IR inks to strengthen security

A new generation of infra red security inks has been developed by Sun Chemical to help brand owners fight against counterfeiters. SunGuard Apollo is billed as an entry level technology that uses pigments from a secure supply chain and offers a highly intelligent combination of security features to deliver an effective, affordable brand protection solution.

It is widely recognised that standard invisible UV fluorescent inks made from UV fluorescing pigments no longer offer real protection against counterfeiting as the pigments can be purchased easily online with a credit card. The presence of these inks is also easy to detect. The necessary UV lamps are widely available and low priced, so counterfeiters can find these inks and reproduce them easily.

So Sun has developed the SunGuard Apollo portfolio with IR responsive pigments which can be used either within an ink or as a clear varnish, including over-varnishing holograms without losing brightness.

IR security inks are far less common than UV fluorescing inks and they are never used for novelty applications. The detection equipment is not available widely and IR inks represent a real covert security option for protecting packaging, labels and documents from counterfeit attack, says Sun.

Another key benefit of using IR security is that nothing has to change when an application is already using UV fluorescing ink. The UV fluorescent element can be retained to fool potential counterfeiters into thinking they have found the security feature; however, the IR is in the same ink, so no plates or artwork needs to be changed. This will enable printers to offer their customers an enhanced security product without compromising on current style, design or colour.

Distribution of the detection device that works in conjunction with SunGuard Apollo is controlled by Sun and is only available after clarification of use. This ensures that the device is not widespread and prevents misuse.

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