HK PolyU develops anti-counterfeiting ink

Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)'s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology have released an anti-counterfeiting ink that can be used for fast-moving consumer goods.

Professor Pei Li and her team at PolyU were commissioned by Hallyuen Holding Limited in 2011 to develop the ink solution. Printing with ATE Ink can leave irremovable trace marks so consumers can detect tampered goods. This technology adopts a fast-drying formulation which is compatible with various continuous inkjet printers. It is not only applicable to rapid packaging production lines, but can be printed on different packaging materials. The printed information can withstand physical tampering and leave non-removable trace marks. Users may also choose their preferred trace marks from a selection of ink colours.

The developers believe the Anti-Erasing (ATE) Ink, which can be used for food, drink and drug packaging, will be reliable against wrongful practices becoming rampant in the industry, such as reselling of spoiled food products, proliferation of contaminated products as well as losing inventory.

With Hallyuen Holding Limited as partner, the new product has been scaled up for commercialisation in mainland China. The ink has been welcomed by food manufacturers such as China Mengniu Dairy Company, which now uses it in production lines.

Related link: Food tampering, an extra ounce of caution