#Raw Materials

2015-04-23

BASF introduces new anti-fake technology

BASF is leading the fight against counterfeiting in the crop protection market by investing in brand new anti-fake technology. In China the company is introducing an innovative product label that features an identification system developed by BASF and a local partner in exclusive collaboration. This technology will ensure that farmers in China can buy genuine BASF crop protection products.

Special color additive makes labeling unique and has now been integrated into all key product lines in China
Technology helps farmers keep food, feed and fiber safe
Next step of BASFʼs commitment to reduce illegal crop protection market globally

“Our new technology quickly proves the authenticity of BASF products and points out with clarity products that are counterfeited. We are committed to providing farmers with effective, innovative products that allow them to work in a safe environment and produce safe food, feed and fiber,” said Tracy Wu, Director Business Management Greater China, BASF Crop Protection.

State-of-the-art technology, exclusively developed in collaboration with BASF

The new technology, which has been developed by experts from BASF and a local labeling company in China, incorporates a special water mark into the product label that is invisible indoors but clearly visible in sunlight. In addition, the BASF know-how Verbund has created a special BASF color pigment to provide an additional unique characteristic that makes it even easier for farmers and retailers to identify genuine BASF products.

The technology has already been incorporated into the BASF Cabrio®, Cabrio® Top, Merivon® and Cantus® fungicide product labels since March 2015. Beginning in 2016, it will be incorporated into the labels of other product lines, and the technology will be updated.

Long-term commitment to reduce illegal products in crop protection market

BASFʼs investment in China is one more milestone in the companyʼs ongoing global fight against counterfeit crop protection products. In other markets, like Brazil, BASF has also invested in a tailor-made device that helps its customers to check the authenticity of their purchase.

The so-called DAF (anti-counterfeiting device) system consists of a seal containing a data matrix code and a modern bimetallic foil that can be applied to all product containers. Through directing a laser pointer to the bimetallic foil, BASF’s sales force and customers can identify the authenticity of the product: if authentic, the word BASF will be reflected. With illegal crop protection products making an estimated 9% of the total market, such solutions are of extreme relevance to Brazilian growers and further support to the development of sustainable agriculture.

Lenzing commissions 14 MW power‑to‑heat facility, strengthening grid stability and heat management

The Lenzing Group has successfully commissioned a new power‑to‑heat (P2H) facility with an electrical capacity of 14 megawatts. The installation converts renewable electricity directly into process heat, is fully integrated into the existing heat network at the industrial site, and represents a key building block for a fossil‑free heat supply. As project partner, VERBUND was responsible for the energy‑market integration and will operate the facility for balancing energy marketing, enabling it to respond flexibly to short‑term fluctuations in the power grid.

Kraig Biocraft reaches next step in production growth

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company”, “Kraig Labs”, or “Kraig’s”), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that it has produced more than 1.3 metric tons of recombinant spider silk cocoons in a single month. This is a new world record and shatters the Company’s previous production record by a factor of five. Today marks a pivotal step forward in the transition of spider silk from laboratory innovation to an industrial-scale material platform.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

Italian Textile Machinery heads to Geneva for Index 2026

An important delegation of Italian companies will exhibit at the upcoming INDEX 2026, the world’s leading event for the nonwovens sector, taking place from May 19 to 22 in Geneva (Switzerland). Numerous Italian exhibitors will be present within the Italy Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and ACIMIT, an exhibition area of over 140 square meters dedicated to the latest innovations proposed by the Italian industry.