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SICPA
HISTORY 

  • 1927
  • 1930
  • 1940
  • 50s - 60s
  • 1960
  • 1970
  • 1980
  • 1996-2002
  • 2000
  • 2010
  • Today

Today

Albert Amon's Legacy

Today, SICPA is owned and managed by the third generation of the Amon family, which embodies the company's values of excellence and entrepreneurship with the same pioneering spirit and sense of responsibility of their father and grandfather.

Throughout its history, SICPA has dedicated itself to helping governments, central banks, high-security printers and industry find comprehensive solutions to widespread security issues.

In a world where no document or product is immune to counterfeiting, alteration or smuggling, our business has expanded from protecting most of the world’s currency to providing secured identification, traceability and authentication solutions and services.

Today
Today

2014

Launch of SPARK® Live.

SPARK® Live creates new dynamics of optical security. SPARK® feature is used in more than 40 countries for the protection of banknotes and ID documents.

2014
2014

2013

New euro series "Europa".

Progressive release of the euro series “Europa” (5€ in 2013; 10€ in 2014) with SICPA security inks and features.

2013
2013

2011

Development of machine-readable ink technology NEOMAG®.

Development of machine-readable ink technology NEOMAG® in cooperation with a Central Bank for banknote authentication. Awarded “Best New Currency Feature” in 2013.

2011
2011

2010s

Numerous traceability solutions implemented worldwide.

Implementation of SICPATRACE® for example in Morocco (tobacco, alcohol and soft drink products), in Massachusetts (tobacco products), in Albania (tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical products), in Georgia (tobacco and alcohol products) and in Kenya (alcohol and tobacco products).

2010s
2010s

2010

Acquisition in the United States

SICPA acquires US-based Meyercord Revenue Inc to strengthen its position in the tax stamp market in North America.

2010
2010

2008

First dynamic colour-shifting ink, SPARK®, applied on banknotes.

1st SPARK® ink technology applied on banknotes: in China to celebrate the Olympic Games and in Kazakhstan to mark the 15th anniversary of the national currency.

2008
2008

2007

Turkey and Brazil are the first countries to implement a secure product identification, traceability and tax reconciliation system – SICPATRACE®.

Launched in 2007 and exclusively designed to meet the specific needs of governments, SICPATRACE® is a multiproduct, multifunctional solution that integrates product authentication, production monitoring and secure track & trace functions. Implemented in various countries, these production-monitoring systems secure products and support government legislation to successfully fight counterfeiting, illicit trade and tax evasion.

2007
2007

2005

Divestment of packaging ink business to focus on security inks and integrated security solutions.

SICPA was one of the world’s biggest producers of printing inks for the packaging industry, operating branches and production plants in 36 countries all around the globe.

2005
2005

2000s

Product security solutions

In 2001, SICPA Product Security Division is established. Development and supply of integrated product authentication and traceability solutions to governments and brand owners.
Since then and in response to the massive increase in the illicit trade of goods and industrial counterfeiting, SICPA has developed a strong position as creator of integrated product authentication and traceability solutions for governments and brand owners. These solutions combine material-based security ink technology with information-based secure tracking & tracing technology.

2000s
2000s

1996-2002

First Euro notes

Participation in the development of the first series of euro notes. SICPA will then provide security inks for the new euro launched in January 2002.

1996-2002
1996-2002

1987

First note issued with OVI®, colour-shifting ink, in Thailand.

In the 1980s and 1990s, SICPA expanded further in Europe and Asia. The company created OVI®, a colour-shifting ink and anti-copying security technology which has become a reference in the industry.

1987
1987

1982

First contract with the USA.

First ink supply contract with the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

1982
1982

1970s

Expansion and development.

Development of new generations of water-wiping inks and non-setoff intaglio inks as well as UV inks and varnishes for offset printing. Expansion in North America and South America.

1970s
1970s

1969

SICPA’s standards of print quality and security ink properties are adopted by Interpol.

On its own initiative, SICPA defined standards for the print quality and the chemical and physical resistance of the inks in order to ensure that printed banknotes were suitable for circulation in the most demanding climatic and cultural conditions. This work, monitored by the Lausanne University Institute of Criminology, was endorsed by Interpol in 1969. The norms it established were adopted by banknote printers worldwide and are still valid today.

1969
1969

50s - 60s

Established pan-European operating presence; development of intaglio security inks.

In the 1950s and 1960s the company expanded in Europe and overseas, almost exclusively focused on the production of printing inks. Its research in ink chemistry and formulation enabled SICPA to supply new intaglio security inks for currencies and to establish quality standards.

50s - 60s
50s - 60s

1943

First security inks applied on the Spanish peseta.

SICPA produced its first supplies of security inks in the 1940s for the Spanish peseta banknotes. Under the leadership of Maurice's son, Albert Amon (1916-2010), the company earned a reputation for stability based on a long-term vision.
A gifted and charismatic communicator, Albert Amon succeeded in forging long-term partnerships with industry leaders and is recognised as one of the pioneers who raised the security inks industry from the banknote-crafting model of the 1950s to its current level of professionalisation and sophistication.

1943
1945-1381

1938

Beginning of printing inks’ production.

Production of commercial inks for offset, letterpress, newsprint.

1938
1938

1927

SICPA is founded by Maurice Amon in Lausanne, Switzerland

Founded by Maurice Amon (1880-1959), the Swiss company started by supplying the agricultural and food industries with its main product, a special fat used in the milking of cows. The quality of Swiss milk and cream was already internationally appreciated and used in Switzerland’s famous chocolate and cheeses. Originally meaning “Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires” (Industrial and Commercial Food Products Company), the acronym SICPA was subsequently used as the company name.

1927
1927