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™.

Last month, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) announced its newest member – SATORIS of Lithuania. It has now announced the addition of a further four prominent new members: SICPA, TOPTICAL, Q&T Hi-Tech, and XRD Nano.

Following recent management changes, Hueck Folien (HF) CEO Dr Martin Bergsmann has assumed additional responsibility for Production and Technology. This comes after Manfred Durstberger stepped down from the Management Board on 31 March 2025, concluding 14 successful years as Managing Director in that domain. Durstberger will continue to oversee the rollout of the company’s new vapour deposition system until mid-year.

IOTA’s inaugural webinar, titled ‘Seeing is Believing: Optical Features for High-Stakes Security’, held on 25 June 2025, lived up to its name. This was the International Optical Technologies Association’s (IOTA) first public event under its new identity, and focused on the essential role of optical technologies in verifying and safeguarding high-stakes documents, such as banknotes, identity cards, tax stamps, and branded products.

New technology from US-based startup SMS, called ‘Nanocoining’, is helping to bring nano- and microscale patterns to the industrial scale. The technology creates seamless cylindrical drum moulds for roll-to-roll nanoimprint processes with a patterning rate of up to 2 square inches (2,500mm2) per second – more than 500 times faster than typical electron-beam tools.

In the July edition of Holography & Optical Technology News®, we spotlighted Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer’s POLYSECURE SHIELD – the polymer banknote substrate with an embedded OVD. In this issue, we continue our coverage of banknote anticounterfeiting innovations with a look at the CBRI’s new approach to window security features, blending fluorescent effects with fine-pattern transparency directly in paper substrates.

US-based Lumenco, together with its subsidiary in brand protection (Nanopixel®), has announced a strategic alliance with UK-based XRD Nano to co-develop new- generation solutions in manufacturing microlens arrays and high-performance UV chemistry for brand security.

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

Optical security innovations continued to win global recognition. Recent award ceremonies across the currency, identity, and packaging sectors have highlighted how these innovations continue to protect these. In this article, Holography & Optical Technology News™ (HOT News) reviews several of the award-winning developments.

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), a leading Japanese technology and printing company, has signed a share transfer agreement to acquire 75% of Rubicon SEZC, a Cayman Islands-based holding company of the Laxton Group, specialists in biometric identity solutions.

Hueck Folien and IQ Structures (IQS), two leading innovators in the field of banknote security features, have announced a strengthened partnership under the Nanovista brand following a highly positive market response to their joint efforts.

ZEISS and tesa have formalised a significant technical partnership aimed at scaling up the production of large-format holographic optical components. The collaboration, focused on transparent display technologies, marks an important step toward integrating holography into automotive and consumer applications at industrial volumes.

SATORIS, a leading security printing house from Lithuania, has become the latest member to join the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA).

On 5 June 2025, Congo officially launched its new biometric passport. Developed in partnership with DERMALOG and led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this passport introduces a modern and secure travel document complying with the latest ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards.

In the ever-evolving world of high-security printing, Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer, located in Hanoi, Vietnam, has emerged as an innovative new player in banknote polymer substrate technology. The company’s latest innovation, POLYSECURE® SHIELD, was unveiled at the recent Currency Conference, held from 26-29 May in Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

Researchers at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Korea, operating under the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST), have developed a field- programmable gate array (FPGA)-based processor capable of converting conventional 2D video into real-time 3D holograms.

Japan-based Toppan Holdings, a global player in printing, packaging, and security features, is advancing its growth strategy through acquisitions, innovation, and support for startups. According to the company, it is reshaping its international presence, with a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging and security technologies, while investing in next- generation materials and systems.

If you’re a Pokémon fan, you’ve probably heard that ‘Pokémon TCG: Journey Together’ has been released recently and is now available at the Pokémon Centre (the official website), local card shops, and select retailers in themed boxes, bundles, and booster packs.

LEONHARD KURZ, a market leader in security and surface finishing technologies, has announced the integration of its subsidiary SCRIBOS, a digital platform provider which it acquired in 2021 (see HOT News August 2021), under a new unified brand identity – KURZ SCRIBOS.