Materials science company DataLase, the specialist in colour change chemistry for the packaging, brand protection and document security markets, has announced that is has secured a further US$10m in funding for expansion.
The cash injection, from technology investor MTI Partners, Hotbed, the UK’s largest private investor network, and BASF Venture Capital, follows what the company says is the “outstanding success” of its expansion in the US and its continued global development.
DataLase claims it offers unrivalled expertise in the laser marking industry and is committed to developing patented, innovative laser marking solutions across sectors including product identification, anti-counterfeiting and document security. It says the latest venture capital funding will enable it to further support its expansion in the America (it already has a significant operation in Atlanta, Georgia, but is headquartered in Widnes in the UK), by taking on more staff, accelerate its growth and boost its r&d investment.
The company’s latest innovation is Casemark, a special pre-coated tape containing the unique DataLase ink, which can be used to apply variable data such as barcodes cost-effectively and accurately to packaging. On exposure to a low power CO2 laser, the ink changes from white to black, producing a positive image. A new Casemark applicator will be unveiled at May’s Total Processing & Packaging exhibition in Birmingham.