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Francis Tuffy

16 Dec. 2025

7 min read

30 Years of Doing the Right Thing

KURZ marks three decades of security-foil production at Sulzbach-Rosenberg.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

16 Dec. 2025

1 min read

UK Confirms Passport Design Upgrade

British passports will undergo a redesign beginning in December 2025, representing a significant update since Brexit.

ID & Secure Documents

Chander S Jeena

16 Dec. 2025

2 min read

IN Groupe Moov™ to Madagascar

The Central Bank of Madagascar (Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara) has enhanced the security of its 10,000 Ariary and 20,000 ariary banknotes with a Moov™ security thread from IN Groupe.

Banknotes

Chander S Jeena

16 Dec. 2025

6 min read

2025: The Year Optical Security Reached New Heights

As we conclude 2025, we reflect on a year that transformed the OVDs sector. Our pages highlighted breakthroughs, bold ideas, and the expanding critical role of OVDs across various sectors. The industry advanced rapidly, and your engagement helped us follow this development with clarity and purpose.

Editorial Free Free

Chander S Jeena

16 Dec. 2025

3 min read

A Hybrid Breakthrough: H010’s Dual-QR Hologram

At the Optical and Digital Document Security™ conference, in September, George Hall, Chief Commercial Officer of UK company H010 (pronounced ‘holo’ but note the two zeroes and the figure ‘1’), presented this start-up’s novel hologram/QR code security label.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

4 min read

After the Buying Spree, Optical Partnerships Take Centre Stage – Is Collaboration the Path Forward?

The security and authentication sector has seen a surge in significant acquisitions in recent years, enhancing capabilities and consolidating expertise. However, recent developments suggest a shift in focus. Partnerships and collaborations are now becoming more prominent. The question arises: is collaboration the way forward?

Editorial

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

5 min read

From Posters to Premium Packs: The Best in Decorative & Packaging at the IOTA Awards

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) announced the winners of its inaugural Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards 2025 during a special ceremony held at the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference in Warsaw, Poland (see HOTN September 2025).

Awards Free Free

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

3 min read

Duke University’s AI-Powered Microscope Speeds Up Imaging and Data Processing

A project at Duke University has demonstrated how commercial AI models could accelerate microscopic examination of 2D materials and analysis of the results.

Technical Features

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

2 min read

Authentix and KURZ Collaborate to Deliver QUANTUM™ Stripe at Scale

Authentix, a pioneer in nano-optic security technologies, has signed a Cooperation and License Agreement with LEONHARD KURZ, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of advanced high-security features. This partnership combines Authentix’s groundbreaking innovation with KURZ’s world-class production capacity.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

2 min read

Photonics21 Urges Bold Commitment to Advance Europe’s Photonics Sector

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 and some of Europe’s largest companies – including Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nokia Bell Labs, Zeiss, Trumpf, and EssilorLuxottica – have united to urge the European Commission to prioritise photonics in the upcoming EU Framework Programme (FP10).

Technical Features

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

2 min read

Hueck Folien Opens New Metallisation Facility in Austria

Hueck Folien has successfully commissioned a new high-vacuum vapour deposition facility at its headquarters in Baumgartenberg, Austria. The €8.6 million investment, announced in September 2024, includes both a new metallisation system and associated infrastructure upgrades, marking a major advance in the company’s production of high-performance coatings for the security sector (see HOT News October 2024).

Strategy

Guri Dhillon

20 Nov. 2025

3 min read

UV Resin Shrinkage and the Science of Curing Wavelengths

In the September issue of Holography & Optical Technology News™, Guri Dhillon wrote about why UV resin is widely used in security holograms, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), and high-resolution embossing applications. In this article, he examines how the curing wavelength influences dimensional stability and discusses formulation and process strategies that allow optical and micro-structured surfaces to be replicated with sub-micron precision.

Technical Features

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

2 min read

ODDS 2025 Proceedings Available Now

Missed the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference 2025? The full proceedings are now available, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in physical, digital, and hybrid document security.

Studies, Reports

Bowo Setianto

20 Nov. 2025

2 min read

Combining Techniques to Improve Security

IOTA member Pura Group’s ‘Combination Hologram Technology’ (CHT) merges classical optical origination with computer-generated holography (CGH) in a single, production-ready master – raising counterfeit resistance without asking converters to retool their embossing lines.

Origination Technology

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

7 min read

News in Brief

ZEISS, a global leader in optics and photonics, has entered a strategic partnership with LG Chem to secure large-scale, sustainable production of advanced photopolymer films.

News

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

3 min read

Covestro Marks 10 Years of Innovation and Sustainable Materials

Covestro, a German materials science company that was spun out from Bayer in 2015, is celebrating ten years of innovation and growth with an emphasis on sustainable solutions for secure documents. Over the past decade, Covestro has established itself as a leading supplier of high-performance polymer films for passports, ID cards, and driving licenses.

Companies

Chander S Jeena

20 Nov. 2025

4 min read

Across Asia, Central Banks Accelerate Launch of Banknotes with Optical Features

Around the world, 166 issuing authorities circulate 1,007 banknote denominations in regular use, excluding commemoratives. According to data from the Reconnaissance DataVault, Asia leads the global charts with 314 active denominations, reflecting the region’s scale, diversity, and rapid monetary development.

Banknotes Optical Security

Chander S Jeena

23 Oct. 2025

3 min read

Are Micro and Nano-Optics Taking Centre Stage in Brand Protection?

At the recent LUXEPACK Monaco (29 September-1 October), Rolling Optics, a subsidiary of Oberthur, unveiled Fidaro™ – a micro-optic-based brand protection solution for packaging, labels, and product integration.

Editorial

Chander S Jeena

23 Oct. 2025

2 min read

Hong Kong Lights Up Optical Defence Against Illicit Tobacco

Hong Kong Customs has started a three-month pilot scheme under the new duty stamp system to tackle illicit tobacco sales and ensure tax compliance.

Tax Stamps

Chander S Jeena

23 Oct. 2025

2 min read

Koenig & Bauer Taps Bosch Partnership to Strengthen Product Security

Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection has entered a strategic cooperation with Bosch Secure Authentication GmbH – a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH and part of the Bosch Group – to advance technologies in brand protection and traceability for protectable printed products.

Collaborations

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