At Luminochem, we continuously refine our portfolio based on technical feedback from the market. The demand for high-performance red UV fluorescent pigments remains strong — particularly in high-security applications where both optical intensity and long-term stability are critical.
Red UV-fluorescent pigments
A red UV-fluorescent pigment is a luminescent material that absorbs invisible ultraviolet light and emits visible red light. In the context of security printing, these pigments are typically respond to UV-A excitation at 365 nm — the standard wavelength used in document verification equipment.
For security applications besides the emission maximum, intensity and light stability are also crucial parameters. A stable signal strength required for reliable machine-based authentication while the stability is important for the long-term applications.
Red UV fluorescent pigments are distinguished from blue or green variants by their longer emission wavelengths, typically in the 610–660 nm range, which offer enhanced contrast against substrates and optical brighteners.
Importance of light stability and intensity
The lifetime of high-security products is several years and throughout this period, the security features are subject to cumulative daylight exposure from ambient sources, point-of-sale verification equipment, and repeated machine handling.
The security features, like UV-fluorescence should be detectable during the whole lifespan of the product, the pigments must not lose their fluorescence intensity or change the emission color.
For banknotes, ID documents, passports, and security labels emission stability is a primary specification criterion. In these applications, a UV fluorescent pigment for security printing is evaluated not only on its initial performance but on its retention of that performance across the full intended service life.
A high emission intensity is critical for a UV-fluorescent pigment because it determines how clearly the material can be detected under UV illumination. Strong emission ensures that the fluorescent signal remains visible even at low pigment concentrations or in complex matrices such as inks, coatings, or plastics. High intensity also improves detection reliability in authentication or security applications, where fast and unambiguous identification is required. In addition, stronger fluorescence allows the pigment to perform effectively under weaker UV sources or in environments with background light interference.
We introduce LUREDBN25, a next-generation red fluorescent pigment developed to integrate these performance priorities within a single material.
Applications in High-Security Printing
Banknotes
Banknote security features require UV fluorescent elements that retain emission stability across the full circulation lifespan which can be more than 10 years. UV-reactive inks usually applied by offset printing, contributing to multi-spectral authentication systems that are verifiable by both handheld UV lamps and automated currency handling machines.
Identity Documents
Passports, national ID cards, and residence permits incorporate fluorescent features into substrates, laminate layers, and applied inks. The extended service lives of these documents — typically five to ten years — place particular emphasis on emission stability. UV fluorescent pigments in ID document applications must maintain consistent response throughout the document’s validity period.
Why LUREDBN25?
Our red portfolio has long addressed different technical requirements:
- LUREDP8 – optimized for maximum emission intensity
- LUREDBN11 – engineered for enhanced light and chemical stability
With LUREDBN25, we introduce a balanced alternative that combines both characteristics.
Key Performance Highlights
- UV-A excitable at 365 nm
- Intense red fluorescent emission
- Excellent light stability
- High chemical fastness
- Suitable for demanding security applications
This specialty pigment integrates intensity and durability within a single formulation — supporting applications where long-term performance consistency is essential.
Engineered for High-Security Environments
In banknote and document security printing, fluorescent features must:
- Maintain optical response under repeated UV inspection
- Preserve emission stability over time
- Resist chemical and environmental stress
LUREDBN25 was engineered to meet these technical expectations.
Its remarkable stability ensures that the vibrant red fluorescence remains consistent for long time.
Expanding Our Red Portfolio
With the introduction of LUREDBN25, Luminochem now offers:
- 9 red fluorescent products
- Coverage across UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C
- Water-soluble and insoluble options
- Tailored solutions for security printing and specialty marking
Our objective is to support layered, future-oriented security design strategies through a technically robust pigment portfolio.
Technical Collaboration
If you are evaluating red UV-fluorescent pigments for critical security applications, our team welcomes technical discussions and sample-based validation.