Active labeling

The methods applied measure minute but stable variations in the isotopic composition of all naturally occurring materials. Specific modification of this variation, through the addition of small quantities of stable isotopes, is therefore possible at reasonable prices.

Alternatively, a small amount of a known labeled material can be added and then re-separated from the product. The labeling can also be used for substances contained in the material itself.

One of the primary procedures applied is the patented ISO-ID® procedure, whereby minute quantities of heavy water are used at high dilution.  Natural waters are always formed by set ratios of the two stable isotope pairs of hydrogen and oxygen (D/H and ¹⁸O and ¹⁶O of the water). If one of them is changed slightly, then the material is labeled, without the information about the geographical origin of the material being lost. Yet the modification remains in the order of what is observed in natural variation.

Other product-specific markers are also available or can be adapted in close concert with the user, to whom they are made specifically available. Inert stable-isotope labeled substances have also proved to be particularly useful. These can also be demonstrated from labeling in small quantities and therefore at low cost.

Advantages

• No chemical modification in the product
• Adaptation to the product
• Proof of origin is maintained
• Labeling can be regulated to distinguish between individual batches or production plants
• It is possible to mix several labeled components
• Legally watertight product testing, independant from documents
• Difficult to forge because invisible and only detectable by special analysis

Benefits

• Independant from documentation
• Prevents distortion of competition through plagiarism
• Prevents recourse claims through plagiarism
• Provides evidence of production site in accordance with due diligence requirements
• Effective marketing tool for commodities
• The label remains detectable even following further handling and treatment or processing

Standort

Agroisolab