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.
The gravure cylinder design for Kryptonome was jointly developed by Spectra's secure printing group, established following the acquisition of Cartor Security Printers in December 2023, and Riverside Gravure Ltd. The two companies also hold patent-pending intellectual property related to the technology, with patents expected to be granted in 2027.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Nabil Lawandy, Chief Executive Officer of Spectra, said: 'We are pleased to have transformed an ingenious concept into a product that can be manufactured at high speeds on our gravure presses. This achievement benefits both Spectra and Oberthur Fiduciaire as Kryptonome is a robust security feature that offers a cost advantage compared with foil-based solutions and supports our expansion in the polymer substrate market.'
Kryptonome produces a watermark-like effect similar to mould-made watermarks used in paper banknotes. The feature is created through the interaction of two precisely engineered grids, each consisting of fine lines and spaces of equal width, printed on opposite sides of the substrate.
When the banknote is tilted, the grids generate movement, along with light and dark shadow effects. Accurate calculation of each grid and precise front-to-back registration are critical to the performance of the feature, which has been described as a 'digital watermark'.
Because the design is digitally controlled, central banks and designers can incorporate portraits, animals, landscapes, denominations and other custom imagery. The feature can be integrated across the full banknote, over selected areas, or within transparent windows.
Kryptonome is compatible with polymer substrates of varying thicknesses and can be adjusted to suit specific substrate requirements.
The feature was unveiled at the High Security Printing™ Latin America conference in Rio de Janeiro in 2025 on a Fusion polymer house note, the Boa Sorte ('Good Luck') Note, produced in cooperation with Casa da Moeda do Brasil (see HOTN July 2025).
