A global industry that continues to expand and innovate is reflected by the winners of this year’s Excellence in Holography awards, organised by industry trade body International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA).
The awards mark the pinnacle of success for those who have been involved at the forefront of developing innovative or commercially viable hologram products or techniques over the last 12 months, recognising unparalleled sector achievement during difficult and challenging times.
The 2020 awards see Surys flying high after scooping the coveted ‘Innovation in Holographic Technology’ award for a second year in a row with its TriSTAR™ banknote security thread. Part of a new generation of security threads for international currency applications, Tristar features a combination of technologies to strengthen the security and authentication of banknotes.
The judges – members of the IHMA’s Board – were particularly impressed by Surys’ fusion of traditional hologram concepts and magnetics, micro text and UV fluorescence to create a striking security feature which, with its unique three-way colour changing effects, can be quickly and easily checked by the public to confirm the banknote’s authenticity.
Other award winners were:
- ‘Best Applied Security Product’ – Louisenthal’s Micromirror and Hologram LEAD project
- ‘Best Applied Decorative/Packaging Product – Hazen Paper Company’s Hazen Paper 2020 calendar
- ‘Best Display or Emerging Technology Application of Holography’ – Yves GENTET Ultimate Holography’s DMC DeLorean CHIMERA
- ‘Best Origination’ – Yves GENTET Ultimate Holography’s DMC DeLorean CHIMERA
Involving industry opinion formers, suppliers, manufacturers and end-users from around the world, the award presentations were virtual first the time time due to Covid restrictions, the ceremony forming part of The Holography Conference Online (8-9 December).
And in a new twist, enabled by the online format, conference participants were able to vote on their favourite. The winner of the so-called ‘People’s Choice’ was Krypten for its Antarctica 200 3D concept banknote with a security stripe combining a volume (3D) hologram with high precision micro-demetallisation.
Dr Paul Dunn, chair of the IHMA, commended the standard of entries as extremely high, contributing to an industry that continues to evolve, innovate and secure new markets and applications.
He added: “These awards celebrate the very best in holographic achievement and the many remarkable innovations the industry introduces each year. Creativity, flair and design excellence have again shone brightly in the 2020 entries, reflecting how our industry continues to push the boundaries forward both technically and commercially.”
