“I have been impressed with Crane and their work in Micro-Optic technology since it was first introduced in the $100 bill eight years ago,” said Matt Dunn, President and Co-Founder of Octane5. “It’s truly exciting that we are now able to leverage this intuitive and visually stunning technology for the brand licensing sector. Our team is gratified to be selected by Crane for this partnership.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Octane5 will be the primary partner of Crane Currency in the brand licensing sector for Crane’s patented, industry-leading Micro-Optic technology. This technology is unique for its ability to deliver a deep, three-dimensional image and fluid movement effects that are easy and intuitive to verify. Combined with a brand’s identifiable markings, the technology allows for brand protection products that are both highly secure and highly engaging to consumers.
“This is a partnership in the truest sense of the word,” said Sam Keayes, President of Crane Currency. “It’s important to Crane that we align with the best organizations, those that truly understand the risks that brands face in a global marketplace and are the most innovative in protecting them. The team at Octane5 has a great track record of protecting some of the most iconic brands in the world so we are truly thrilled to join with them in elevating brand protection in the licensing industry.”
The move into licensing is a new step for Crane Currency, which mainly works in the banknote industry. Crane Currency is a fully integrated supplier of secure, durable and well-designed banknotes for central banks all over the world, having developed deep expertise in design, paper and printing. Crane has a long history particularly in the USA and Sweden, having operated in those countries for over 200 years, but today it is a global company and a trusted partner of more than 50 central banks around the world.
Crane is also a pioneer in advanced micro-optics technology, and offers security features with engaging visual effects that increase the level of security and public trust in banknotes and now for branded products.
“Layering Crane technology with our marketing-based security approach is an incredible opportunity,” explained Dunn. “Our team has been part of leading this industry since 1996, and once again, we leapfrog the competition. We look forward to bringing this technology to the over 100 brands that we support around the world in helping them securely advance their programs.”
Concurrent with the launch of the Crane partnership, Octane5 is also making a substantial investment in its Alpharetta, Georgia facility with security hang tag and label production upgrades.
“We just finished a complete renovation and expansion of our onsite manufacturing facilities by 50% and are in the final stages of new equipment installation to bring even more capabilities in-house,” Dunn said. “With this expanded capability, and Crane’s US facilities, we will control our own destiny and not be reliant on far-flung supply chains to meet the needs of our clients.”
Those interested in learning more about the Crane/Octane5 partnership can reach out to Octane5 at info@octane5.com. Brands will also be able to see this technology firsthand at the upcoming Brand Licensing Europe in London, Nov. 17-19, where Octane5 will exhibit.