IHMA and SIU reach new agreement

The global hologram trade association has expanded its operations in China with the aim of fostering growth and raising awareness about the benefits of holographic technology among brand owners, government entities and industry suppliers.

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) and the regional trade organisation Security Identification Union (SIU) have reached a new agreement.

IHMA and SIU’s collaboration

The holography market in China is robust, evidenced by the UnionPay hologram card market, a global payment brand.

This sector consumes approximately 500 million holograms annually, amounting to an estimated value of around US $55m.

Additionally, holograms employed on FRW cigarette packets exceed five billion units, amounting to approximately US $12m in value.

According to the agreement, the SIU will intensify efforts to promote IHMA’s initiatives within the hologram community across China, recognising it as one of the world’s pivotal markets.

The SIU will play a crucial role in expanding IHMA’s membership base while advocating for its interests in markets where robust authentication, anti-counterfeiting and product enhancement holographic features and applications are essential.

Furthermore, the SIU will spearhead the dissemination of marketing and training materials to members as part of investment endeavours aimed at strengthening IHMA’s presence in China.

Key stakeholders in China, including manufacturers, banks, document issuers, printers and other major suppliers, will be acquainted with the advantages of collaborating with IHMA member companies.

This collaboration is envisioned to enhance authentication strategies and safeguard various items such as documents, currency, tobacco, alcohol, medicines and pharmaceuticals from the threats of piracy and counterfeiting.

While IHMA presently boasts seven members in China, it anticipates further expansion in the near future.

Its global members are actively involved in producing customised holograms for Chinese brands and security applications.

Dr Paul Dunn, Chair, IHMA said the country offers almost limitless scope for further growth and development of the holography industry.

“New opportunities arise”

Dunn added: “The SIU brings vital local knowledge and access as we move forward in rolling out our growth and development plans this year.

“We very much look forward to building the relationship further as our presence in China grows, new members and partners come onboard and new opportunities arise.”

The SIU operates as a national association overseen by the China International Association for Promotion of Science and Technology (CIAPST).

Over the years, it has been instrumental in advancing the security identification and holography industry, as well as facilitating international exchange in science and technology.

“Improving product quality”

A SIU spokesman said expansion of the IHMA’s involvement is an important step forward in the continuing development of China’s hologram industry: “With our links, we recognise that raising awareness of the industry trade body and encouraging more local brand owners to select IHMA members as their suppliers, will be beneficial in opening up access to the latest technological developments, improving product quality and sharing best practice.

“Moreover, pushing for more Chinese members will improve their integration into the global hologram industry, stimulating dialogue and additional cross border trade – critical if progress is to be made for the wider industry and opportunities realised.”