New members boost for International Optical Technologies Association

The move sees Lithuania-based Satoris, UAB, which specialises in security printing of ID documents, cards and driving licenses, join IOTA (formerly the International Hologram Manufacturers Association) alongside current members producing optical security features and products for a broad range of document protection, brand protection and anti-piracy applications.

Also on board is Switzerland’s SICPA, a globally recognised authority in optically variable inks and traceability, and Vietnam’s Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer, which is an emerging player in polymer banknote substrates.

NanoSilikhan Advanced Materials (formerly NANOBRICK), based in South Korea, specialises in developing and manufacturing nano materials, including magnetically and electrically colour-changeable photonic crystal materials for applications in security, biotechnology, functional materials and display technologies.

UK-based XRD Nano (UK) brings its specialism in UV replication technologies with a strong focus on nano-structured and micro-structured features to IOTA, while TOPITCAL (based in Hong Kong and engaged in the development, design and production of material, technologies and products in optical security overlays and security labels) completes the current round of new members, who will contribute their expertise and Intellectual Property towards strengthening the optical security technologies international ecosystem.

Growing momentum

Welcoming the new members, Dr Mark Deakes (chair of IOTA) said: “We thank all of them for enhancing IOTA’s growing momentum and role as a global hub for technical excellence in optical security. Each new member brings valuable expertise, strengthening our vision of an inclusive alliance that drives innovation, shares knowledge and sets global standards in the fight against counterfeiting, fraud and illicit trade.”

Revitalised in 2024, IOTA membership embraces all developers and suppliers of security features based on technologies that, in addition to holography, include micro-lens arrays, micro-mirrors, plasmonics, nano-gratings, colour change, caustics, polarisation, photonic crystals, special print-generated effects or a combination of these.

The current indications are that brand protection, ‘track and trace’ and other anti-counterfeiting technologies will continue to increase as economies wrestle with international challenges and the global trade in fake goods, which poses risks to consumer safety.

Authenticity and credibility

IOTA membership confers authenticity and credibility on those companies that join. All the new members have been vetted and will adhere to a strict Code of Practice governing standards, business ethics, customer service and respect for (and protection of) customers’ and other members’ Intellectual Property.

Deakes concluded: “We look forward to all the new members’ active involvement as we promote optical technologies and expand the scope of IOTA’s work across a wide range of commercial activities.”

*Further information is available online at www.iot-association.org