By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, PostPress
There have been several notable advancements in pre-laminated or pre-transfer holographic paper/board in recent years. Modern options now include more sustainable, plastic-free materials as well as designs incorporating 3D holographic imagery for decorative and security purposes. PostPress spoke with several suppliers about current press-ready holographic paper/board applications and technologies.
Sustainability
Today, holographic paper/board can be manufactured with the metallic process transferred to the board without plastic film – providing a more sustainable product that brands and consumers are demanding.
“Our Unilustre® paper/board is fully recyclable and repulpable,” explained David Peters, global product development director for Unifoil. “Laminated substrates containing plastic no longer meet environmental requirements for many new company and brand initiatives.”
“Transfer metallized paper/board, including our Viridian holographic paper, is produced without lamination,” commented Nicole Rivera, director of administration and marketing for K Laser Technology. “This provides an option that can be sorted, recycled and repulped.”
ITW ShineMark also provides a “total transfer” option for holographic metallic paper/board. “Our Zero Gauge holographic sheets are recyclable, lightweight and offer converting advantages over traditional laminated holographic boards,” explained Holographic Development Specialist Christine Takacs.
Hazen Paper offers a sustainable solution with its Envirofoil® transfer metallized product that is Prop65 and REACH compliant. “This allows brands to create eye-catching embellishment without detriment to carbon footprint or sustainability,” stated Don Havourd, head of business development at Hazen Paper.
Although most, if not all, suppliers of holographic paper/board offer a sustainable plastic-free alternative, laminated board still is necessary for certain applications.
“Holographic MetPet offers barrier properties for food, confectionery and other segments requiring protection and durability,” explained Takacs.
“Traditional foil laminated board offers light- and moisture-barrier properties, while some applications prefer metallized polyester for scuff and abrasion resistance,” commented Havourd.
Depending on the application and performance requirements, both options continue to have a place in the marketplace.
Embedded Holographic Images
Another popular technology for both decorative and security applications is embedding custom registered holograms directly into holographic paper/board, allowing holographic images to be applied without the need for special equipment or holographic foil material. Additionally, printers can overprint 4-color process over the entire board and in register with the holographic image, providing a unique, visually stunning final product.
“Custom registered projects have increased in demand,” explained Rivera. “The quality and effects are breathtaking.”
Hazen uses nano-optics to create embedded holograms that serve as authentication tools for brand protection. “We offer custom registered holograms embedded with microtext, both covert and overt imagery, serial numbers and anti-counterfeit protection,” explained Havourd.
Digital Printing Compatibility
As the digital printing market continues to grow, new holographic and metallic paper/board has been developed to be compatible with digital ink, which has historically been a challenge.
Unifoil introduced its Unilustre® DI metallized paperboard substrate at the most recent PRINTING United Expo – running in several booths at the show. “Using our proprietary manufacturing and optimization process, Unilustre DI not only provides the highest quality but is plastic free, solvent free and certified 100% repulpable and recyclable. Unilustre DI is the only product currently on the global market that has HP Indigo, dry toner and inkjet OEM certification,” stated Peters.
Hazen Paper offers its Holojet® and Foiljet® board that can be supplied “press-ready” for digital applications, using a carefully formulated coating for specific digital printing processes.
Design Considerations and Communication
Communication is key for projects utilizing holographic metallic board, especially if overprinting with precise registration is required.
“A holographic registered project is a cross-functional undertaking,” stated Takacs. “We work with design teams, laminators, printers and other vendors to ensure that jobs will optimize holographic playback while also remaining in reliable register through the job.”
Peters commented that printers and converters today are aware of the importance of set-up. “The correct inks, varnishes and other production additions are to be discussed at the start of every project to ensure a perfect finish. Registered designs require an application ‘eye-mark,’ which provides the printer with precise print location points.”
Rivera remarked that the artwork needs to be designed with registration in mind. “Creating artwork that doesn’t push the limitations for registration is important to help decrease production challenges on press,” she expressed.
“Using holographic and metallized board is very straightforward with modernization of printable coatings and UV/LED inks,” commented Havourd. He added that paying attention to the sheet layout, building in registration tolerances and registration marks and providing digital proofs and mock-up/prototypes all will aid in eliminating problems on press.
By removing the need for specialized embellishment equipment – offline or inline – press-ready metallic/holographic board opens up a wide range of possibilities for producing striking or secure holographic products. New sustainable materials and advanced holographic image options make this board well-suited for applications such as luxury packaging, labels, trading cards, greeting cards and more. Advancements in technology make it essential to analyze each application from both a cost and feasibility standpoint to determine the best approach for producing the final holographic product.