
Your packaging boxes gain attention at first glance when they are made of holographic paper with a three-dimensional and iridescent effect. Your products will shine through the retail shelf due to the rainbow colors of your product packaging and distinct branding. Holographic paper does not limit you to a few designs, as there are plenty of designs and printing methods employed on the packaging boxes of holographic paper. Stay with us to understand holographic paper and decide the appearance of your product packaging, the way you desire.
What is Holographic Paper?
The base material for holographic paper is an aluminum thin layer that has an embossed design leading to cause light diffraction and create holographic effect. Holographic paper is used in various applications such as gift wrap, Stickers, and crafting, premium packaging with cardstocks.
Types of Holographic Paper
Types by Design
Rainbow Holographic Paper
When the viewing angle changes, the spectrum of the rainbow on top changes its color. It’s the most commonly used holographic paper that has the features of displaying closely spaced parallel lines.
Dot Matrix Holographic Paper
In this paper, you will have a grid of dots that diffract light and produce a multi-color effect. The shimmering and sparkling dots can be arranged in various styles and densities.
3D Holographic Paper
It’s always the angle producing the required effect on the holographic paper. In the case of a motion effect or 3D image, it creates a sense of depth when viewed from different angles. You can use them on your product packaging and marketing material to make them more eye-catching.
Types by Manufacturing
Aluminum Metalized Holographic Paper
It creates a reflective and metallic surface when a thin layer of aluminum is applied to a holographic film. The same film is laminated on cardboard stock to produce the holographic product packaging.
Holographic Coating Layer Transfer Paper
You don’t need a separate plastic film to create this paper. Only paper is enough for transferring the holographic coating onto it. This holographic paper is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Cold Foil Holographic Paper
It’s the coating process where holographic foil is placed on the cardboard stock with cold foil holographic stamping. You will have the same signature metallic surface, leading to a luxurious appearance.
Printing on Holographic Paper
The high shine on the holographic paper does not mean they are not printable. You can print any design on them without missing any brand elements. The following are the printing techniques that are suitable for holographic paper.
UV Printing
You can produce vibrant, sharp, and durable printing results with UV printing on holographic paper. The UV light makes the ink dry instantly and adhere well to the non-porous surface of holographic paper. Your product packaging will have no smudging or smearing when you choose UV printing on a holographic surface.
Offset Printing
Offset printing is one of the traditional printing techniques used on holographic paper. If you have a bulk order, offset printing creates many copies by transferring ink from the plate to a rubber blanket and then to the holographic paper. The one-run printing produces more consistent results without any errors.
Digital Printing
In digital printing, microscopic droplets of ink are transferred directly onto the surface of holographic paper. It’s the perfect printing method for fast production and for printing small to medium-sized quantities. You can create sharp and detailed images with precise color matching.
Laser Etching
In this method, a laser beam is used to create aesthetic patterns on holographic paper by vaporizing the surface. If your design is more intricate and cannot be produced by any other printing techniques, laser etching will give you high-resolution results.
Benefits of Holographic Paper
Enhance Visual Appeal and Brand Differentiation
Your customers will come to your product packaging effortlessly due to the shimmering, color, shifting, and three-dimensional holographic effect. It creates a luxury perception about your product and packaging, while a touch of sophistication and premium quality is icing on top. Your customers will never forget your brand name due to the tactile experience after interacting with your holographic-based product packaging.
Anti-Counterfeiting and Security Features
The complex optical properties of holographic paper are difficult to duplicate which make them a formidable deterrent and resistance against counterfeiting. They also use it as a visible symbol of authenticity helping customers to verify the genuineness of your product. The products with holographic paper give the idea of high value. Use holographic paper to make your packaging tamper evident.
Durability and Protection
Standard paper-based product packaging with holographic paper is more resistant to tears, scuffs, creasing, and scratches. The holographic film on the surface acts as a protective layer and lamination. As the film is made of aluminum or plastic-based material so moisture and water will never enter your product packaging.
Versatility in Design and Application
Branding and product specification are easy with holographic paper. You can customize the design of these product packaging or label stickers, however you want. Personalize them with your brand logo and artwork. The popular design of holographic paper includes rainbow, broken glass, circle pattern, heart, nest, dots pattern, star, typhoon eye, snowflake, pillars, and more.
Uses of Holographic Paper
Packaging and Branding
The high-end product packaging, such as Cosmetics Boxes, electronics boxes, luxury product packaging, or food packaging, has holographic paper-based boxes. The shiny surface of the product packaging is exclusive and gives a wow effect to your customers. You can also use them for gift wrapping, gift bags, or decorative boxes to enhance the excitement of your products. Brands also use them for labels and stickers due to their vibrancy and difficulty in duplicating.
Product Authentication
Holographic paper is the best instrument to maintain your product authentication. The 3D images will tell the customers that they’re buying the right product. Industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and luxury fashion use holographic paper to create an anchor for their customers to check the authenticity of their products.
Promotion and Marketing Material
The whole purpose of promotion and marketing is to create high visibility for a product or brand. So brands and professionals use holographic business cards, brochures, flyers, posters, invitations, and greeting cards made of holographic paper. The unique shine of the paper enhances documents visual appeal for the receiver.
Art and Decorative Applications
The most popular use of holographic paper is decoration by crafting projects, scrapbooking, and other endeavors. Artists also utilize them for creating visually stunning and dynamic artwork due to the unique feature of light-bending properties of holographic paper.
Various Thicknesses of Holographic Cardboard Stock
Here are the tables for various thicknesses of holographic cardboard stock so you can choose the one with the right durability for your branded items.
- 12pt, 250 gsm, 305 micron (suitable for bags)
- 14pt, 275 gsm, 356 micron (best for takeout boxes and cups)
- 16pt, 300 gsm, 406 micron (best for heavy-duty bags, takeout boxes)
- 18pt, 350 gsm, 456 micron (Any custom packaging)
- 24pt, 400 gsm, 610 micron (Heavy duty boxes)
- 28pt, 527 gsm, 710 micron (Very heavy duty boxes)
Takeaways
- Holographic paper is the signature shine that allows your product packaging and other marketing material to stand out among others.
- You can use holographic paper to save your products from moisture.
- Branded packaging never has mere shine, but holographic paper is prone to any intricate design and printing technique.
- Products like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics can be authenticated with holograms on these papers.
The Packaging World has been working in custom boxes to offer excellence to our customers in the form of affordability, quality, and functionality. Whatever your demand for your product packaging, contact us and discuss your needs with our packaging experts.









