Apparel label solutions firm ITL Group has collaborated with Applied DNA Sciences to develop new anti-counterfeit printed fabric label solution.
The partnership will integrate Applied DNA's SigNature DNA forensic marking system with printed fabric care labels to provide global apparel and footwear brands and retailers with anti-counterfeit solutions.
Applied DNA has incorporated SigNature DNA forensic authentication solution and Beacon optical screening technology with ITL's wet ink solution to create multi-layer anti-counterfeit solution for fabric care labels.
The technology is being developed for applying to printed fabric labels (PFL) through integration of their existing washcare labels or via the supply of a stand-alone PFL.
ITL is also planning to carry out further trials on its range of heat transfer labels prior to launching in the general market.
Applied DNA will design and formulate the DNA with Beacon-encrypted fluorescence in ITL ink at their laboratories in the US.
ITL European sales and marketing director Simon Phelps said: "Counterfeiting continues to be one of the most significant problems within our industry and accounts for around 10% of global GDP.
“The growth of on-line pop-up's selling full price fakes has only exacerbated the issue in recent years and new research has shown that now for every one consumer who knowingly buys a counterfeit product, there are another 30 or so who purchase unwittingly."
Applied DNA EMEA managing director Tony Benson said: "We have perfected the capabilities of our SigNature DNA and Beacon technologies for a wide range of authentication applications in print and packaging and we are delighted to partner with ITL on this project as it adds yet one more tool to help protect consumer goods in a cost effective, globally available solution.”
