Anti-counterfeit technology: news in brief

Rigaku's handheld analyser, security polymers from Celanese, an award for Schreiner plus authentication start-up Asly.

Rigaku Raman Technologies has launched a new handheld analyser for materials identification at the Pittcon exhibition in Chicago, US. Called the Progeny, the new analyser is aimed at the pharma and chemical markets and is claimed to be the first on the market that uses a 1064nm laser that increases the speed and sensitivity of analyses and broadens the range of materials that can be measured. The unit offers "improved ease of use, adaptability and reliability," according to the company.

Chemical company Celanese Corp has introduced a range of detectable polymers that can be used by manufacturers of engineered plastic products and components to incorporate anti-counterfeit technology. The polymers are initially being targeted at customers in the automotive parts, consumer products, medical devices, packaging and consumer electronics sectors. The updated range includes ultraviolet- and X ray-detectable polymers and colour-coded small particles that are detectable using microscopy.

Schreiner ProSecure has won the World Label Award for its BMW Logistics Seal, designed to prevent falsified spare parts from reaching the supply chain. The logistics seals allow visual authentication via overt security motifs, as well as covert features for verification by authorized groups such as quality assurance departments, investigators and trade partners and forensic markers that can be referenced in court.

The list of companies offering mobile authentication services for industry has been swelled by Egyptian start-up Asly, which is promoting its SMS-based verification to the pharma, automotive and tobacco sectors, with ambitions to break into luxury goods and food as well. The company - which is concentrating its efforts initially on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is also working on a mobile verification app.