LONDON, UK – January 6, 2009 − Companies and brand owners using ultra-violet (UV) invisible ink technology to protect their products against counterfeiting could be leaving themselves open to problems due to the widespread, illegitimate availability of the technology.
 
This is the view which as been expressed at numerous specialist security conferences attended by marketers and security experts over the last 12 months, and has led to the emergence of a new generation of Infra Red (IR) security inks and coatings.
 
Standard invisible UV fluorescent inks have traditionally provided a basic level of product and brand security. However, the presence of these fluorescent inks is easy to detect as UV lamps, which act as the detection equipment, are widely available. Some pigments are even available online, making the technology available to counterfeiters. Although UV inks do still provide a basic level of security, the wide availability of the technology greatly reduces their effectiveness against serious counterfeiters.
 
To meet current and future anti-counterfeiting requirements, some companies have turned to IR as a security solution. Sun Chemical, the world's leading producer of printing inks and pigments and a leading provider of materials to packaging, publication, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, and other industrial markets, is one such example. The company recently launched SunGuard Apollo, an effective, affordable brand protection solution which helps to fight the ongoing battle against counterfeiters.
 
SunGuard™ Apollo is the entry level technology which uses specialist pigments from a secure supply chain and offers a highly intelligent, unique combination of security features.
 
In addition to an increased level of security, this technology is compatible with current printing practices.
If the printer or converter is already using UV fluorescent inks, SunGuard Apollo can be integrated into these types of inks to form an enhanced UV/IR protection. This will enable printers to offer their customers a security enhanced product without compromising on current style, design or color. The SunGuard Apollo portfolio is available either within the ink or as a clear varnish.
The detection devices that work in conjunction with SunGuard Apollo, are available from Sun Chemical only after the intended use has been clarified, so the distribution can be monitored closely. It makes the best use of security technology, and counterfeiters largely do not have the relevant detection equipment.
 
"Sun Chemical is proud to have launched cutting-edge technology which, in the long run, will have significant benefits for brand owners, printers and converters,” said Philip Berrie, Sales Manager, Sun Chemical Security Division. “Sun Chemical SunGuard Apollo inks have a unique combination of security features and provide a total solution. We are very excited to offer our customers an effective, good value security ink solution – all from just one supplier."
 
Sun Chemical is offering an audit process for brand owners which will allow the company to provide an analysis of how secure a product, and suggest a plan of action to achieve a higher security level without increasing costs significantly. This process is very quick and easy.  Companies should send their name, name of brand/product, contact number and print process used to www.sunsecurity.com and the company will notify them of the address to send their packaging to.