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.

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.