Fluorescent PCT Aggregates for Unclonable Cosmetic Packaging Labels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to effectively address the issue of counterfeit packaging for cosmetic and perfume products, specifically in the field of anti-counterfeit packaging, particularly in the field of anti-counterfeit packaging for cosmetic and/or perfume products.

Innovation Solution

The use of spherical aggregates of semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester, poly(cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate), with a size distribution of between 100 nm and 700 nm, which emit fluorescence in the visible spectrum, are deposited on a thermoplastic aromatic polyester or thermoplastic polyolefin substrate, forming a physically unclonable label for identifying and/or tracing packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorescent markers are incorporated into packaging materials for anti-counterfeiting, then product authentication capability is improved, but detection difficulty increases due to the need for specialized equipment to detect the fluorescent signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct authentication capabilityVSAvoiddetection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fluorescent markers that emit light in the visible spectrum (380-710 nm) when excited by specific wavelengths (405 nm, 488 nm, or 561 nm). These fluorescent aggregates are deposited on or embedded in the packaging substrate, creating an authentication system that responds to specific excitation wavelengths by emitting characteristic fluorescence patterns. This allows for reliable product authentication while enabling detection through relatively accessible fluorescence spectroscopy equipment rather than requiring complex analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If aggregates are deposited on packaging substrate, then traceability and identification are improved, but transparency of packaging may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetraceabilityVSAvoidpackaging transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fluorescent aggregates at very low concentrations (less than 1% by weight) that are distributed sparsely across the packaging surface or embedded within the substrate. This localized distribution ensures that the aggregates provide sufficient fluorescence signal for authentication while maintaining the overall transparency and visual appearance of the packaging. The aggregates are concentrated only where needed for authentication rather than uniformly distributed throughout the entire packaging structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite packaging system combining the base packaging substrate (thermoplastic aromatic polyester or thermoplastic polyolefin) with fluorescent aggregates of poly(cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate). This composite structure integrates the authentication function into the packaging material itself, allowing the aggregates to be embedded within or deposited on the substrate while maintaining the substrate's inherent transparency and mechanical properties. The composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of traceability and visual clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a transparent, undetectable security system for packaging that ensures product authenticity and traceability, maintaining the transparency and chemical resistance of the packaging while preventing counterfeiting.

Implementation Method 1

emitting fluorescence in the region of the visible spectrum corresponding to wavelengths of between 380nm and 526nm (blue), 493 nm and 585 nm (green), and between 585 nm and 710 nm (red), when irradiated at excitation wavelengths selected from 405 nm, 488 nm, and 561 nm, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP4282897B1Fluorescent aggregates of poly(cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate), method for obtaining same, and use thereof as a physically unclonable label for identifying and/or tracing packaging for cosmetic and/or perfume products
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
  • EP4282897B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282897B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4282897B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to spherical aggregates of semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester, poly(cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate), with a size distribution of between 160 nm and 200 nm which fluorescence in the visible spectrum and are deposited on a thermoplastic aromatic polyester substrate or a thermoplastic polyolefin The present invention further relates to the process for obtaining said aggregates and to the use of said aggregates as a physically unclonable label, for identifying and/or tracing packaging for cosmetic products and/or perfumes. Therefore, the present invention could fall within the field of anti-counterfeit packaging, particularly in the area of anti-counterfeit packaging for cosmetic and/or perfume products.