Luminescence Sun Chemical Security Acquires InData Systems

Luminescence Sun Chemical Security (LSCS) is part of the Sun Chemical global security solutions business unit, specialising in inks, pigments and coatings-based authentication solutions. In January 2023, LSCS acquired InData System’s (InData) patented invisible barcode reading technology, which consists of a variety of dedicated readers that can verify and decode ‘invisible’ fluorescent codes.

Under the agreement, ownership of the full range of InData’s code scanning systems, in use at over 70 customer sites, has been transferred to LSCS. LSCS will continue to serve the existing client base and actively market the technology through its worldwide sales network.

The dedicated readers for invisible barcodes were first introduced by InData in the early 2000s and were continually updated as new technologies became available. Current applications include reading invisible barcodes for brand protection, product diversion tracking and revenue stamps for beer, wine, spirits and cigarettes. The barcode readers can read a variety of UV, IR fluorescence and tailor-made taggant codes. LSCS offers security inks for all of these applications.

The key benefit of invisible codes is that they can be integrated into any design without impacting appearance or, as mostly used on revenue stamps, can be printed ‘underneath’ a visible bar code, offering the revenue authority two strings of data for authentication and communication, while taking up minimal space, which is often limited on a revenue stamp.

Gary Silver, Managing Director at LSCS, commented: ‘we have worked together with InData Systems for more than 10 years and have always been keen to add barcode reading technologies to our product portfolio. Together with our bespoke security inks, this enables us to offer a ‘lock and key’ solution to our customers. We will continue to further develop the readers as new technologies or applications become available.’

John Hattersley, owner of InData Systems, added: ‘after having worked on these technologies for decades, I am happy to transfer these into the capable hands of the LSCS team. I have full confidence that they will maintain the great customer relationships and continue to grow the market.’