Crane Currency has added yet another iteration of its micro- optics technology to its portfolio of security features – cBREEZE™. Engineered for high volume, lower value notes, it is designed with durability and cost-efficiency in mind, bringing the same visual dynamism and security as its sibling technology RAPID® HD, but in a simplified, more accessible and lower cost form.

The presentation at the recent HSP Latin America in Rio de Janeiro by Ian Brigham of Spectra Systems covered the new house note that has been produced by Casa da Moeda do Brasil on its Fusion™ polymer substrate. The ‘Boa Sorte’ note incorporates a level 3 taggant unique to Fusion as well as, for the first time, a new level 1 optical security feature from Oberthur – Kryptonome™.

The Uttarakhand State Excise Department, located in northern India, has enhanced its tax stamps by incorporating optical security features.

Set against the backdrop of Warsaw’s rich heritage, the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) 2025 conference will take place from 15-17 September, bringing together global experts to explore the latest advancements in physical and digital document protection.

As the authentication and print finishing industries evolve, innovation requires recognition to succeed. Awards celebrate achievements and highlight the collaborations, materials, and technologies that shape the future of visual and physical security. Time to remind you of a few upcoming ones.

The evolution of identity documents is accelerating. As countries modernise their national ID systems, a noticeable shift is emerging – not just in digital functionality but also in the physical layout of the cards themselves.

TOPPAN Digital Inc, a subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc, has developed a new colour version of its innovative Illumigram™ hologram. Originally available only in white, the enhanced version now presents multi-colour 3D text and images that respond to strong light sources, such as a smartphone torch.

US-based Holographix® LLC (a Headwall Group Company), provider of nano and micro-optics solutions, has announced the launch of specialised design services for microlens array (MLA) devices.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), previously known as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), has announced its inaugural leadership team for the new global trade body focused on optical security technologies.

In the January and February 2025 issues of Holography & Optical Technology News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Argentina, Mauritius, Romania, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Kenya, China, the Falklands, and Belize.