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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

3S, a German security printing specialist, has announced a strategic rebranding, adopting the name 3S Group to better reflect its growing international structure and long-term development plans.

The physical landscape of the holography and authentication industry is changing once again. With the closure of its photopolymer manufacturing facility in Logan, Utah, Crane Authentication, part of Crane NXT, has transitioned the facility as part of a broader portfolio evolution while advancing its next-generation physical and digital authentication solutions.

In Pakistan, holography and optical security technologies are evolving. While secure identity programmes remain a key application, the growing use of these technologies in brand protection, digital communication and immersive experiences highlights their expanding influence across the country’s public and commercial sectors.

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a shape-shifting material that can dynamically change both colour and surface texture, mimicking the camouflage abilities of cephalopods such as octopuses and cuttlefish. Published in Nature, this breakthrough could enable advanced optical security, adaptive displays, soft robotics, and next-generation anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed a novel light-programmed system capable of projecting high-resolution three-dimensional images across 28 depth layers simultaneously, marking a significant advance in holographic display technology. Published in Light: Science & Applications, the research introduces a hybrid digital-optical architecture that combines deep learning with diffractive optics to generate volumetric images in a single exposure.

From advanced optical security and sustainable banknotes to phygital identity ecosystems, the 2026 HSP Latin America Awards showcased the technologies shaping the future of currency and identity. The most recent iteration of the Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards, presented during the High Security Printing (HSP) Latin America conference in Guatemala City on 2 June, recognised outstanding achievements across currency and identity.

When I attended the Security Document Summit (SDS) this year, the first thought that came to mind was how it was different from last year. This year’s event was held 27-28 May at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC).

In 2025, the global security technology, authentication, and secure printing sectors continued to evolve despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. The industry players reported growth, highlighting the convergence of traditional security printing with digital security infrastructure and intelligent authentication technologies.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) recently moved to rebut claims that its hologram label verification system, known as FarmaTag™ for health products had become ineffective.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have created a new hologram technology that uses light’s own properties as an encryption key, posing a far greater challenge for those looking to counterfeit security features.