Rise of hologram

Hologram is a visual medium providing a high potential image in 3D making it instantly recognizable to the naked eye and uniquely resistant to counterfeiting. Hologram (invented in 1948) is a visual medium providing a high potential image in three dimensions (3D) making it instantly recognizable to the naked eye and uniquely resistant to counterfeiting. Holograms, with their high-quality, high-definition optical image, are very effective in combating fraud. Some of the hologram products are

Hologram (sheet and spool): Holograms are supplied in sheet form and spool form; the former is suitable for manual application, the sheet form is recommended for brand protection, document protection, brand promotion, aesthetic look, etc.

Hologram Strip: The impression/images of the hologram are embossed on lacquered (tamper evident coating), metalized polyester film which enables the user to laminate the holographic strip to the substrate using an attachment in the customer's existing lamination machine or using an automatic lamination machine.  

Holographic Wads: The holographic image is laminated with aluminum foil and later coated with wax and LDPE for making hologram induction sealing wads. This product is recommended for containers, bottles, etc.  

Holographic Labels: Users can incorporate a variety of information and security features (UV ink, magnetic inks, inkjet numbering, etc.) in the holographic label. This product is recommended for all kinds of label application.

Benefits

The solutions offered by the holographic companies are similar in concept and comprise not only the production of uniquely numbered security labels and hangtags complete with holograms (and, increasingly, a range of other security features as well) but, critically, a fulfillment and tracking service.  These labels are called off by the licensees and data on the quantities provided to each, including the unique number of each label, is provided to the licensors who then bill the licensees; Easy and clean scratch of high opacity, Authentication thanks to the holographic image, Multiple security features available with the originations, Protection against alteration to the substrates used which are destroyed in case there is any removal attempt.

Outlook

In recent years, the hologram industry has undergone major structural upheavals. Holograms have been slowly yet steadily accepted by marketers in India and abroad. However, they have different mind sets for their usage. Indian marketers are largely inclined towards the Hologram price aspect rather than the quality and secure-proof of the product. Indeed most of the Indian customers are still unaware of the fact that the holograms are the most effective fraud preventive technique that they can exercise for securing their products and documents. In short, it is extremely important to educate the Indian marketers that holograming their products would not only increase their profits but would also help them evoke trustworthiness and brand image in the market. Foreign clients understand the importance of security due to which it is easy to convince them to use varied kinds of Holograms for protecting their products, etc.

 

In practice

One of the biggest and most glamorous sports on the planet, Formula One motor racing, uses holography to protect its treasured brand identity, with many of the top racing teams now featuring security holograms to protect their official merchandising from the counterfeiting. Ferrari is just one notable example – the famous Italian marquee has produced a fountain pen and metal case gift set for fans featuring a hologram on the back of the product along with an official logo as a mark of authenticity.

Way forward

Whatever form the holograms takes, unquestionably, security labeling and tagging systems that use them have become established as an iconic symbol of authenticity, and have proved their worth for over many years in safeguarding several billion dollars worth of merchandise and brand reputation – something that you can’t put a price on. The future certainly looks bright for this flexible, versatile and cost effective technology.