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.

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.

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.

Danmarks Nationalbank (DNB) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with De La Rue to produce the upcoming Danish banknote series. The agreement runs for a minimum of six years, with the possibility of extension, and the new Danish banknotes will be produced at De La Rue's production facility outside London.

Ukraine is set to become the first country in the world to issue a banknote featuring Anima™ Colour, marking the commercial debut of the latest addition to Oberthur Fiduciaire’s expanding Anima™ micro-optics portfolio.

Crane NXT has reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2026, driven by ongoing demand for its security solutions, the impact of its recent acquisitions, and strong operational performance. Because of its strong performance in the first half of the year, the company has increased its full-year adjusted earnings guidance.

Delegates at this year’s HSP Latin America conference in June experienced an unconventional opening when Jan Hofmann (aka Mr Bill Vault), Sales Director at Hueck Folien, stepped onto the stage dressed as a secret agent. Launching an interactive presentation titled ‘Can you crack the code of true identity?’, Hofmann invited the audience to explore a simple question: what truly makes a banknote genuine?

Two stories in this issue may appear unrelated, yet together they highlight one of the growing opportunities for the optical security technologies and security printing industry.

Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer and KURZ have signed a project development cooperation Agreement to integrate KINEGRAM® optical security features within the layers of Q&T’s polymer substrate structure, with the aim to create a higher level of security integration than conventional surface-applied features.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Thomas M Rajan, Chairman of Process Color, who died on 1 July 2026 following a cerebral haemorrhage. He was 84. Rajan is survived by his daughter, Mini Benito. He served on the IOTA Board of Directors from 2020 to 2023 and made a valued contribution to the Association.

Malaysia and Ireland have recently unveiled their next-generation passports. While each programme reflects different national priorities, both demonstrate how modern travel documents are evolving beyond security alone. Today’s passports increasingly combine advanced authentication technologies with broader objectives such as sustainability, user experience, national heritage and identity.

Nepal is strengthening its domestic security printing capabilities, with the government allocating NPR 220 million to expand the Security Printing Centre’s capacity in the 2026/27 fiscal year.

TOPPAN Inc (a wholly owned subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings) has developed Japan’s first plastic-free light-shielding paper packaging for the growing trading card market. The new pillow-style packaging eliminates plastic while maintaining product security, premium appearance and manufacturing efficiency.

Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2024, the second Security Designers Forum (SDF) will be held from 7-9 September 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey.

LEONHARD KURZ has expanded and restructured its Digital Embellishment Solutions portfolio with the DM-MAXLINER family, which offers systems for B3, B2, and B1 sheetfed formats.

All4Labels has collaborated with La Piu Belle Champagne to develop a premium shrink-sleeve solution that enhances the brand’s visual identity and delivers a more engaging consumer experience in the Chilean market.

Reconnaissance International has announced the inaugural Security Printers Forum (SPF), a dedicated technical event for operational, production, and engineering professionals in global security printing and secure manufacturing. The first Forum will be held in Bulgaria in September 2027.

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.

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.

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.