Identifying Genuine MCM Coverings Pro 3.0 & 4.0 Series
Authenticity Matters:
With the increasing global demand for this new innovative MCM coverings and their certified health benefits, it's essential to be aware of the growing presence of counterfeit products in the market. These imitations often masquerade as eco-friendly options but use inferior materials and hazardous substances to mimic the look of authentic MCM. Remember, genuine MCM products are created through a patented process that transforms inorganic waste into high-value materials, a process protected by our proprietary technology, trade secrets, and patents. Always insist on verified authenticity.
Be advised: Counterfeit manufacturers or any overseas seller may copy our images, descriptions, and marketing materials but duplication of visuals does not equal duplication of substance. Taka Design’s MCM brand represents an authentic, patented formulation product, backed by certified production, verified formulation, and proven performance. As a certified MCM Covering, it is officially recognized as a sustainable and recyclable green product under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS 043-140-4475), endorsed by the Singapore Environment Council.
Modified Clay Material (MCM) is a patented, precision-engineered eco-material developed through a proprietary process that transforms solid waste streams, such as soil, stone residues, and non-metallic tailings, into high-performance building solutions. Its authenticity is backed by two registered patents and rigorous certification, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Counterfeit products marketed as “Green products” undermine product integrity and pose serious risks to safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Precision-Engineered for Sustainability and Compliance
Taka Design MCM Covering is manufactured in a fully robotic facility equipped with advanced 3D printing technology, ensuring consistent quality. The factory is certified under ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), a testament to our MCM products commitment to operational excellence and responsible production.
This high-standard manufacturing process is a key factor in meeting the stringent requirements of the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), positioning our product as a trusted solution for sustainable architecture in Singapore and beyond.
Public Advisory - Beware of Fraudulent SGLS Certifications
Due to the increasing circulation of forged or manipulated certification images, buyers and specifiers are strongly advised to verify the authenticity of any claimed Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) certificate. Counterfeit suppliers may use photoshopped visuals or misleading documents to falsely imply compliance. To ensure your project meets regulatory standards and avoids legal or performance risks, always confirm certification validity directly with the Singapore Environment Council (SEC).
Verification methods:
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Email: Send the company name and certificate ID to greenlabel@sec.org.sg
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Phone: Or Call Singapore Environment Council (SEC) (+65) 6337 6062 for direct confirmation
Do not rely solely on packaging or marketing claims. Genuine certification must be traceable, verifiable, and issued by the proper authority. Insist on verified credentials before specifying any product.
To learn more about our Singapore Environment Council SGLS Certifcattion
Genuine Modified Clay Material (MCM)
Genuine Modified Clay Material (MCM) is derived from eco-friendly active clay and polymer hybrids. Through a patented process, natural inorganic substances like soil, stone powder, quartz, volcanic ash, and fly ash are classified into four mineral-based colors - red, yellow, gray, and white. These are micronized and modified using fluorine- or nitrogen-based surfactants to create high-activity powders. Polymer cross-linking enables gradual clay activation, enhancing long-term durability, giving MCM its long-lasting durability and weather resistance.
Unlike synthetic coatings, MCM’s color comes directly from natural minerals, offering superior resistance to sunlight and aging. This formulation enables MCM to pass accelerated aging tests of 4,000 hours of the accelerated UV, heat, and moisture exposure - with no discoloration, fading ,blistering, cracking, lamination, or excessive chalking, to achieve a lifespan of over 50 years. According to industry standards, materials produced from this modified inorganic powder are officially classified as Modified Clay Material (MCM), ensuring traceable authenticity and performance.
To learn more about MCM covering unique advanced features found in genuine MCM, including
Even importers—who are expected to be knowledgeable in building materials—struggle to differentiate between patented MCM and inferior imitations. Many unknowingly import substandard products, further compromising industry standards. Worse still, some imitation manufacturers fraudulently use Phomi’s lab test reports, photoshopping certifications to falsely claim legitimacy. The only reliable way to verify authenticity is by scanning the original QR code on the report, which reveals the true manufacturer behind the product.
Between Authentic MCM and Counterfeit MCM
1. Common Counterfeits Raw Materials in Production
Counterfeit products are typically made from low-grade, inactive materials such as fine sand, calcium carbonate, paint fillers, cement blends, or colored sand mixed with water. These imitations lack the structural production standards of genuine MCM. Most are manufactured in uncertified facilities without traceable composition or quality control protocols.
Such products consistently fail accelerated aging and weather resistance tests, as well as fire safety tests. Their environmental indicators exceed safe limits, making them ineligible for EU CE, US UL, and SEC SGLS certification, and they cannot be considered a green product.
These imitation materials not only compromise performance and safety but also lack the advanced features found in genuine MCM, including the core Active micro-porous structure and engineered with a superhydrophilic surface for stain resistance, which is patented technology for genuine MCM coverings.
2. Identifying and Avoiding Counterfeit
Even some importers, who are expected to be knowledgeable in building materials, struggle to differentiate between patented MCM and inferior imitations. Many unknowingly import substandard products when these sellers are everywhere exist with different product name in trade show, alibaba, online store etc.. further compromising industry standards as everyone knowingly that its Genuine MCM unmatched functionalilties are in trend of potential that this product will be demand in markets.
Illegitimate counterfeit inferior are a significant problem because they are often made from substandard, potentially unsafe materials that may poses serious health risks when used indoors, as uncertified raw materials may emit excessive VOCs or formaldehyde. These hazards compromise occupant safety and when applying onto outdoor facade, risk for quick discolouration, prone to chalking and fading when expose to UV and also can expose projects to regulatory and legal liabilities not meet safety standards
Buyer’s Guide: How to Spot Counterfeit MCM
Lack of Impact & Scratch Resistance
Counterfeit products reveal their inferiority upon simple inspection. Their surfaces are prone to chalking and gradually degrade into a fine, powdery residue on textured finishes, signaling poor durability and material instability. Over time, this weakness results in visible surface deterioration and compromised performance.
In contrast, genuine MCM is naturally impact‑resistant. Engineered from its patented composition, it maintains structural integrity under stress, resists chalking, and preserves long‑term durability. This inherent resilience ensures façades and interior applications remain stable, safe, and visually intact across decades of use.
A Simple Yet Powerful Test
The Scratch & Wear Resistance Test
Patented Genuine MCM Coverings
Counterfeit products cannot achieve the performance or aesthetics of genuine MCM because they lack precision advanced 3D robotic printing and the ability to manufacture with controlled nano‑grade glaze thickness. Authentic MCM coverings, such as our Pro 3.0 (0.87mm) and Pro 4.0 (0.15mm) systems, are engineered with exact calibration to eliminate edge exposure and ensure seamless integration. Counterfeit panels, by contrast, rely on crude layering methods that exceed 1.0mm~1.5mm, resulting in visible joints lead to "edge exposure" (a visible white line at the panel margins), block‑like appearances, and a high risk of delamination. This precision gap is not cosmetic, it is the defining line between patented, certified technology and imitation products that fail under real‑world conditions.
How Counterfeits Reveal Themselves
Counterfeit MCMs are typically fabricated from inactive powders such as fine sand or calcium carbonate mixed with acrylic emulsions, paint fillers, cement blends, or colored sand with water‑based binders. When counterfeit MCM made from cement is applied to exterior walls, rainwater exposure often causes efflorescence, leaving surfaces dull and streaked with white deposits. This not only reduces the building’s aesthetic appeal but also signals poor material integrity. A simple inspection method can reveal such fakes: submerge the material in water for 24 hours, then allow it to dry naturally and if the submerged end turns white, it indicates counterfeit cement‑based MCM.
Counterfeit panels made from colored sand present another risk. Under intense sunlight, their surfaces become sticky, attracting dust and pollutants that darken façades over time. Prolonged exposure to sun and rain accelerates aging, leading to fading and surface degradation. An inspection method is straightforward: heat the material to 70°, if the surface feels sticky, it can be identified as counterfeit colored sand MCM and non fire-resistance products
Visual Signs of Counterfeit MCM
Counterfeit coverings often expose their flaws through poor surface quality and artificial appearance. Some show seams, easily cracks, or uneven textures that reveal weak bonding and inferior raw materials. Others display dull, repetitive patterns that lack the natural mineral coloration and vibrant veining of genuine MCM. In many cases, counterfeit panels also suffer from surface stains or discoloration, further diminishing their visual appeal and confirming the absence of certified production standards.
These defects are not just cosmetic, they signal deeper structural weaknesses, including poor durability, fading, and a high risk of delamination. Together, they make clear that counterfeit coverings cannot replicate the patented authenticity, precision, and long‑term performance of genuine MCM.
