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Silvergate, a colour and additive masterbatch manufacturer, has introduced what it claims is the UK's first additive masterbatch, which can be used to protect pharmaceutical and personal care products from counterfeiting.

Brand Protector works by incorporating a number of ingredients into a standard colour masterbatch, which show a pattern of dots when examined under a laser pencil light.

Silvergate managing director Tony Bestall said the presence of Brand Protector is not obvious and it cannot be replicated by simple analysis of a genuine pack. "Its very existence will therefore deter all but the most determined and professional criminals."

Bestall led a management buyout of Silvergate from parent Vita Group in 2008. The company employs 54 people and occupies a 4583,871sq m factory in Wrexham, North Wales. Its turnover was £6m in 2007.