Royal Joh. Enschedé (RJE) is mainly known in the Netherlands for the production of Dutch stamps and banknotes. However, the production of stamps and other high-quality security printing is not limited to our national borders. More than 60 countries worldwide house a variety of security printing at RJE. This also applies to countries in Southeast Asia where RJE has its own sales office.

Innovation in stamps

Although the use of traditional stamps is declining in Europe, innovations add new possibilities and extra functionality. For example, a stamp with Augmented Reality “comes to life” and a stamp with a unique code makes counterfeiting virtually impossible. A personal video message can also be recorded with a built-in chip in a stamp, which the recipient can view via an app.

In Southeast Asian countries there is no sign of a strong decline in traditional stamps and there is a lot of interest in RJE’s innovations. For example, in Southeast Asia we produce stamps for Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Despite local competition, we know how to distinguish ourselves by supplying high-quality printed matter. This is especially true for the more special stamps. Think of stamps with (cold) foil, embossing or a detailed laser punch. Each and every one of them special stamps that are also in great demand with the philatelist.

Governments

The international character and the high-quality printing of RJE ensure that local authorities in Southeast Asia are also increasingly able to find us. These governments must prevent counterfeiting of products such as visa stickers, tax stamps, certificates and other secure printed matter. Counterfeiting of these products is a very big and extensive problem. Not only because of the misuse of a forged document, but also because the relevant government misses out on large tax revenues.

Cheap is expensive

Many will wonder why a distant country decides to have its secure printing produced so far away. The more expensive Europe, higher transport costs, the lead time are points that do not play a role in local production, but delivery reliability and innovative security elements are often more important. A government must be sure that if one million certificates are ordered, exactly 1 million will actually be produced and delivered and not a part will be left behind or disappear. Many countries are struggling with counterfeit tax stamps or with real stamps that have come onto the market through other channels, with the result that tax revenues are missed. Cheap then becomes expensive. That is why they choose a printing company with a triple-A status, even if it is far away.

Future

South East Asian countries are growth economies that are in the process of catching up on every level. Secure printed matter will play an increasingly important role, for which people are constantly looking for (printing) techniques and innovations that make it as difficult as possible for the forger. KJE has proven to be a good and reliable partner for South East Asian countries. With innovations and quality printing, there is a good foundation for new assignments and growth in this region.