is of a nature selected from the group consisting of an overt nature and a covert nature, is embedded, entrapped or imparted in at least one layer of said WSF, wherein said overt security element is easily detectable without the aid of equipment and said covert security element is one which needs equipment for detection.

6. The WSF according to claim 1, wherein: raw material for forming said WSF film is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomer, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric polyvinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a proteinaceous binder, modified gelatin, polysaccharide and water-soluble cellulose derivative;wherein said WSF is selected from the group consisting of cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble and non soluble depending upon the formulation; wherein cold water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 1° C. to 30° C., warm water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 30° C. to 50° C. and hot water soluble comprises solubility at a temperature above 50° C.; and wherein saidWSF embedded/entrapped with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

7. The security element according to claim 7, wherein said at least one security element is selected from the group consisting of visible to the naked eye, light source readable, machine readable, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) detectable, and readable or detectable by any mechanical, electrical or digital device.

8. The security element according to claim 7 comprising at least one of: an object selected from the group consisting of optically variable pigment, a multi-layer thin-film interference pigment, a liquid crystal pigment, a holographic pigment, an interference coated particle, a thermochromic pigment, a photochromic pigment, a luminescent compound, a magnetic compound, an infrared-absorbing compound, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds, micro-engraved flake pigments, microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles, nano tracers, security markers, printed security features, barcodes, metallised fibres, metallised/demetallised texts, active molecules and DNA taggants; andan object selected from the group consisting of a hologram, a barcode, and a metallised/demetallised microtext being printed or embossed on said WSF for forming a part of said WSF.

9. A method for manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2 or a package of claim 3, comprising the steps of: adding at least one or more of a security element into at least one batch mixer containing batch solution of the WSF to form a mixture;mixing the mixture thoroughly; andfeeding the mixture to primary or subsequent casting heads for further processing for forming at least one security element embedded WSF.

10. A method for manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2 or a package of claim 3 comprising following steps: (a) providing a formulation of a water soluble film;(b) casting said formulation to form a WSF;(c) at least one of spraying at least one desired security element on the surface of at least one WSF or entrapping at least one desired security element between at least two water soluble films to form a film; and(d) drying the film which is coated or embedded with said at least one security element.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said spraying step comprises introducing said at least one security element at primary, secondary, tertiary or subsequent sprayers.

12. A method manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2, or a package of claim 3, comprising the following steps: a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of a WSF casting machine having a primary casting head and a secondary casting head;b. mixing at least one security element with a WSF raw materials batch solution in a batch mixer;c. casting said WSF on the liner at the primary casting head of the casting machine, with said at least one embedded security element, metering said WSF and smoothening said WSF;d. drying the WSF with said at least one embedded security element in a primary dryer section;e. casting another layer of WSF with or without at least one security element being embedded in said another layer of WSF, at said secondary casting head of the casting machine;f. drying the multilayered WSF being embedded with said at least one security element in a secondary dryer section; andg. guiding the film of step (f) through a hot chilled cylinder and rewinding or splitting at the rewinder.

13. A method of manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2, or a package of claim 3, comprising the following steps: a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of a WSF casting machine having a primary casting head and a secondary casting head;b. casting a WSF on the liner with or without a security element at the primary casting head and metering the cast film;c. spraying at least one security element by a primary sprayer and smoothening the film;d. drying the WSF of step (c) at a primary dryer section;e. casting another layer of WSF with or without a security element at said secondary casting head;f. drying the WSF with said at least one embedded security element at the secondary dryer section; andg. guiding a multilayered WSF with said at least one embedded security element of step (f) through a hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a rewinder.

14. A method of manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2, of a package of claim 3, comprising the following steps: a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of a WSF casting machine having a primary casting head and a secondary casting head;b. casting a WSF with or without at least one security element and metering and smoothening, said WSF;c. drying the WSF of step (b) in a primary dryer section;d. casting another layer of WSF with or without at least one security element at said secondary casting head;e. drying the WSF of step (d) in a secondary dryer section for forming a semi-cured WSF;f. unwinding a preformed WSF with or without a liner from another unwinder and guiding it to meet the WSF from step (e);g. entrapping at least one security element between the semi-cured WSF of step (e) and the preformed WSF; andh. guiding the multilayered WSF with at least one entrapped security element through a hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a rewinder.

15. A method of manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) of claim 1, a water soluble film of claim 2 or a package of claim 3, comprising the following steps: a. unwinding two water soluble films with or without liners from two unwinders;b. dispensing at least one security element in between the two water soluble films; andc. rewinding the multilayered WSF with said at least one entrapped security element in a form selected from the group consisting of a roll form, sheet form and fan-fold form.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said two water soluble films are selected from the group consisting of cured water soluble films, semi-cured water soluble films and uncured water soluble films, and wherein said dispensing step comprises dispensing said at least one security element in between the two incoming cured, semi-cured or uncured water soluble films in a vertical position or in a horizontal position.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the preformed water soluble films are water soluble films produced by a process selected from the group consisting of a cast process and an extrusion process.

18. A method of manufacturing a water soluble film (WSF) being a permutation or a combination of at least two methods of claim 9 to claim 17.

19. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

21. The package according to claim 3, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element that is slit into ribbons, tapes, perforated tapes or perforated ribbons is inserted into said package during the process of making a package for forming a part of the package.

22. The method according to claim 9, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

23. The water soluble film according to claim 2, wherein said barcode is selected from the group consisting of a 2D barcode and a 3D barcode.

24. The package according to claim 3, further comprising at least one material packed with at least one piece of said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element in such a way that when said packed material is intended to be used, said WSF, as well as the contents, are dissolved or dispersed in water along with said at least one security feature for serving as a mark of identity.

25. The WSF according to claim 6, wherein said proteinaceous binder is gelatin, said modified gelatin is phthaloyl gelatin, said polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of starch, gum arabic, pullulan and dextrin and said water-soluble cellulose derivative is selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carboxy methyl cellulose.

26. The WSF according to claim 2, wherein: raw material for forming said WSF film is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomer, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric polyvinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a proteinaceous binder, modified gelatin, polysaccharide and water-soluble cellulose derivative;wherein said WSF is selected from the group consisting of cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble and non soluble depending upon the formulation; wherein cold water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 1° C. to 30° C., warm water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 30° C. to 50° C. and hot water soluble comprises solubility at a temperature above 50° C.; and wherein said WSF embedded/entrapped with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

27. The WSF according to claim 26, wherein said proteinaceous binder is gelatin, said modified gelatin is phthaloyl gelatin, said polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of starch, gum arabic, pullulan and dextrin and said water-soluble cellulose derivative is selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carboxy methyl cellulose.

28. The package according to claim 3, wherein: raw material for forming said WSF film is at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomer, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric polyvinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alchohol, polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a proteinaceous binder, modified gelatin, polysaccharide and water-soluble cellulose derivative;wherein said WSF is selected from the group consisting of cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water soluble and non soluble depending upon the formulation; wherein cold water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 1° C. to 30° C., warm water soluble comprises solubility within a temperature range of 30° C. to 50° C. and hot water soluble comprises solubility at a temperature above 50° C.; and wherein said WSF embedded/entrapped with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

29. The package according to claim 28, wherein said proteinaceous binder is gelatin, said modified gelatin is phthaloyl gelatin, said polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of starch, gum arabic, pullulan and dextrin and said water-soluble cellulose derivative is selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose and carboxy methyl cellulose.

30. The method according to claim 15, wherein the preformed water soluble films are water soluble films produced by a process selected from the group consisting of a cast process and an extrusion process.

31. The method according to claim 19 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

32. The method according to claim any one of the claims 31, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

33. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating a liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

34. The method according to claim 33 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

35. The method according to claim any one of the claims 34, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

36. The method according to claim 33, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

37. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95.° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

38. The method according to claim 37 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

39. The method according to claim any one of the claims 38, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

40. The method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

41. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

42. The method according to claim 41 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

43. The method according to claim any one of the claims 42, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

44. The method according to claim 41, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

45. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

46. The method according to claim 45 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

47. The method according to claim any one of the claims 46, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

48. The method according to claim 45, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

49. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

50. The method according to claim 49 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

51. The method according to claim any one of the claims 50, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

52. The method according to claim 49, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

53. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the following alternative steps: a. treating, untreating, coating or uncoating said liner and wherein said liner is a material selected from the group consisting of paper, film, foil and fabric;b. wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 50° C. to 250° C.;c. casting said WSF on a conveyor instead of a liner;d. wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 10° C. to 95° C.;e. stripping said liner immediately or after a self curing ageing period ranging from 1 to 720 hours;f. mixing at least one security element in printing ink and printing letters or graphics on said WSF with said printing ink comprising said at least one security element for forming a part of said WSF;g. imprinting or imparting at least one overt security element on the WSF with a method selected from the group consisting of a hot stamping foil method and an adhesive transfer method; andh. incorporating said at least one overt security element in the WSF by printing said at least one overt security element on said WSF by a method selected from the group consisting of inkjet, flexo, gravure and web offset.

54. The method according to claim 53 wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 60° C. to 200° C., wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 13° C. to 90° C., and wherein said at least one overt security element is selected from the group consisting of a hologram.

55. The method according to claim any one of the claims 54, wherein the temperature in the primary and secondary dryer sections ranges from 75° C. to 170° C. and wherein the temperature of the batch solution ranges from 15° C. to 85° C.

56. The method according to claim 53, further comprising the step of slitting said WSF in a form selected from the group consisting of ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated ribbons and cut sheets of any size.

57. The method according to claim 10, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

58. The method according to claim 12, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

59. The method according to claim 13, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

60. The method according to claim 14, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

61. The method according to claim 15, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.

62. The method according to claim 18, wherein said WSF incorporated with said at least one security element is in a form selected from the group consisting of sheet form, roll form and pouch form.