It seems like a contradiction in terms. Hologram labels … affordable?!? It can’t be!

As a security label manufacturer, Polylabel deals with several forms of security labels including custom hologram labels. Historically, hologram labels have made up a small portion of the security label market, primarily because hologram labels are believed to be available to large companies or corporations only. While this held true in the past, even as late as 5 years ago, this no longer is the case. Custom hologram labels are now accessible to just about everyone for a fraction of the cost charged previously. That being said, there are only a handful of hologram manufacturers, us included, who will take on small run hologram projects at a reasonable cost to the client.

For example, we set out to obtain quotes from many top hologram manufacturers in North America and around the world so that we could analyze what a typical client might be faced with. What we found was astonishing. Most hologram manufacturers would not perform short run hologram label productions of 50,000 labels or less. Minimum order amounts are typically 100,000 labels or more and even as high as 500,000 labels. In addition, the costs were astronomical! Creation of a master die is necessary in order to produce the custom labels. Typically there is a charge to create this master die. During our survey we were often quoted US $1500 or more just for the master die! This is unbelievable considering that our short run custom hologram productions start at US $1500, which includes a custom hologram design, master die, production and delivery! Still, most customers are not aware that hologram labels have become so affordable.

In addition, most customers are not aware of the benefits of hologram labels for product counterfeit protection and authentication, security, branding and so on. Most people will think of those cool 3D effects seen on credit cards or on toys when mentioning holograms. Obviously they are much more then that.

Again, think of a credit card. They all have a hologram on them. The hologram serves several purposes but its most important purpose in this case is to authenticate the credit card. A merchant will know that the card is legit just by taking a glance at the hologram. Holograms are very difficult to replicate and therefore you are almost guaranteed to be looking at the real thing when you come across one. An event tag is another great example of authentication. A person may only be given access to a restricted area if they are wearing the proper badge or tag.

Many important documents now include holograms. A good example of this is when expensive software is purchased. License key cards will often include a hologram to authenticate the product. If you have ever purchased a Windows Operating System such as Windows XP or Windows Vista, then you have likely seen this.

The other half of authentication is counterfeit protection. As you may know, counterfeit products have become a real problem for major brands around the world. Just try walking down a main street in any major city and you will undoubtedly be encountered by a street merchant attempting to sell you knock-offs. As a result, many companies have turned to hologram labels to protect their brands. You know you’re buying the real deal if you see the hologram.

For example, counterfeit products have notoriously been a major problem for event organizers of major sporting events such as the Olympics or the Fifa World Cup. To protect against this, event organizer have used holograms to authenticate “officially licensed” products such as caps, t-shirts, programs, books, bags and so on. This helps to protect both the consumer and the licensed manufacturers and retailers.

Holograms can also be used for security protection as well. Tamper evident hologram labels can be place at access points to protect against unauthorized access or to ensure that access has been made. For example, a computer manufacturer may void the computer warranty if the computer is opened by anyone other then the manufacturers support technician. Opening the computer will trigger the tamper evident features of the label making it apparent that access has been made. In this case, access is not authorized if you want to maintain your computer’s warranty. On the other hand, another manufacturer may not accept returns once a product package has been opened. In other words, the manufacture wishes access to be made to the package. The customer can only return the item if the label must is intact.

Holograms are also ideal for packaging and branding purposes due to holograms great visual qualities and visual effects. For example, many magazines will employ holograms to help dress up a special edition cover. I’ve seen many cases where hologram labels have been created for no other reason then to dress up products, event flyers, brochures and so on.

The possible uses for hologram labels are endless. Best of all, holograms are much more affordable then in previous years allowing small businesses to join the fold. Now just about everyone can use holograms to promote and protect their business, products and brands.