About Us

Uniting the ivory tower with the factory floor

Rolling Optics is bringing together the innovation of the research world with the reality of mass production.

Research

The idea for the materials took shape when Axel Lundvall, VP and co-founder at Rolling Optics, was a research scientist at Uppsala University. Together with a team headed by assistant Professor Fredrik Nikolajeff, they were studying optical microstructures, optical materials and light scattering in thin foils. Rolling Optics was later put together with a team of people representing a rare mix of scientific and industrial backgrounds opening up completely new approaches to fast and efficient volume production. Now the RO Production Technology.

Development

The concept began to develop during a collaborative project with Innventia (formerly STFI-Packforsk), a world leader in research and development relating to pulp, graphic media, packaging and biorefining. “It was Innventia that helped us define markets for the invention,” Fredrik Blomquist, CEO, explains.

Partnerships

By cooperating with Innventia and selected industry partners, Rolling Optics came into contact with print and packaging partners for testing the materials on a larger scale. As Axel points out: “We’ve focused on the ability to easily convert and apply the material in large volumes. The team have invested a large amount of time in creating a robust, secure production facility that takes into account the entire product: from raw materials to the finished foil and, thanks to our partners, into the package.”

Financial backing

Rolling Optics is backed by strong financial actors: private investors with long experience in industrial enterprises. “They have provided the capital and competence needed to take an idea from the lab to production in a very short space of time. They are a really strong asset for our international industrial expansion,” Fredrik says.

Frequently Asked Questions

In what ways do Rolling Optic holographic images differ from conventional holograms?

RO holographic images are deeper and crisper than conventional ones. Instead of an indeterminate metallic hue, they allow for the selection of specific colours. The images are available in any size, from thumbnail to A4, and give you the freedom to play with different levels and effects. And finally, the image provides the perception of a third dimension, not just a vague metallic shimmer.

How is the deep 3D effect achieved?

RO optical film reflects light in such a way that the right and left eye see different images. Your brain puts the pieces together and creates the illusion of real depth.

How deep is deep?

The perceived depth you wish to create is completely up to you: anything from a couple of millimetres and beyond. You can also divide the field of depth into any number of different levels.

The illusions you can create are so real that the first time people pick up a package with an RO hologram, they usually turn it around, open it and look inside to try to understand what it is that they are actually seeing.

What other effects can be achieved?

In addition to deep 3D, RO holograms can produce a number of other effects. They can create the illusion of a gliding, hovering movement and images can be seen to turn on and off. To learn more about what RO holograms can do, please get in touch.

Why do Rolling Optic holograms provide greater security than conventional ones?

Conventional holographic images can be easily faked. You need the right lighting and a trained eye to tell the difference between a genuine hologram and a forgery. However, RO holograms produce images of such depth and clarity that anyone can see at a glance, in any light, whether or not they are authentic. The result of over 10 years of research, RO holographic images are practically impossible to copy, but easy to authenticate.

What security features do RO materials offer?

Our optical films can display both printed and covert graphics providing a further level of security to satisfy investigative requirements. Our materials are resistant to counterfeiting, tampering, diversion and warranty fraud. RO films are also heat and moisture resistant, do not yield false positives and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. We cannot publish a full list of our security product portfolio online: for more information, please contact Pierre Hultin.

How can Rolling Optic holograms help build brand identity?

RO holograms are crystal clear and create a strong visual impact. The materials are flexible and give designers the freedom to decide motif, colour, depth and size to match the look and feel of the corporate brand identity of their clients. In addition, the material is reverse and top-printable, plus you can combine it with printed, coated cardboard packaging materials, for example.

In what applications can Rolling Optic holograms be used?

Rolling Optics’ materials, whether transparent or opaque, can be used in labels, over-laminates, window and sealing applications and packaging film. Depending on your requirements, we can recommend one of our selected partners. For special needs, customized solutions are available.

Who wants to use RO holograms?

The list is long: national and international health agencies that need to ensure patients are receiving authentic, safe medication; security experts are looking for new ways within certification and authentication to provide protection for their customers; manufacturers of luxury and high-value goods who want to reassure retailers and consumers that the product in question is the genuine article; brand and marketing managers, designers and advertising agencies who wish to strengthen brand identity and/or draw attention to specific products.

What printing and converting methods can be used?

Within labelling, high-speed rotation die-cutting and flexo-printing in register. Window application in register is also available. Printable materials include reverse and top multicolour flexo-printing.

Who can convert Rolling Optic foils into labels and packages?

Rolling Optics has been working in close cooperation with a number of leading Scandinavian and European printers and converters who have integrated the holographic foils into their labelling and packaging production lines. Get in contact and we will put you in touch with your nearest print and packaging partner.

How are Rolling Optic holograms delivered?

Our holograms are delivered as labels on rolls, in standard packaging bulk sizes or in customized sheeting sizes. We can supply anything from a single foil to a run of millions and in different thicknesses depending on the need of the product, label or window of a package. Customized materials and dimensions are available.

Where can I see RO next-generation holograms for myself?

Rolling Optics will be appearing at the following trade fairs: LuxePack, Monaco: 21-23 Oct, 2009 Scanpack, Göteborg, Sweden: 20-23 Oct, 2009

Alternatively, please contact one of our industry partners.