Security holograms for anti-counterfeiting: Everything to know

In the ongoing fight against counterfeiting, security holograms have emerged as a popular tool to help manufacturers and consumers verify the originality of their products. 

These complex, multi-layered images which are difficult to reproduce are applied to products or their packaging across various sectors, from electronics to pharmaceuticals.

But how effective is this at deterring counterfeiters in the modern landscape? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about security holograms, including the types available, where they’re applicable, and what their limitations are.

We’ll also look at ways to bolster security holograms’ effectiveness by combining them with more modern solutions.

Understanding anti-counterfeit holograms

Security holograms, also known as security hologram stickers or holographic security stickers, are special holographic stickers or printed decals that can be put on products, packaging, or documents to verify their authenticity.

They’re usually complex in design and use advanced layering techniques to create a 3D-looking image that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate with ordinary printing methods. This is designed to work as an anti-counterfeiting solution since they make counterfeit items quickly recognisable.

You’ll find holograms used on multiple types of items including currency, official documents, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods. 

How security holograms work

Security holograms use diffraction and light reflection to create an image that appears to be in 3D.

This works by reflecting light at different angles using special materials layered on top of each other, which ‘tricks’ the human eye since we’re used to seeing a relatively 2D item, like a sticker, reflecting light consistently at the same angle across it.

This is especially apparent when the object is moved and the different surfaces within the holographic sticker refract, creating an almost glistening effect and showing different images or colors from different angles.

These elements are embedded into the design using advanced layering or tools like lasers, which give the different ‘layers’ their own unique properties that make up the image.

This isn’t a process that can be achieved with regular printing equipment, making the stickers difficult for low-level counterfeiters to reproduce.

Types of security holograms

Security holograms for anti-counterfeiting come in a few different varieties, with each offering its own kind of visual safeguard. Common types include the following… 

2D/3D holograms

2D/3D holograms are the most common type and use multiple layers of regular 2D images layered on top of each other to create the illusion of depth. They’re frequently used in packaging as well as items like certificates to prove authenticity.

Dot matrix holograms

Dot matrix holograms are similar to 2D/3D holograms but instead of layering use lasers to create a grid of multiple ‘dots’ that form an intricate pattern under certain light. These matrices are highly customisable and can be used to create visually appealing designs which add to the aesthetics of packaging.

Flip-flop holograms

These display two or more different pictures or color schemes depending on the angle they are viewed from. They’re particularly effective as they add a dynamic visual element that is especially difficult to replicate without the original tooling used in production.

Advantages of security holograms

Security holograms offer multiple advantages that have made them an effective basic solution to combat counterfeiting. These include:

• Visual appeal. Holograms are easily recognisable and can be made in an aesthetically appealing way. This adds intrigue to packaging and doesn’t just improve security at the expense of looks.
• Difficult to replicate. Holograms are inherently difficult to replicate, with complex techniques like layering or laser etching difficult to recreate convincingly.
• Tamper-evident possible. Holographic labels can also offer dual-functionality by being a tamper-evident solution. This means that they can show clear visual signs when removed or replaced, further guaranteeing the authenticity of products.

Limitations of anti-counterfeit hologram technology

While holograms are a solid solution, they aren’t without limitations. They are: 

• Still vulnerable to copying. With advanced printing and imaging technology becoming more affordable, even complex holograms may still be passably replicated by skilled counterfeiters.
• Prone to physical damage. Since they’re still essentially stickers, holograms applied to products or their packaging can be physically damaged quite easily, reducing their efficacy.
• Limited in functionality. While holograms provide a quick visual confirmation on the shelf or at the point of sale, they can’t convey any deeper level of verification or product data.

Enhancing holograms with digital solutions

While security holograms offer a base level of effectiveness, they do suffer from some drawbacks when used on their own.

The best solution to overcome these challenges is to pair security holograms with more advanced digital authentication technology to boost their effectiveness in anti-counterfeiting.

Technologies like NFC (near-field communication) chips can be embedded into products or packaging alongside holograms to provide real-time digital verification. 

These chips can then be scanned by any modern smartphone, allowing both consumers and retailers to verify the authenticity of the product and ensure it is being sold in an authorized manner.

That means that even if holograms are replicated, the more advanced product data and verification measures held in the chip is not. This is because NFC chips use advanced technologies like blockchain to make their data impossible to alter or replicate.

The data held in these chips can also go far beyond what a simple icon can convey, holding deep data such as the product’s origin, its supply chain, and its point of sale, and allowing manufacturers to tackle other issues such as grey market sales.

A comprehensive solution: introducing Authentify It

Authentify It is a leading NFC-based solution that provides higher levels of security over intellectual property.

It’s also a brand-new way to communicate with consumers, offering an exciting way to build brand loyalty and increase consumer engagement past the point of sale.

Explore Authentify It today and take control over your IP while bringing new tools into the customer journey. Learn more.