An advanced banknote showcasing the best in micromirror and hologram integration, has won the ‘Best Applied Security Product’ category at the Excellence in Holography Awards 2023, organised by the industry trade body International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA).
The Green LongLife RollingStar Hologram Micromirror LEAD Mix produced by banknote security specialist Louisenthal of Germany, supports the holistic concept of optimised storytelling and counterfeit resilience in an innovative way by outstanding integration to the print and attractive and dynamic animated structures.
The judges particularly noted the complex combination of micro (holo) and macro (mirror) structures and colour shift, integrating a traditional hologram with a micromirror feature incorporating ‘great’ dynamics and 3D.
This posed a significant technical challenge for origination, tool production, embossing and production of a modern and secure LEAD stipe, producing an application that is extremely difficult to counterfeit and is quick and easy to authenticate, even in low light. Guarantees intuitive recognition. It is also compatible with all banknote substrates.
Along with the sustainable properties of the Green LongLife note, the LEAD carrier foil has a 70% recycled content.
The Excellence in Holography awards recognise outstanding achievement, marking success for suppliers, manufacturers and end-users at the forefront of the sector who have brought forward innovative or commercially viable hologram products or techniques over the last 12 months.
This year’s event, held online between 21 – 22 November, comes as the IHMA continues to develop its role as the leading voice for those involved in global commercial holography.
Dr Paul Dunn, chair of the IHMA, said the standard of entries were of the highest quality, representing an innovative industry at the forefront of the fight against brand piracy and counterfeiting.
In congratulating the winner, he said: “The awards celebrate the best in holographic achievement and the remarkable innovations our industry produces every year. Design excellence, creativity and technical skill have been prevalent this year, reinforcing holography’s success as one of the most effective, reliable and adaptable authentication and security devices.”
Other category winners were as follows:
- Best Origination: QUANTUM – Inspired by Nature, Meta Materials Inc (Canada)
- Best Innovation in Holographic Technology: PicoMaster Single and Multiple Beam Direct Write Lithography, Raith Laser Systems B.V. (Netherlands)
- Best Applied Decorative/Packaging Product: 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Book, Hazen Paper Company (US)
- Best Display or Emerging Technology Application of Holography: Snapshot CHIMERA® Holographic Portraits, Hologram Centre (France)
- Best in Show (new category for 2023 based on highest score of all the submissions): QUANTUM – Inspired by Nature, Meta Materials Inc (Canada)
Images: The Green LongLife RollingStar Hologram Micromirror LEAD Mix from Louisenthal has won the ‘Best Applied Security Product’ category at the Excellence in Holography Awards 2023, organised by the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA).
