Malaysia’s New Passport Debuts 94 Security Features
Following the roll-out of its national ID card (MyKad) in June, Malaysia has now unveiled a new generation of its passport. Both documents now have double the security features of their earlier versions: whilst the new MyKad includes 53 security elements, up from 23, the new passport includes 94 security features, up from 49 in the current version. Both documents include OVDs.
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Pokémon Marks 30 Years With First All-Foil Expansion
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, The Pokémon Company has announced ‘30th Celebration’, a special anniversary expansion launching worldwide on 16 September 2026. For the first time in the franchise's history, every card in the set will feature a foil finish.
Printing Structural Colour Like a Newspaper
Structural colour has been extensively covered in Holography & Optical Technology News™, and in other technical publications concerned with nano-optics and optical security. The principle is well established. Namely, colour is generated not by dyes or pigments, but by structures whose dimensions are comparable with, or smaller than, visible wavelengths of light. The latest work described in this article is of interest not only because it demonstrates a new approach to generating structural colour but also because it addresses the difficult transition from finely controlled laboratory structures to continuous, economical production.
The Consolidation Continues
Dealmaking accelerated during 2024 and 2025, with events in 2026 confirming that consolidation remains a defining industry trend. From manufacturing and product authentication to digital identity and banknote printing, companies are reshaping their portfolios through strategic acquisitions.
IMWA Launches Certification Hologram
The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) has introduced a certification hologram programme designed to authenticate Indian single malt whisky and verify compliance with the association’s production standards. Indri, the whisky brand owned by Piccadily Agro Industries, is the first brand to announce adoption of the certification hologram on its bottles.
Hazen Paper Wins Honours at Gold Leaf Awards
Hazen Paper received four honours at the 33rd Annual Gold Leaf Awards in Nashville, held from 17-19 June 2026. They included three golds for best use of embellished poster, best use of holographics (self-promotion) and best use of transfer metallised substrate. The awards were organised by the Foil and Specialty Effects Association (FSEA).
3S Strengthens Global Presence with Transition to 3S Group
3S, a German security printing specialist, has announced a strategic rebranding, adopting the name 3S Group to better reflect its growing international structure and long-term development plans.
Scientists Create Octopus-Inspired Material
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a shape-shifting material that can dynamically change both colour and surface texture, mimicking the camouflage abilities of cephalopods such as octopuses and cuttlefish. Published in Nature, this breakthrough could enable advanced optical security, adaptive displays, soft robotics, and next-generation anti-counterfeiting technologies.
From E-Passports to Holographic Concerts: Pakistan’s Emerging Optical Landscape
In Pakistan, holography and optical security technologies are evolving. While secure identity programmes remain a key application, the growing use of these technologies in brand protection, digital communication and immersive experiences highlights their expanding influence across the country’s public and commercial sectors.
Logan’s Historic Photopolymer Era Comes to a Close
The physical landscape of the holography and authentication industry is changing once again. With the closure of its photopolymer manufacturing facility in Logan, Utah, Crane Authentication, part of Crane NXT, has transitioned the facility as part of a broader portfolio evolution while advancing its next-generation physical and digital authentication solutions.
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