What holograms are and why they are used for security
A hologram in the security printing context is a diffractive optically variable image device (DOVID) — a thin metallic or transparent film that produces three-dimensional or colour-shifting optical effects through light diffraction. Unlike photographs or printed images, holograms cannot be replicated by standard scanning, photographing, or printing because their visual effect depends on the microscopic diffraction grating structure of the film, not on any deposited pigment or dye.
In India, holograms are used on currency notes, passports, tax stamp labels, pharmaceutical products, branded FMCG goods, software packaging, academic certificates, and government documents. The Indian government has been one of the world's largest users of holographic security since the 1990s when holographic stickers were introduced on income tax challans.
Types of holograms used in India
2D/3D holograms
The most basic commercial hologram — a flat (2D) image combined with depth-illusion (3D) layering. The image changes in colour and apparent depth as the viewing angle changes. Used on product authentication stickers, certificate seals, and prize labels in India. Can be produced in large volumes at relatively low cost.
Kinegrams
Kinegrams are diffractive patterns where the image appears to move as the viewing angle changes — a logo may appear to rotate, text may appear to animate, or colours may shift in a scripted sequence. The movement is entirely optical — produced by varying the diffraction grating orientation across the film surface. Kinegrams are significantly harder to counterfeit than standard 2D/3D holograms because the movement sequence is part of the authentication.
DOVID (Diffractive Optically Variable Image Devices)
DOVID is the generic technical term covering all holograms and diffractive devices used for security. The Reserve Bank of India uses a DOVID security thread in Indian currency notes — visible as the security thread running vertically through the note with "RBI" and the denomination inscribed. On ₹2000 and ₹500 notes (post-2016 redesign), the DOVID thread shifts from green to blue when tilted.
Void holograms
Void holograms are pressure-sensitive adhesive holographic labels designed to leave an irreversible "VOID" or pattern on the surface when the label is peeled. They cannot be removed and reapplied without showing evidence of tampering. Widely used in India for warranty seals, pharmaceutical packaging, and electronics.
Transparent holograms (TESA / window holograms)
Transparent holographic foils applied as a window element over existing printing — the holographic effect sits on top of printed text or imagery. Used on credit cards, identity cards, and travel documents where the hologram must overlay existing printed information.
How holograms are manufactured
Hologram production requires a two-stage process: mastering and embossing. In mastering, a laser interferometer records the diffraction pattern at microscopic scale onto a photosensitive material, producing the optical master. In embossing, the master's pattern is stamped onto aluminium-coated polyester film under high pressure and heat using a nickel shim (an electroformed copy of the master). The embossed film is then converted to labels, hot-stamp foil, or cold-transfer format.
In India, licensed hologram manufacturers include: Holostik India (Noida), Verasys Technologies, Kumbhat Holographics, and branches of international producers. The Security Printing Press at Hyderabad (SPMCIL) produces government-specification holograms for currency and passports.
Holographic hot stamping foil in commercial print
Holographic hot stamping foils are available to commercial printers for decorative and basic authentication applications. Unlike high-security government holograms, commercial holographic foils carry generic rainbow or pattern holograms without a unique security design. They provide a deterrence effect and aesthetic appeal but are not adequate for high-value authentication where counterfeit incentive is high.
In India, holographic foil is widely used on greeting cards, premium packaging, board games, cosmetics packaging, and book covers. Standard commercial holographic foil in India is supplied by manufacturers including Univacco Foils, Crown Roll Leaf, and Kurz India.
The India context — government hologram mandates
India has several government mandates for holograms. Central Excise hologram stickers on cigarettes and tobacco products (introduced 2001) were an early large-scale use. CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) holograms on pharmaceutical products are required for certain drug categories. State governments have their own hologram requirements for liquor bottles (State Excise holographic labels). The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) uses holograms on ISI-marked products.