Techmer PM Partners to Apply DNA Tagging to Fibers, Plastics

 

Techmer PM, Clinton, Tenn., has partnered with Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (ADPN), Stony Brook, N.Y., a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology, supply chain, and product authentication methods—first for fiber applications and then for plastics.

The collaboration entails the application of ADPN’s patented SigNature T DNA system to tag, and authenticate polymer-based fiber materials and plastics. This application offers consumer and industrial product manufacturers the ability to protect their products by applying SigNature T to masterbatch pellets at the point of origin, and verify products as they move throughout the supply chain. Ultimately say the partners, SigNature T is designed to protect products and brands from counterfeiting, providing forensic evidence, and a trail to the source. It is reportedly safe, and has been shown to perform successfully in fibers and film, among other materials.

            Product development manager Bhushan Deshpande sees potential for application in film and injection molded products and notes that this technology is an option for any process where there is a requirement of a tracer. Here’s how it works:  The plastic part or film will contain a masterbatch from Techmer PM which incorporates a plant-based DNA unique to Techmer PM and can be further individualized for the end customer. In case of questions on the authenticity of the part, the part can be analyzed for the presence of the unique DNA confirming that the part was indeed produced by the OEM using the masterbatch.