PCC introduces MiBatch anti-counterfeiting technology for plastics packaging
Plastics Color Corporation (PCC), a US supplier of color concentrates, functional additives, and custom polymer masterbatches for the plastics industry, has introduced the MiBatch anti-counterfeiting resins for the packaging sector.
"MiBatch was developed as an extremely cost-effective anti-counterfeiting measure enabling manufacturers and retailers to protect brand identity and ensure supply chain integrity," explained Tim Workman, Vice President of Business Development for PCC.
Counterfeiting is a multi-billion-dollar threat to consumers and businesses worldwide and compromises brand value and poses serious safety risks, according to the company.
MiBatch technology uses covert chemical or visual markers called taggants to provide a unique "fingerprint" to the packaging or product, protecting OEM or brand owners from costly recalls, repairs, and even litigation by providing proof of the product's authenticity.
"Since MiBatch is an anti-counterfeiting taggant that is placed in the material itself - whether in the plastic packaging or the plastic product - authentication can be done at every level of the supply chain," explained Mr Workman.
These markers are created through spray pyrolysis during the manufacturing process. The patented process produces spherical particles over a wide range of compositions so that there is homogeneous composition control. They are easy to authenticate but difficult to detect and replicate.
According to PCC, taggants in MiBatch are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and function under wide-ranging environmental conditions without affecting product performance.
Taggants are added to plastic masterbatches during the compounding process. XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and laser detection equipment (handheld or inline) is employed to "read" the embedded taggant signature and verify authenticity of the polymer, product, or component. The detection systems are tuned to look for specific elements and combinations for the unique taggant.
PCC introduced the MiBatch solution at Pack Expo 2015, held from November 2-5 in Chicago, the US.
