Latest News

627 articles online

All 3D Printing Appointments Art & Design AR & VR Associations Authentication Strategy Awards Banknotes Brand Protection Case Studies Collaborations Companies Currency Displays Editorial Events Free Holographic Optical Element (HOE) Holography ID & Secure Documents Interviews IOTA (IHMA) IOTA Members Listing Machines & Resins Medical Imaging Mergers & Acquisitions Nano-Optics News Optical Security Origination Technology Packaging Security Foils Strategy Studies, Reports Sustainability Tax Stamps Technical Features

Chander S Jeena

21 Sept. 2026

3 min read

New Documents Announced Across the Americas

A new wave of secure identity documents is currently being introduced throughout North America as governments renew their driver's licences and identification cards to enhance security, increase personalisation, and update their designs. In the United States, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Oklahoma, as well as Alberta in Canada, have launched redesigned credentials that include new security features, benefit from updated production technologies, and have distinctive visual elements.

ID & Secure Documents

Chander S Jeena

21 Sept. 2026

2 min read

CCL Secure Expands Its OVD Arsenal for Polymer Banknotes

CCL Secure has expanded the capabilities at its polymer substrate production facility in Querétaro, Mexico, with the installation of a new OptiNota-H from Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions. Per CCL Secure, the new state-of-the-art line is the region’s only dedicated capability for applying advanced optical security features to polymer banknote substrates – and will serve customers worldwide.

Banknotes Companies Free

Chander S Jeena

21 Sept. 2026

2 min read

Marking 40 Years of China’s Optical Security Industry

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the development of China’s holography and optical security industry. To mark the milestone, Suzhou Image Technology Co Ltd (IMAGE Tech) will host the Sino-International Holography Printing Technology Exhibition at the Holography Image Art Centre Private Exchange Space, Wangshan Mountain, Suzhou, from 25 October to 24 November 2026.

Events

Chander S Jeena

14 Sept. 2026

2 min read

IOTA Opens the Search for Excellence in Optical Security

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) is now accepting entries for its second Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards. The global programme recognises innovation and technical achievement in optical security technologies (OSTs). Following the success of the inaugural awards in 2025, IOTA invites companies, organisations and individuals to nominate recent developments in optical security and authentication.

Awards IOTA (IHMA) IOTA Members

Chander S Jeena

14 Sept. 2026

1 min read

NANOSILIKHAN Selected for Korea’s K-Brand Protection Programme

NANOSILIKHAN Advanced Materials (formerly known as NANOBRICK), in consortium with INOFRIENDS, has been selected as an authentication technology provider for Korea’s 2026 K-Brand Government Certification Programme.

Companies

Francis Tuffy

14 Sept. 2026

3 min read

Photonic Time Crystals - A Thought Experiment From Francis Tuffy

Researchers in France and Germany have demonstrated what they describe as the first all-optical photonic time crystal, using a plasmonic metamaterial whose optical properties can be varied at terahertz frequencies. The work provides a new way of controlling light in time rather than simply through the spatial structures traditionally used in photonic crystals, metasurfaces and holographic devices.

Technical Features

Chander S Jeena

7 Sept. 2026

2 min read

ODDS 2027 – Programme Confirmed

The programme for the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference 2027, taking place from 25–27 January in Berlin, has been finalised, reinforcing the event’s position as a leading technical forum for physical, digital and virtual document security.

Events

Chander S Jeena

7 Sept. 2026

3 min read

After Pharma, Malaysia Moves Towards Hologram Protection for Medical Devices

Malaysia is preparing to extend its use of hologram-based security labels from pharmaceutical products to medical devices, creating an additional layer of protection against counterfeit, unregistered and substandard products.

Authentication Strategy

Chander S Jeena

7 Sept. 2026

2 min read

Canada’s New Vertical $20 Bank Note with Advanced Optics

The Bank of Canada has unveiled its new vertical $20 polymer banknote at a special ceremony attended by the Governor General of Canada, the Secretary of State for Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, and the Bank’s Governor, Tiff Macklem.

Banknotes

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

4 min read

News in Brief

Based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, Ignetta Holographic has developed and commercialised ultra-fine-grain silver-halide holographic plates for high-resolution holography, and now ships the materials internationally.

News

Get the HOTN Weekly News delivered free to your inbox.

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

8 min read

From Advanced Origination to Industrial Optical Security

Holography & Optical Technology News spoke to Felix Eggert of RAITH and Guri Dhillon of XRD Nano about how closer integration of origination and replication technologies can bridge the gap between advanced optical security design and reliable high-volume production.

Interviews Technical Features Free

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

2 min read

Leadership Moves Across the Community

From state security printers and currency authorities to authentication specialists and industry associations, 2026 has seen a series of notable leadership appointments across the sector.

Appointments

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

3 min read

India Advances Polymer Banknote Plans with Global Supplier Bids

India's Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran has issued a global Expression of Interest for polymer banknote substrates, with bids submitted by CCL Secure, Cosmo First partnering with De La Rue, and Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer among others.

Banknotes

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

2 min read

UFlex Holography Business Shifts Towards Value-Driven Security Solutions

UFlex is repositioning its holography division from a security features supplier to a broader solutions partner, with value-added products now accounting for around 30% of business and revenue reaching INR 615 crore in FY 2025–26.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

3 min read

Royal Joh Enschedé Enters New Phase

Royal Joh Enschedé, an Authentix company, demonstrates its renewed banknote printing capability with two new commemorative polymer banknotes for the central banks of São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa, signalling a broader strategic evolution under Authentix ownership.

Banknotes Companies

Chander S Jeena

1 Sept. 2026

3 min read

Seeing 1066 in a New Light

As the Bayeux Tapestry comes to the UK for the first time in almost 1,000 years, modern optical techniques show how the same physical properties exploited in security and anti-counterfeiting can also reveal the hidden history, and sometimes the authenticity, of works of art.

Displays

Chander S Jeena

21 Aug. 2026

3 min read

IOTA Broadens Global Network With New Members and Tools

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) has added four new members in 2026 and is expanding its member services, industry intelligence tools, and international technical engagement as its global network now spans more than 30 countries.

IOTA (IHMA)

Chander S Jeena

13 Aug. 2026

2 min read

Spectra and Oberthur Fiduciaire Partner on Kryptonome

Spectra Systems Corporation, a provider of machine-readable technologies for banknotes and the Fusion™ polymer substrate, has signed a licensing agreement with Oberthur Fiduciaire for Kryptonome™, a patented Level 1 optical security feature for polymer banknotes unveiled in 2025. The agreement supports the commercialisation of the feature, which is designed to replicate the visual impact of traditional paper watermarks on polymer substrates.

Banknotes Free Free

Chander S Jeena

13 Aug. 2026

2 min read

BOBST’s Metallising Business Defies Softer Equipment Market

BOBST continues to attract investment in its metallising technology despite weaker demand across the wider equipment market. The investments span barrier papers, holographic films, optical security and polymer banknote substrates. In the first half of 2026, the Swiss machinery manufacturer recorded consolidated sales of CHF 589.9 million, down 11.6% from CHF 667.4 million in the same period of 2025.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

13 Aug. 2026

2 min read

Washin Acquires Foilco to Expand Foil Business

Japanese hot-stamping foil manufacturer Washin Chemical Industry has acquired UK-based Foilco, a supplier of foils for luxury packaging, labels and graphic arts. The acquisition gives Foilco access to Washin's manufacturing capabilities and extensive product portfolio, while providing Washin with an established international sales and distribution platform.

Companies Free Free

Latest News

Sign Up to Holography & Optical Technology News™ Weekly