Pragmatic Semiconductor launches NFC chip for instant pack tamper detection

Pragmatic Semiconductor has developed a new tamper detection product for packaging, the Pragmatic near-field communication (NFC) Protect PR1311. The chip integrates into products and packaging, including curved surfaces, to safeguard product integrity while preserving the outward appearance.

The flexible semiconductor technology company based in Cambridge, UK, says 

NFC Protect provides integrated sensing to detect tamper incidents, allowing consumers and brands to instantly see a product’s status and seal integrity with a smartphone. 

Sectors where product integrity is linked to consumer safety are also the most vulnerable to tampering, with categories such as wine, spirits, pharmaceutical and wellness products, beauty and cosmetics, industrial products, and baby and pet food being particularly susceptible, according to the company.

James Davey, senior VP of Sales, Business Development, and Product Management at Pragmatic Semiconductor, comments: “The value of global trade in counterfeit goods is estimated at almost US$500 billion annually, with the growth of e-commerce creating new opportunities for product tampering and fraud.”

“Pragmatic NFC Protect PR1311 enables brands to invisibly embed authentication and data integrity throughout the product lifecycle, from production to consumption. Our partners can now expand their product portfolios to provide customers with secure digital proof of a product’s status, giving consumers control and confidence wherever and however they choose to purchase.”

Scaling tamper detection

Avery Dennison and Amcor are among Pragmatic Semiconductor’s strategic investors to welcome the launch of Pragmatic NFC Protect PR1311.

Mathieu De Backer, VP of Intelligent Labels Innovation at Avery Dennison, says: “The future of connected products depends on more than proving authenticity — confidence and integrity are required throughout each stage of the supply chain.”

“NFC Protect has the potential to unlock a new generation of trusted, intelligent packaging and products. As a long-term strategic partner of Pragmatic Semiconductor, we’re excited to explore how this pioneering innovation can make item-level tamper detection accessible at true mass market scale.”

Frank Lehmann, VP of Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation at Amcor, adds: “Consumers need to trust that the products they purchase have not been opened or compromised before use.”

“By making tamper detection practical at scale, this innovation could help brands strengthen trust while unlocking new opportunities for protected packaging, particularly in high-risk industries like beauty, wellness, and healthcare.”

Industry reaction

Jinjia Group, a packaging provider for cigarettes, wine, and cosmetics based in Shenzhen, China, also welcomes the launch, with chairman Qiao Luyun stating: “Smart packaging has emerged as a critical touchpoint for brands to foster consumer trust.”

“By enabling seamless consumer interaction via NFC tags, brands can deepen connections with audiences and boost brand awareness. This solution also captures user behavioral data and consumer feedback to power targeted marketing campaigns, expand service portfolios, and refine pricing strategies.”

“Integrating tamper detection, product authentication, and digital interactive capabilities into conventional packaging marks an inspiring milestone for the whole industry.”

Sebastian Münscher, senior product manager for RFID and NFC Solutions at Schreiner MediPharm, provider of labels and self-adhesive marking solutions in Oberschleissheim, Germany, argues that brands are increasingly looking at packaging as a strategic opportunity for consumer engagement and brand protection.

“Pragmatic Semiconductor’s latest tamper detection technology has the potential to make product integrity solutions commercially viable at a scale that opens entirely new opportunities for brand owners and consumers.”

“As a leading supplier of RFID and NFC labels to the pharmaceutical industry, we see a great potential to include Pragmatic’s new tamper detection technology in our solutions for digital first-opening indication, such as our Cap-Lock Labels for syringes and vials, or our Autoinjector-Labels.”

Meanwhile, Lesley Suen, VP for Product and Tech at the Hong Kong-based SML Group, sees potential in exploring how Pragmatic Semiconductor’s flexible semiconductor technology works alongside SML’s expertise in digital identity and connected products. 

“Through this collaboration, we look forward to exploring opportunities to work together across product authentication, consumer engagement, and supply chain transparency, while gaining deeper insights into how these technologies may help address evolving industry needs.”

At SEMICON Japan 2025, Packaging Insights spoke to professor Yasuhisa Fujita from Shimane University about the latest film innovations and how these can be applied to advanced semiconductor packaging.

Also at the semiconductor trade show, Merck presented its packaging material innovation, lightweighting, and reuse initiatives, and Boschman showcased its silver sintering system, a die attach technology in semiconductor packaging.