IOTA Opens the Search for Excellence in Optical Security
The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) is now accepting entries for its second Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards. The global programme recognises innovation and technical achievement in optical security technologies (OSTs). Following the success of the inaugural awards in 2025, IOTA invites companies, organisations and individuals to nominate recent developments in optical security and authentication.
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NANOSILIKHAN Selected for Korea’s K-Brand Protection Programme
NANOSILIKHAN Advanced Materials (formerly known as NANOBRICK), in consortium with INOFRIENDS, has been selected as an authentication technology provider for Korea’s 2026 K-Brand Government Certification Programme.
Photonic Time Crystals - A Thought Experiment From Francis Tuffy
Researchers in France and Germany have demonstrated what they describe as the first all-optical photonic time crystal, using a plasmonic metamaterial whose optical properties can be varied at terahertz frequencies. The work provides a new way of controlling light in time rather than simply through the spatial structures traditionally used in photonic crystals, metasurfaces and holographic devices.
ODDS 2027 – Programme Confirmed
The programme for the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference 2027, taking place from 25–27 January in Berlin, has been finalised, reinforcing the event’s position as a leading technical forum for physical, digital and virtual document security.
After Pharma, Malaysia Moves Towards Hologram Protection for Medical Devices
Malaysia is preparing to extend its use of hologram-based security labels from pharmaceutical products to medical devices, creating an additional layer of protection against counterfeit, unregistered and substandard products.
Canada’s New Vertical $20 Bank Note with Advanced Optics
The Bank of Canada has unveiled its new vertical $20 polymer banknote at a special ceremony attended by the Governor General of Canada, the Secretary of State for Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, and the Bank’s Governor, Tiff Macklem.
IOTA Broadens Global Network With New Members and Tools
The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) has added four new members in 2026 and is expanding its member services, industry intelligence tools, and international technical engagement as its global network now spans more than 30 countries.
BOBST’s Metallising Business Defies Softer Equipment Market
BOBST continues to attract investment in its metallising technology despite weaker demand across the wider equipment market. The investments span barrier papers, holographic films, optical security and polymer banknote substrates. In the first half of 2026, the Swiss machinery manufacturer recorded consolidated sales of CHF 589.9 million, down 11.6% from CHF 667.4 million in the same period of 2025.
Anima™ Colour Makes Banknote Debut in Ukraine
Ukraine is set to become the first country in the world to issue a banknote featuring Anima™ Colour, marking the commercial debut of the latest addition to Oberthur Fiduciaire’s expanding Anima™ micro-optics portfolio.
Breath Note Follows Vault Bill in Hueck Folien 2026 Trilogy
Delegates at this year’s HSP Latin America conference in June experienced an unconventional opening when Jan Hofmann (aka Mr Bill Vault), Sales Director at Hueck Folien, stepped onto the stage dressed as a secret agent. Launching an interactive presentation titled ‘Can you crack the code of true identity?’, Hofmann invited the audience to explore a simple question: what truly makes a banknote genuine?
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