DataLase raises finance for r&d

Laser marking specialist DataLase has raised £4.9 m in its a financing round, of which BASF Venture Capital is providing £1m (Euro 1.5m ). Other investors include MTI Partners and Hotbed.

DataLase, of Widnes, UK, has developed printing technologies that use a laser to create images for product identification on packaging materials such as paper, plastic and metal. It will use the proceeds from the financing round to expand its marketing and sales activities in the US, as well as to further invest in r&d and expand its product range.

DataLase has a range of patented coatings and additives that react and change color with the simple use of an infrared laser. This process allows images such as barcodes or date codes to be quickly and cost-effectively applied to a range of packaging materials.

The company's marking technology can be used for anti-counterfeiting applications.