Holographic Lamination Film for Cartons: Options, Process and How to Choose
By Rajneesh Sharma, Owner, Kiran Holographics
Walk through any store and you will see cartons with a rainbow shine: cosmetics boxes, food packs, gift boxes, electronics packaging. That finish comes from holographic material on the carton board. For printers and packaging companies, offering it is a way to win premium work.
This guide explains the main ways to get a holographic finish on cartons, how they compare, and how to choose.
Three ways to make a holographic carton
1. Holographic film lamination
Metallized or transparent holographic film is bonded to paper or board with adhesive. The board is then printed, cut and folded into cartons. Metallized film gives a bright, mirror-like shine. Transparent film lets printed artwork show through under a holographic layer.
2. Cast and cure
The hologram is transferred from a film onto the board using a special coating that hardens. The film is removed afterwards, leaving the holographic effect directly on the board surface. There is no plastic layer left on the carton.
3. Holographic metallized paper
Paper that already has a holographic metallized surface, which is then laminated to board or used directly for cartons and labels. A paper-based option for brands that prefer less plastic.
Read about each film type in our wide web holographic film guide.
Comparison
| Point | Film lamination | Cast and cure | Holographic paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Bright, with a film layer on board | Holographic effect directly on board | Holographic paper surface |
| Plastic on carton | Yes | No film left on board | Paper-based |
| Print over it | Yes, on transparent film or the board | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Bright shine, gift and cosmetics boxes | Premium cartons, recycling-friendly packs | Brands preferring paper |
The exact results depend on your board, printing method and machine, so ask your supplier for samples before a large order.
Full holographic or spot holographic?
Full coverage puts the hologram across the whole carton. It gives a strong look but uses more material and can limit your printing colours. Spot or partial holographic places the effect only on selected areas, such as a logo or a border. It gives the premium look at lower cost, and lets other parts of the pack keep their printed colours. Hot stamping foil can also do spot effects. See hologram sticker vs hot stamping foil.
What printers should check
- Board type: thickness and surface of the carton board.
- Printing method: offset, flexo or other. Inks and varnishes must suit the holographic surface.
- Folding and gluing: check that creasing does not crack the film or coating.
- Width and roll size that fit your laminating machine.
- Pattern: standard or custom with the brand's logo.
- Quantity and reorder frequency.
Standard pattern or custom design
Standard patterns suit decorative cartons. A custom pattern with the brand's name or logo repeated across the board makes the carton recognisable and harder to copy. Custom patterns start as a master in an origination lab. See our hologram master plate guide and the hologram manufacturing process.
Combine with other security features
A holographic carton looks premium, but for products that need protection, add a tamper evident hologram sticker across the carton opening, or a numbered sticker for tracking. See numbered hologram stickers.
Machines for lamination
If you want to laminate or coat holographic film yourself, see our guide on coating and lamination machines, or our turnkey hologram plant.
Holographic film for cartons from Jaipur
At Kiran Holographics, we make metallized and transparent holographic film, cast and cure film and holographic metallized paper in our own Jaipur plant, and custom patterns from our own master lab. Tell us your board, printing method and quantity, and we will suggest the right option. See our wide web holographic film range.
We have been in the holographic industry since 2002, supplying clients in India and export markets. Get a quote and we will reply within one working day.
About the author: Rajneesh Sharma is the owner of Kiran Holographics, Jaipur, a security hologram manufacturer since 2002. He leads the work from client designs and origination to exports and plant projects.