Doulton Water Filters Share Innovative Counterfeit Fightback Technique at WQA Convention

Doulton water filters will take the lead in helping companies from across the world protect their products from counterfeiting activity in a presentation at the WQA Convention.  The ceramic water filter manufacturer, based in Staffordshire, UK, has developed an innovative solution to protect its products and customers from falling victim to fake products.  At the international WQA 2018 Convention & Exposition, which takes place in the United States this week, Doulton Water Filters will deliver a presentation detailing the success of its authentication system in clamping down on fake copies. 

WQA: Showcasing the latest developments

The annual showcase for the water treatment industry brings together leaders from across the industry to share information on developments, new technology and regulations.   Doulton’s sales manager for the United States, Tim Evans, who will be delivering the talk at the exhibition in Denver, Colorado, said: “Our products aim to enhance the wellbeing and health of our customers, in this marketplace there is no room for poor imitations.  “The level of counterfeit copies in the water treatment industry is alarming, particularly considering the amount of investment and research that goes into creating these high specification products.  “Doulton is committed to protection and to this end created a comprehensive authentication system that cannot be replicated on fake copies.”  The water treatment industry has been plagued by counterfeit operators imitating their filters with inferior, sometimes dangerous, copies.   As the technology is contained within the product, flaws usually only become apparent on use and fake copies can appear outwardly convincing.  The reality is that these fake filters are manufactured with inferior materials that will not remove contaminants from drinking water.   Customers tempted by a lower price tag can be putting their health at risk if they inadvertently buy and install a counterfeit water filter.  

Authentication system

In response to this problem Doulton Water Filters, which supplies filters around the world, developed a two-step authentication system.  This works by a unique serial number being added to every single filter. When a customer buys a genuine Doulton Water Filter they can enter this code online to check it matches the company’s manufacturing database.  Tim added: “The WQA Convention is a fantastic platform to showcase the real inroads we have made into tackling the problem of counterfeit copies in the water treatment industry.  “Hopefully by sharing our insights more legitimate producers can stop counterfeit producers undermining their products and potentially putting consumers at risk.”