Holograms have been widely used in variety of applications like security, promotion, brand protection, anti counterfeiting etc. One important application in recent times is the use of holographic material as a packaging material. A hologram is a three-dimensional image or photograph of an object formed with the help of a laser. To make a hologram, the object is first bathed in the light of a laser beam. A second laser beam is then allowed to fall on the reflected light of the first and the resulting interference pattern is captured on film. When the film is developed, it looks like a wave of light and dark lines which seems to be meaningless. But as soon as the developed film is illuminated by another laser beam, the original object gives a three dimensional effect .

The process of making a hologram is known as holography. In other words, with the help of holography, a three-dimensional visual information is recorded, stored and replayed. Under proper illumination, a hologram displays a multi-dimensional image which can be seen from many angles and depths.

Types of Holographic Packaging Material

Various types of holographic materials used as a packaging material are as follows:

• Holographic Packaging Films
• Hologram Hot stamping Foil
• Holographic Aluminum Foils
• Hologram Labels
• Hologram Tape/Security Tape
• Hologram Stickers
• Holographic Paper

Uses of Hologram

Hologram is today used in wide variety of applications. Some of the hologram applications are as follows:

• Security Holograms: Holograms are used on a wide range of documents from passports, license, I-cards to banknotes to tickets and passes.
  
  
• Access Control: Special tamper evident holograms are used to control or prevent access to restricted areas and devices.
  
  
• Brand Protection: Holographic elements are applied on the labeling or packing which mark the genuineness of the product.
  
  
• Advertising Techniques: Holograms help to create vivid , eye catching pictures, which adds extra appeal for the customer and in turn generates more interest in advertisement.

Hologram as a Packaging Material

Holographic materials have been widely used a packaging material. The impact of holography on packaging is great and immediate. It can be so flexible in its use and very remarkable in its effectiveness. Holographic packaging material is the easiest way to get easy attention of your customers and moving your product off the shelf. Holography is used for both both commercial packaging applications and security and authentication. There are different types of holographic materials used as a packaging material like foils, films, label materials etc. Various holographic patterns can be created in varied colors to create package that displays sheer sophistication and dazzling effect. Holographic materials as a packing material have become very popular and economical with the passage of time.

Advantage of Holographic Material Over Other Packaging Materials

Innovative Package Design When Nicolas Feuillatte was considering a unique package to display its champagne for the 2005 holiday season, they decided to use holography. The basic idea was to create a package that would make its brand standout in a category specially known for its stunning packages. What makes this package unique is the innovative way that the holographic film is incorporated into the package. This is a good example of how holography, when incorporated into the overall package design, can produce a dramatic and strikingly beautiful and attractive package.

Nowadays, package designers are familiar with holographic treatments like a laminated film or transfer films. Holography is today incorporated into various package designs. Some of the advantages of holographic packaging materials are as follows:

• Holography adorns packages around the world by providing an added dimension of distinctiveness and identity to your brand.
• Holographic images differentiate your package from the competition.
• Holographic materials help to build in levels of security and authentication to protect your brand’s integrity.
• Holography prevents tampering and counterfeiting.
• Holographic film laminates can be sandwiched in between printed film layers and provide dazzling effects.
• Holography provide differentiation and shelf appeal that brings your package to the front on the shelf.

Type of Holograms Used in Packaging

• 2D/3D Hologram: This consists of several optical layers with 2D hologram images placed one behind another resulting
  
  
• 2D Hologram: This is made up of two dimensional images which are assigned different colors and position in one layer.
  
  
• True Color Hologram: This is made up of photographic quality art-work and you can not duplicate this hologram close to original one, creating a beautiful impact of variable images.
  
  
• Dot-matrix Hologram: This hologram allows using unlimited computer controlled and laser beam engraved dots in hologram.
  
  
• Kinetic Movement Hologram: This is made up of both 2D/3D and dot-matrix type hologram.
  
  
• Flip Flop Hologram: They can display two images from different viewing angle.

Applications of Holographic Packaging Materials

The hologram foils or films create various holographic film patterns that create unique, eye-catching packaging designs that also help customers readily identify your products. The holographic materials have now been used successfully in a variety of sectors such as follows:

• Food industry sectors
• Toiletries
• Dental products
• Wine and spirits
• Tobacco
• Detergent sector
• Personal heath care products
• Pharmaceutical products
• Cosmetics Sporting goods etc.

The concept of using hologram as a packaging material is rapidly gaining commercial acceptability on a worldwide scale.

Holographic packaging: A unique way for advertizing Brand name manufacturers of products like Cosmetics: Clinique, Girl Cosmetics Toothpaste: Colgate, Crest, Aquafresh Detergents: Ariel Snack foods: Nabisco, Keebler, Cadburys Spirits: Coors, Stolichnaya, Canadian Club Collectible CD’s and DVD’s: Finding Nemo, The Terminator, The Incredibles, Men in Black etc. are a few who have used holographic packaging. This has proved that holographic packaging can not only gain market share, maintain market positions and launch new products, but they can also establish stronger brand identity.