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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The brand protection landscape is entering a new era, marked not only by technological advancements but also by a shift in identity.

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) achieved record revenue in 2024, continuing its growth trajectory.

With its refreshed identity and broader mission, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) – formerly known as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) – is deepening its engagement with the global optical security technologies (OST) community.

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.

Crane NXT recently announced the launch of a new brand identity: Crane Authentication. This unified brand consolidates the strengths of De La Rue Authentication (the recently finalised acquisition made in May 2025), the Smart Packaging assets of TruTag Technologies, and OpSec Security (purchased last year).