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.

K Laser Technology has inaugurated its newest and most advanced facility in China, marking another milestone in its global growth strategy. Located in Nanchang’s High- Tech Industrial Development Zone, the new campus spans 52,000m² and will serve as the company’s regional headquarters for China.

De La Rue, the 211-year-old British icon known for printing some of the world’s most secure banknotes, is turning the page. In a move that marks the end of its public market journey, US- based Atlas Holdings (through its vehicle ACR Bidco Limited) will acquire the company for £263 million in an all-cash deal.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

Holographic features have long played a vital role in optical document security—grabbing attention, signaling authenticity, and giving visual verification. But as design trends shift and digital solutions take a larger role, it’s time to reassess their impact.

The evolution of identity documents is accelerating. As countries modernise their national ID systems, a noticeable shift is emerging – not just in digital functionality but also in the physical layout of the cards themselves.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst have developed a new method for aligning 3D semiconductor chips by shining a laser through concentric meta lenses patterned on the chips to produce a hologram.

TOPPAN Digital Inc, a subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc, has developed a new colour version of its innovative Illumigram™ hologram. Originally available only in white, the enhanced version now presents multi-colour 3D text and images that respond to strong light sources, such as a smartphone torch.

The introduction of portrait-format identity cards signifies a shift in how governments approach ID design. With Iceland’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant vertical ID launched in 2024 and Cameroon’s in 2025 (see page 4), the transition from landscape to portrait layouts offers a new canvas for optical security.

De La Rue, the 211-year-old British icon known for printing some of the world’s most secure banknotes, is turning the page. In a move that marks the end of its public market journey, US-based Atlas Holdings (through its vehicle ACR Bidco Limited) will acquire the company for £263 million in an all-cash deal.

In the October 2024 edition of Holography News, we reported key developments from Hueck Folien, Hazen, and others that are shaping the path toward a greener future. As more companies from Europe to Asia integrate renewable energy systems, electrify heat processes, and forge strategic alliances to align innovation with climate responsibility, this article provides updates on additional initiatives from the packaging and security printing industry.

Reconnaissance International has unveiled DataVault™, the industry’s first dedicated, searchable online database for banknotes and coins – designed specifically for currency professionals who need fast, reliable, and up-to-date information.