In-plastic anti-counterfeiting technology authenticates medical device and pharma products

The global medical technology industry’s historically robust and steady growth—EvaluateMedtech projects a CAGR of 5.2% over the next seven years to reach a value of $530 billion by 2022—has a downside: It attracts counterfeiters. The World Health Organization estimates that 8% of medical devices in circulation are counterfeits. To counter this threat, which affects patient safety as well as the reputation of medical device OEMs and pharmaceuticals companies, chemicals firm Clariant (Muttenz, Switzerland) and developer of global security solutions Sicpa SA (Lausanne, Switzerland) have launched Plastiward, an in-plastic brand protection product for pharmaceutical packaging and medical devices. 

Plastiward offers an end-to-end solution integrating proprietary security features from Sicpa into polymer compounds or concentrates from Clariant. Data gathered from instant authentication using a handheld detector can be uploaded and aggregated on a secure inspection platform from Sicpa that facilitates real-time monitoring at global, regional or local levels. This enables pharmaceutical and medical device companies to monitor their products from factory to pharmacy, identify emerging trends and improve response times if action is required, said the companies in a press release. 

The two-in-one approach combines Clariant’s track record in developing polymer compounds and masterbatches for the life sciences market and Sicpa's expertise in protecting brands and products. The seamless package comprises security assessment, needs definition, security system design, system deployment and on-going performance monitoring.

“At Clariant, our approach to the medical and pharmaceutical sectors is based on controlling and minimizing risks of changes in the raw materials used and in our production facilities," said Steve Duckworth, Head of Global Segment Healthcare Polymer Solutions. “Plastiward is a robust, cost-effective, end-to-end in-plastic system for protecting brands worldwide.”