Securing ID Documents Through Holography and Materials Innovations

At the recent High Security Printing™ (HSP) EMEA conference in Basel (3-5 February), Georgios Tziovaras, Global Business Development Manager at Covestro Specialty Films, highlighted the crucial role of holography and advanced optical technologies in modern identity documents.

As counterfeiting techniques grow more sophisticated, the integration of engineered optical features into passports, ID cards, and official credentials continues to be an essential safeguard. Innovations in polycarbonate (PC) films, clear windows, and dynamic holographic elements are enhancing both security and durability while ensuring efficient authentication.

Polycarbonate datapage with specialty films.

Holograms have long been at the forefront of security printing due to the complexity in mastering them and their resistance to replication. The latest advances introduce high- brightness holograms embedded within polycarbonate ID cards, visible from both sides, allowing for effortless authentication under natural or UV light.

Additionally, these holograms now feature dynamic colour-switching properties that shift depending on the viewing angle and light source, adding another layer of verification.

This advance is particularly beneficial for border control and rapid document verification, where quick visual confirmation is necessary.

Alongside holography, clear window technology has emerged as a key security feature in PC ID documents. These transparent elements, integrated into the document structure, provide a sophisticated platform for optical security. Modern clear windows are designed with intricate shapes that resist replication and incorporate optical variability effects such as colour-changing shadows and UV- fluorescent edges. Under specific lighting conditions, hidden details become visible, strengthening document resistance to fraud. In some applications, personal data or images only appear at certain angles, introducing a new dimension of security.

Clear windows in Polycarbonate ID document.

Laser marking and microstructures further enhance document protection. High-precision engraving of alphanumeric characters and microscopic details into polycarbonate layers ensures secure personalisation. Raised tactile laser marking, with characters reaching up to 350 microns in height, not only deters forgery but also improves accessibility for visually impaired users. These markings are embedded into the structure, making unauthorised modifications nearly impossible without visible damage.

As electronic passports and smart identity cards become more prevalent, the secure integration of RFID chips and antennas has become a critical challenge. Laminated eCovers using transparent and foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films provide a protective yet visually secure enclosure for these electronic components.

These materials ensure that the chips remain intact, remain resistant to environmental wear, and are tamper- evident. Multi-layered TPU films with enhanced bonding properties make any attempt at chip removal or replacement visibly obvious, ensuring document integrity.

Looking ahead, the industry is pushing towards even more sophisticated optical security features. Augmented reality holograms, nanostructured surface elements, and interactive optically variable designs will provide enhanced authentication capabilities.

As sustainability gains importance, so new eco-friendly polymer solutions will also emerge, maintaining security while reducing environmental impact.