The IHMA: Driving 30 Years of Hologram Growth

Established in 1993, the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) has evolved into a global voice on authentication and security devices. Now, five former chairs – and one general secretary – reflect on 30 years of holography growth while offering a glimpse of an exciting future for the technology.

Q: What do you see as the key ups (and downs) of holography over the previous 30 years?

A: David Tidmarsh (DT), first chair, 1993-1995: Despite the potential of holography as a security feature following its role on payment cards, convincing companies to adopt holograms for security was tough because holography was expanding rapidly in retail packaging and stationery, and many felt it lacked security credentials (unique, scarce, tightly controlled etc.).

The two defining events which changed this negative perception were the establishment of the IHMA Hologram Image Register and the adoption of holograms by the European Central Bank for the first euro banknote series.