IHMA Embraces New Security Features Ecosystem
28 Nov 2024 | Press Release
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) has a new name – the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA). The change is part of the industry body’s strategic plan to broaden its scope to better serve evolving markets and new technology frontiers, particularly in optical security.
The implementation of this plan began in early 2024, with the launch of the Security Image Register (SIR), a replacement to the Hologram Image Register and the only system for the secure document community to safeguard copyright by recording and tracking all designs and manufacturing details for optical security features. New research and development collaborations, leadership changes with the appointment of new board members, and the expansion of membership to all security OVD suppliers have also taken place. The renaming of the industry association itself is the next logical step.
The IHMA was founded in 1993 and, since then, holograms and their derivatives have become one of the most successful and ubiquitous anti-counterfeiting features for banknotes, as well as identity, secure documents and brand protection – both on their own and, increasingly, in combination with other technologies. Many of the current members produce features with these other technologies, and the new name and focus of the association reflects and supports this. Moreover, no other sector of the industry that supplies anti-counterfeiting technologies has its own trade body, and the importance of all optically variable features – and not just holography – to the security and integrity of fiduciary and ID documents is what has prompted the expansion of the association.
IOTA membership now 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.
Accompanying the relaunch, IOTA will be holding a series of user-focused webinars during 2025 that target key sectors for optical security, and will also be presenting at a number of industry conferences.
According to IOTA Chair Mark Deakes, ‘I am honoured to be part of this transformative moment, where we build on our legacy while embracing a modern identity that reflects our vision for the future. This rebranding and expanded focus is a recognition of the importance of the role of all optically variable technologies in advancing the security of documents and products, and it will position the association to better support the needs of our longstanding and new members’.
