Holographic packaging films are used in the packing of various products. These films are ideal for flexible or rigid packaging and hence ideal in packaging industry. It is a known fact that today, the ability of a product to get immediate attention due to the sheer packaging is an invaluable tool to retain and increase market share, in an already over-crowded marketplace. Films are used for printing, gift-wraps, packaging, lamination, stickers etc. The richness of the film is a major factor contributing to the sales of the product that can be achieved by packaging of consumer items. Recently, holography has also developed into a major blockade for duplication and counterfeiting of products such as computer software, credit cards, licenses, pharmaceutical products, etc.

What is a holographic film?

Holographic films are very thin, flexible plastic film which are given a holographic effect through various processes like coating, electro forming, embossing, metalizing and many more. The embossing process creates a pattern that has a 3-D effect and spectral coloring. The embossing process refers to cutting tiny grooves into the surface of the film at various angles and in different shapes, which cause the diffraction of regular white light into spectral coloring. Holographic films are used in a wide number of applications.

Process of creating holographic films

Holographic films are created using laser light. This light records a 3D pattern of lines on photographic emulsions. The 3D lines create a diffraction pattern through which light flows at certain angles. The film appears clear except at the diffraction angle. Thus, theoretically the film will direct sunlight to be reflected while preserving the view. The diffraction separates the sunlight's spectrum and creates colored patterns on the material.

Lamination of the holographic film

For various packaging applications, the holographic film can be laminated to different types of materials. The film can be laminated to make the following:

• Sealable films to make form, fill and seal roll stock packaging.
• Sealable films to make pre-made flexible bags.
• Can be laminated to make paper or card stock to make consumer packaging, gift boxes and bags.
• The films can be extrusion coated with sealable polyethylene.
• They can also be coated with special adhesives.

Advantages of holographic film

The advantages of using holographic film for packaging are as follows :

• Customers give higher value addition.
• Inherent security of holography against counterfeit.
• High impact at the point of sale
• Enhanced aesthetics ensure a premium and attractive look
• The hologram packing films are pressure sensitized which help to make label or sticker or packaging material. This is achieved by applying a pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner to the metalized surface of the film
• Hologram packaging films can also be chopped into glitter or powder. This can be used on textile products or mixed into other materials to provide a unique holographic effect etc.

Applications of hologram packing films

• Pouches
• Lamination with paper
• Board lamination
• Gift wrappers
• Pressure sensitive sticker
• Adhesive tapes
• Carry bags
• Flexible packaging materials
• Decorative packaging materials
• Candy wraps etc.

Types of Holographic films for packaging

Hologram packaging films are available in a wide range, such as follows:

• Holographic BOPP Film
• Holographic PET Film
• Holographic PVC Film