What is WaBi (WABI)?

Quick Facts

• Blockchain: Ethereum (ERC-20 token)
• Originally launched: 2017 via ICO
• ICO raised: $11.5 million
• Rebranded to: Tael (WABI ticker retained)
• Developed by: Walimai / Techrock, based in Singapore
• Core focus: Anti-counterfeiting for consumer goods
• Key technology: Tamper-proof NFC smart-labels linked to blockchain

Introduction

WaBi (WABI) is an Ethereum-based token created to tackle the global problem of counterfeit consumer goods. Originally launched under the WaBi brand, the project later rebranded to Tael while keeping the WABI ticker symbol.

The token powers a loyalty and rewards ecosystem where consumers are incentivized to verify the authenticity of the products they buy, creating a safer marketplace for everyone in the supply chain.

History & Background

The WaBi project was developed by Walimai, a company of Chinese consumer protection experts. The team identified a widespread demand for product authentication, particularly in categories where counterfeiting causes serious harm, such as infant formula, alcohol, and medicine.

In 2017, the project held a successful ICO, raising $11.5 million. Following the token generation event in 2018, the project evolved under the Techrock brand and the Tael name, expanding its consumer ecosystem across Asia.

How WaBi Works

At the heart of the WaBi/Tael system are banking-level, tamper-proof NFC smart-labels applied directly to consumer goods. Each label is paired with a unique digital record stored on the blockchain.

As a product moves through the supply chain, it is scanned at multiple touchpoints. When a consumer receives the product, they simply tap the label with their smartphone to:

• Instantly verify the product's authenticity
• See the full journey of the product along the supply chain
• Earn WABI token rewards for their interaction

The underlying Techrock Blockchain is maintained by a group of masternodes that audit and secure all supply chain transactions.

Tokenomics

WABI tokens serve as the primary incentive layer of the Tael ecosystem. Consumers earn WABI by scanning NFC labels, encouraging ongoing engagement with the authentication platform.

Tokens can be used for staking, purchasing products within the Tael ecosystem, and redeeming value through partner programs. In the Chinese marketplace, WABI tokens are exchangeable into Shijifen, adapting the loyalty model to local market requirements.

Ecosystem & Use Cases

Techrock focused primarily on high-risk product categories where authenticity is critical: infant formula, cosmetics, alcohol, and dietary supplements. Third parties can integrate the Tael token into their own loyalty programs, broadening the token's interchangeability across partners.

The platform's vision extends to enabling blockchain-based payments and loyalty programs across Asia and beyond.

Team, Governance & Community

The project was built by a multinational team spanning technology, marketing, and blockchain development roles, headquartered in Singapore. Key team functions included blockchain development, IT infrastructure, project management, and sales. The project maintained active community channels across Telegram, Reddit, Twitter, and Medium under the Tael brand.

Advantages

• Real-world utility: Directly addresses the multi-billion dollar counterfeit goods problem
• Consumer-friendly design: Verification requires only a smartphone tap
• Reward incentives: WABI tokens encourage repeat consumer engagement
• Third-party integration: Open ecosystem allows broad adoption of the loyalty token
• Transparency: Full supply chain visibility recorded immutably on blockchain

Risks & Challenges

• Project activity: The official Tael website went offline in 2024, raising questions about ongoing development
• Market adoption: Scaling NFC label infrastructure across diverse markets is logistically complex
• Competition: Numerous blockchain supply chain projects compete in the same space
• Regulatory landscape: Consumer data and blockchain payments face evolving regulations across Asian markets

Long-Term Vision

WaBi/Tael was designed with the ambition of making blockchain-based product authentication and payments mainstream across Asia and globally. The core idea of pairing physical goods with tamper-proof digital identities remains highly relevant, particularly as demand for supply chain transparency grows across industries. Whether the project ultimately delivers on this vision depends on continued development and ecosystem partnerships.