Reconnaissance International has announced the inaugural Security Printers Forum (SPF), a dedicated technical event for operational, production, and engineering professionals in global security printing and secure manufacturing. The first Forum will be held in Bulgaria in September 2027.

All4Labels has collaborated with La Piu Belle Champagne to develop a premium shrink-sleeve solution that enhances the brand’s visual identity and delivers a more engaging consumer experience in the Chilean market.

LEONHARD KURZ has expanded and restructured its Digital Embellishment Solutions portfolio with the DM-MAXLINER family, which offers systems for B3, B2, and B1 sheetfed formats.

Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, the second Security Designers Forum (SDF) will be held from 7-9 September 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.

TOPPAN Inc (a wholly owned subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings) has developed Japan’s first plastic-free light-shielding paper packaging for the growing trading card market. The new pillow-style packaging eliminates plastic while maintaining product security, premium appearance and manufacturing efficiency.

Nepal is strengthening its domestic security printing capabilities, with the government allocating NPR 220 million to expand the Security Printing Centre’s capacity in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

Malaysia and Ireland have recently unveiled their next-generation passports. While each programme reflects different national priorities, both demonstrate how modern travel documents are evolving beyond security alone. Today’s passports increasingly combine advanced authentication technologies with broader objectives such as sustainability, user experience, national heritage and identity.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Thomas M Rajan, Chairman of Process Color, who died on 1 July 2026 following a cerebral haemorrhage. He was 84. Rajan is survived by his daughter, Mini Benito. He served on the IOTA Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023 and made a valued contribution to the Association.

Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer and KURZ have signed a project development cooperation Agreement to integrate KINEGRAM® optical security features within the layers of Q&T’s polymer substrate structure, with the aim to create a higher level of security integration than conventional surface-applied features.

Two stories in this issue may appear unrelated, yet together they highlight one of the growing opportunities for the optical security technologies and security printing industry.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a laser-based optical fingerprinting technology that identifies counterfeit alcohol and hazardous chemicals through sealed bottles, providing a rapid, non-destructive method for product authentication and safety. This advancement builds on collaborative research between the University of St Andrews and the University of Adelaide.

At the recent Security Document Summit in Beijing, Henan Province Wellking Technologies, a member of the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), shared a case study about protecting China’s edible salt supply chain. This example highlights how the success of the updated national salt authentication program relies not just on technology but also on implementation and industry standards.

RCF SpA, the Italian professional audio manufacturer, has strengthened its global brand protection efforts after winning a major trademark case in China. The company is also emphasising its security hologram as an important way for customers to verify the authenticity of products.

Researchers at the University of Utah have demonstrated a new method of 3D printing that avoids the leaky seams that come with the layer-by-layer process. Using a nanoscale ‘mask’ that diffracts laser light into a holographic pattern of the desired shape, it fuses its print material solid in one shot. The process takes about 20 seconds, compared to the hours required by other laser-based printing methods.

Structural colour has been extensively covered in Holography & Optical Technology News™, and in other technical publications concerned with nano-optics and optical security. The principle is well established. Namely, colour is generated not by dyes or pigments, but by structures whose dimensions are comparable with, or smaller than, visible wavelengths of light. The latest work described in this article is of interest not only because it demonstrates a new approach to generating structural colour but also because it addresses the difficult transition from finely controlled laboratory structures to continuous, economical production.

Following the roll-out of its national ID card (MyKad) in June, Malaysia has now unveiled a new generation of its passport. Both documents now have double the security features of their earlier versions: whilst the new MyKad includes 53 security elements, up from 23, the new passport includes 94 security features, up from 49 in the current version. Both documents include OVDs.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, The Pokémon Company has announced ‘30th Celebration’, a special anniversary expansion launching worldwide on 16 September 2026. For the first time in the franchise's history, every card in the set will feature a foil finish.

Dealmaking accelerated during 2024 and 2025, with events in 2026 confirming that consolidation remains a defining industry trend. From manufacturing and product authentication to digital identity and banknote printing, companies are reshaping their portfolios through strategic acquisitions.

The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) has introduced a certification hologram programme designed to authenticate Indian single malt whisky and verify compliance with the association’s production standards. Indri, the whisky brand owned by Piccadily Agro Industries, is the first brand to announce adoption of the certification hologram on its bottles.

Hazen Paper received four honours at the 33rd Annual Gold Leaf Awards in Nashville, held from 17-19 June 2026. They included three golds for best use of embellished poster, best use of holographics (self-promotion) and best use of transfer metallised substrate. The awards were organised by the Foil and Specialty Effects Association (FSEA).