PWPW develops solutions to secure documents and prints. The activities focus on developing proprietary, unique substrates, inks, manufacturing technologies as well as dedicated security features, including:

TECHNOLOGIES

• BioID System – a comprehensive PWPW solution dedicated to issuing biometric documents
• PCP® – Polycarbonate Colour Personalisation technology (inside the card)
• e-Datapage – fixing technology for the polycarbonate personalised page in a passport
• SmartApp® – application for microprocessors that associates a physical document with an IT system

SECURITY FEATURES

• SafeI® – a window security feature including optically variable elements (e.g. MLI) and personalisation
• Extreme ID® – personalised fire-resistant element embedded in a card structure
• TLE® – transparent laser engraving, e.g. with a time stamp
• Verso ID® – personalised recto-verso element

SUBSTRATES

• LEAP® – Laser Engravable Anti-counterfeiting Paper
• Fortis™ – cotton paper
• Fortis™ Pro – paper with an anti-soiling coating resistant to dirt
• Fortis™ Composite – paper including synthetic fibres

VARNISHES AND INKS

• Coat4Note® – varnish strengthening, e.g. banknotes
• IRevident® – ink visible solely in near IR

PWPW has been conducting research aimed at developing better and better security features for identification documents. This is particularly important for the State security and requires system solutions where the key role is played by biometric techniques. Extensive technical capacities as well as own research laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art biometric devices make it possible for PWPW to develop and implement even more perfect solutions in the area of automatic user recognition. PWPW has broad experience in the implementation of biometric technique into already existing systems.

In 2005, PWPW, in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, launched a pilot project consisting in the issuance of biometric passports. Experience gained in this project was used to develop a system for personalisation of biometric passports for Lithuania (project launched in 2007). As part of the contract, PWPW delivered complete biometric passport booklets classified as one of the best secured documents in the world, together with a system for electronic and visual personalisation.

The gained knowledge helped PWPW upon implementation of a complex system for the issuance of Polish passports with two biometric features. From 28 August 2006, the first feature was introduced into the passports, i.e., a biometric face photograph.

The introduction of fingerprints (the second biometric feature) into the passport was preceded by launching a pilot system to produce a fully functional solution. On 29 June 2009, the target system of passports with two biometric features (i.e., face photograph and recorded fingerprints) was launched.

As part of its export activities, in 2011, PWPW signed an agreement on implementation of a complete production system for identification documents and biometric passports in the Republic of Armenia. We delivered equipment for over 60 remote passport offices, supplied machines, hardware and software for the Personalisation Centre and provided day-to-day servicing.

Thanks to the knowledge and experience of our experts, since 2013 we have been participating in establishing a passport system in Bangladesh.

Experience gained upon the implementation of biometrics in large-scale systems together with further research and development work constitute perfect references for future projects. To present our capacities and skills, we have opened an exhibition in the main building of PWPW where our potential clients may learn more of biometric techniques offered by PWPW.

e-Datapage – stiff polycarbonate personalised page with a microchip

PWPW e-Datapage – a stiff polycarbonate personalised page offers high durability and the highest level of security. When used in a passport it makes it possible to apply both the security features used in paper documents as well as those used in plastic cards. Thanks to the unique solution where one interior layer extends beyond other layers to form a stretchable polyester hinge to securely stich the polycarbonate personalised page with the passport booklet, the solution meets the most stringent standards of document integrity. Otherwise than in competitive products, PWPW e-Datapage technology makes it impossible to separate the hinge from the data page without damaging its internal structure and leaving visible, permanent traces of the crime. The hinge layer is combined with the RFID inlay containing a contactless microchip with antenna and with the remaining polycarbonate layers via secure stitching. Special bookbinding thread is used for the stitching (it is UV-luminescent or active in infrared). Subjected to high temperature, the stitching’s threads become irreversibly combined with polycarbonate.

Passports with PWPW e-Datapage have been numerously tested for their durability both in the laboratories of PWPW as well as in external accredited Smithers Pira laboratories in Great Britain. The tests proved full compliance of the developed technology with the latest ICAO technical requirements for biometric passports.

Awards:

• June 2013 – gold medal at 28th INPEX International Invention and New Product Exhibition in Pittsburgh in the sector of security and security features
• June 2013 – special award Innovator Cup INPEX 2013.

This is a complex solution combining a physical card with a special IT system. It is intended for electronic travel documents and identity documents, for example, electronic passports, residence cards, identity cards. It has been already used, among others, in documents for Armenia and Lithuania.

Advanced technologies used in this product guarantee the highest level of protection of the stored data, including sensitive biometric data, concurrently providing broader possibilities for the document verification system, are more friendly for users and inspection/control authorities. Security mechanisms implemented in this product protect integrity and authenticity of the stored data, prevent its counterfeiting and unauthorised reading, and enable faster immigration control and better border protection.

PWPW SmartApp-ID encompasses state-of-the-art Supplemental Access Control (SAC) mechanism which, in accordance with the requirements of the EU law, must be used in all electronic passports issued after 31 December 2014. The level of compliance with SAC protocol and EAC mechanisms meets the most recent international standards set by ICAO.

Achievements:

• May 2013 – the solution was positively tested for SAC passports at the Security Document World 2013 Conference in London

TLE® – transparent Laser Engraving

Thanks to this technique transparent raised markings in the form of a sequence of digits or characters may be applied on the surface of a polycarbonate document. This technology allows for using the personalisation data, which is not possible in the case of popular embossing technology (use of identical panes for the whole issue of documents).

TLE® personalisation process consists in applying alphanumeric markings with time stamping on the surface of a polycarbonate card. The time stamping in TLE® provides information on the moment connected with one of document production stages, for example, the moment when it is placed on the card. Thanks to this solution, it is possible to track the process of document issuance and its identification in circulation. In addition, the authenticity of a document may be verified through checking (in a confidential database) whether such document has actually been produced on the date specified in its time stamping.

The placing of TLE® markings does not reduce document legibility in its everyday use as the markings are transparent and simultaneously constitute an efficient first degree security feature possible to verify without the need to use specialised equipment or devices.

The TLE® solution has been implemented in the new driving licences, identity cards and business IDs for train drivers.

Awards:

• November 2013 – first distinction in the "2013 Innovation Laurel" contest in the category of the best innovative product.

VERSO ID ® – personalised recto-verso element

VERSO ID® is a personalised recto-verso element consisting of two partial images generated by a function whose value depends on data personalised for the given secured document, determining the method of cutting of the element visible in the clearance between recto and verso. They are applied in a very precise manner on opposite sides of the document, thus forming a complete image in transmitting light.

In order to use VERSO ID®, at first, in its necessary to produce a personalised document with a semi-transparent section. Next, both partial images are generated by an algorithm which uses a function dependent on data personalised for the given document (for example, a photograph and form number). At the final stage, VERSO ID® security feature is applied onto the document (in the enhanced transparency section) with the use of laser engraving technique. Due to the fact that the algorithm is based on a combination of unique personalised data, the received partial images are also unique.

During the verification process, the said uniqueness of data is made use of: the document is scanned, the VERSO ID® element is located by a specialised programme, the number is read, and the photograph is transformed into its mathematical interpretation. Based on this data the algorithm generates a mask and superimposes it on the scanned VERSO ID® element for comparison. As a result a binary response is returned: match or no match.

PCP ® – Polycarbonate Colour Personalisation

Thanks to this technique a colour photograph may be placed in multilayer structure of a polycarbonate card. This innovative solution combines the card personalisation process with its production.

Thanks to placing a colour photograph in one of the layers and its subsequent closing in the structure of the whole card, any counterfeiting attempt leaves visible traces.

Since personalisation is one of the stages of the production process, there are no empty forms of documents in circulation which eliminates a possibility of their potential unauthorised use.

LEAP ® – Laser Engravable Anti-Counterfeiting Paper

LEAP® – this type of paper is made from a special pulp and a coating solution thanks to which it may be covered with a clear and legible picture made through laser engraving, without the need to laminate it with plastic foil. In the past, the laser engraving method could be used in personalisation of documents on polycarbonate substrate or on laminated polycarbonate and paper only.

The new composition of such paper makes it possible to leave an engraving trail not only on the paper surface, but also within the paper pulp. This produces an interesting effect consisting in the reinforcement of an image viewed against the transmitting light (similar to watermark effect). Records made with this method may be detected by touch.

All security elements dedicated to paper substrate (watermark, chemical security features, security thread, security fibres) may be placed in the laser engravable paper. The paper is compatible with printing and personalisation techniques used in the production of documents.