What is PET Hologram Film? Polyester‑Based Film
PET hologram film is a polyester‑based plastic film (polyethylene terephthalate) that serves as the primary substrate for embossed holograms, security labels, strips, and laminates. PET is the most widely used material in the hologram industry because it offers an exceptional balance of strength, clarity, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. The film is typically available in thicknesses from 12 to 100 microns (0.012 mm to 0.1 mm). A typical security hologram label uses 23–50 micron PET. During manufacturing, the film is first coated with a thermoplastic lacquer, then embossed with a diffraction grating (the holographic image) using a nickel shim, and finally metalized with aluminium to make the hologram visible. PET hologram film is preferred over other plastics (like PVC or BOPP) for high‑security applications because it resists tearing, shrinking, and deformation under heat – making it ideal for embossing, hot stamping, and long‑term durability. It is also recyclable (though the metal layer can complicate recycling). PET hologram film is used for hologram labels, security threads, passport laminates, ID card overlays, and high‑value packaging where tamper evidence and longevity are critical.
At Holoseal – a trusted hologram supplier with 15+ years of experience – we provide hologram products made from premium PET film, available in clear, metalized, or printed finishes. Our PET‑based holograms are used by clients across India and worldwide in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Patna, Guwahati, Chandigarh, and many more.
🔍 Key Properties of PET Hologram Film
- High tensile strength – PET resists tearing and stretching, which is critical when the film is pulled through embossing and coating machines.
- Heat resistance – PET can withstand embossing temperatures up to 150°C without deforming, allowing precise replication of diffraction gratings.
- Dimensional stability – The film does not expand or shrink significantly with humidity or temperature changes, ensuring registration accuracy for multi‑colour printing.
- Clarity – High optical clarity allows the holographic effect to be bright and sharp. Clear PET is used for transparent security windows.
- Chemical resistance – PET resists most solvents, oils, and acids, making it suitable for industrial and automotive labels.
- Recyclability – PET is recyclable, though the aluminium metalization layer may need to be removed in specialised recycling streams.
⚙️ How PET Hologram Film Is Manufactured (for Holography)
- Extrusion and orientation – PET resin is melted and extruded into a thin sheet, then stretched (oriented) in both machine and transverse directions to increase strength and clarity. This creates biaxially oriented PET (BOPET).
- Primer coating – The film is coated with a thin primer or lacquer layer that can be embossed. This layer softens under heat to accept the diffraction grating.
- Embossing – The film passes between a heated nickel shim (containing the holographic pattern) and a pressure roller. The lacquer layer is embossed with the grating.
- Metalization – A layer of aluminium (typically 30–50 nm thick) is vacuum‑deposited onto the embossed side, making the hologram reflective and visible.
- Coating (optional) – A protective top coat or adhesive may be applied, depending on the final use (labels, laminates, or stamping foils).
🛡️ Types of PET Hologram Film
- Clear PET hologram film – No metalization; the diffraction pattern is visible as a faint, transparent effect. Used for overlay laminates (e.g., passports) where the underlying print must remain visible.
- Metalized PET hologram film – Standard aluminium coating, producing bright rainbow colours. Used for most security labels and decorative foils.
- Demetalized PET hologram film – Metal is selectively removed (laser or chemical) to create clear windows or text. Used for high‑security features.
- White PET hologram film – A white opaque version (titanium dioxide filled) for labels where a white background is desired, but with a holographic pattern on top.
- Heat‑stabilised PET – Treated to withstand even higher temperatures for hot stamping foils and in‑mould labelling.
📦 Common Applications of PET Hologram Film
- Hologram labels (self‑adhesive) – The most common use. PET provides tear‑resistance and durability for labels on products, packaging, and documents.
- Security threads (strips) – Narrow PET strips (2–10 mm) embedded in banknotes or passport pages. The high strength prevents easy removal.
- Hot stamping foils – The PET carrier is used to transfer the hologram onto cartons, cards, or certificates.
- Lamination overlays – Clear or metalized PET hologram films laminated onto ID cards, driver’s licences, and passport data pages.
- Flexible packaging – PET hologram film can be printed and used as part of stand‑up pouches or wrappers (though often laminated with other materials).
- Decorative gift wrap and stationery – Bright, rainbow holograms on PET for high‑impact visual appeal.
🔐 PET vs. Other Film Types for Holograms
- PET vs. BOPP – BOPP (polypropylene) is less expensive but has lower heat resistance and tear strength. PET is preferred for high‑security and long‑life applications.
- PET vs. PVC – PVC is softer, but not as heat‑resistant and can release harmful gases when incinerated. PET is more environmentally friendly and dimensionally stable.
- PET vs. paper – Paper cannot be embossed directly; paper labels are usually laminated with a PET hologram film for the diffractive effect.
🌍 Holoseal’s PET Hologram Film Supply
We supply PET hologram film in master rolls or finished labels, strips, and foils. Our film is sourced from specialised converters who use high‑grade PET substrates. For clients across India and worldwide, we offer:
- Thickness options – 12, 23, 30, 36, 50, 75, 100 microns. Thicker films are more rigid and durable.
- Width up to 1200 mm – For large‑format lamination or conversion.
- Custom holographic patterns – We arrange the origination of your design onto PET film.
- Food‑safe PET films – For direct food contact packaging (certificates available).
- UV‑stable and outdoor grades – With additives to prevent yellowing and metal oxidation.
With 15+ years of experience, we help you select the optimal PET film thickness, metalization level, and coating for your specific application – whether it’s a short‑life promotional sticker or a decade‑long security document.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About PET Hologram Film
Is PET hologram film recyclable?
Yes – PET is recyclable. However, the aluminium metalization layer can complicate recycling. Some recycling facilities accept metalized PET, while others require the metal to be removed. For eco‑friendly projects, we can supply demetalized or clear PET (non‑metalized) holograms.
What is the typical shelf life of PET hologram labels?
When stored in a cool, dry place away from UV light, PET hologram labels last 2–3 years in roll form before adhesive aging. Once applied, they can last 5–10 years indoors, and 1–3 years outdoors (with UV‑stable coatings).
Can PET hologram film be printed on?
Yes – many PET hologram films are surface‑treated (corona or primer) to accept flexo, gravure, or digital printing. We supply printable grades for adding variable data, barcodes, or QR codes directly on the hologram.
Is PET hologram film resistant to solvents and oils?
PET itself is highly resistant to most solvents, oils, and dilute acids. However, the aluminium coating may corrode if exposed to strong alkalis. We offer protective top coats for harsh environments.
What is the minimum thickness for a durable security label?
For most security labels, 23–50 microns is sufficient. Thinner (12 microns) films are more prone to tearing and are used for short‑life applications or as base for hot stamping foils. Thicker (75–100 microns) films are used for rigid labels like equipment asset tags.
How to order PET hologram film or products from Holoseal?
Specify your desired thickness, width, pattern (stock or custom), metalization (clear, metalized, demetalized), and quantity (square metres or finished labels). We will provide samples for testing. Contact us for a quote.
