Finnish team unveils cheaper, greener hologram technology

Finnish researchers say they have developed an ecological, light scattering film technology that could have brand protection applications for goods distributed in plastic- or fibre-based packages as well as for injection-moulded plastic products.

The printable, holographic-like film technology can be integrated into existing printing processes and is suitable for mass production, according to the team from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Iscent Oy, a new Finnish enterprise, is commercialising the technology jointly with VTT.

Currently, commercial holographic technologies are based on metal foiling or coatings, laminated structures and UV curable varnishes, but the new method is based on a hot embossing technology where a pair of rollers applies pressure on the plastic or paper web run through them. The lattice design on the main roller is copied to the web by the heat and pressure.

"With the new light scattering method, none of these will be needed, nor will any other extra materials," claim the researchers. "The rainbow colours are generated simply by altering the topography of the plastic or paper surface being treated."

Printers can reduce the use of inks with the method, so the technology is environmentally friendly. Moreover, Iscent is investing in production capacity for 1,200mm-wide printing, extending the width of the film from current narrow-web lines and opening up the material for "large-volume product lines."

Applications of the technology include the ability to label genuine brand products with a technical solution that is difficult to counterfeit, according to VTT.

The technology is also suitable for injection-moulded plastic products such as mobile phone shells, CD jewel cases and laptops, and for laminate solutions such as interior design elements and sports equipment.

Iscent said the technology is available for licensing.