In last month’s edition of Holography News®, we explored how bio-inspired security threads, showcased at the Global Currency Forum in Oman, are translating the visual complexity of butterflies, chameleons, oceans, and meadows into security print features. From Louisenthal’s micro-mirror innovations to Kurz’s meadow-inspired threads, industry leaders demonstrated how themes from nature are creating new opportunities in optical security.

As sustainability takes centre stage in boardroom discussions, industry stakeholders are implementing innovative eco-friendly initiatives. This article highlights some of the key developments shaping the path towards a greener future.

XRD Nano (XRD), a technology company based in the UK, is driving breakthrough innovations in the world of UV replication, focusing on nano and microstructures. Its solutions are being recognised globally, particularly in holographic packaging, transfer films, brand protection labels, shrink sleeves, security documents, and functional films. This article explores the key innovations from XRD that are transforming these industries.

In last month’s issue of Holography News™, we covered Japan’s new banknote series, all three notes in which feature holographic portraits.

Ceres Holographics, in collaboration with Eastman Chemical Group, a renowned name in chemical solutions, has unveiled the industry’s first fully integrated windshield featuring multiple holographic optical elements (HOEs) inside a single laminate construct.

Optical technologies, including holograms, continue to garner global accolades of , recently winning several awards at different events. From high-security applications to packaging, the technology is once again demonstrating its diverse range and colour in securing the world’s best brands, documents and banknotes.

Nestled among seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, Lisbon, hosted the Optical & Digital Document Security™ 2024 conference from 8-10 April.

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), which 20 years ago launched the Hologram Image Register (HIR) – often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the trade body – has recently expanded the register to incorporate all optically v variable security images. The result is the Security Image Register (SIR), the only database of its kind for the security community, which safeguards copyright and helps deter attempt to copy security images, inadvertently or otherwise.

US-based Crane NXT, whose subsidiaries include Crane Currency, Crane Authentication and Crane Payment Innovations, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Investcorp Technology Partners to acquire OpSec Security for $270 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments.

Uflex is India’s largest multinational working in flexible packaging materials. It is a global polymer science company with a turnover of $1.7 billion, and is one of India’s leading providers of holographic solutions used in brand protection, brand enhancement and anti-counterfeiting across a range of industries.