Holographic films are very thin, flexible plastic film, which have been micro-embossed with a holographic image or pattern. The embossing process creates a pattern or an image which can provide a 3-D effect and spectral coloring. The embossing process is like cutting tiny grooves into the surface of the film at various angles and in different shapes. The micro-grooves cause the diffraction of regular white light into spectral coloring.

Applications
Most holographic films are metallized with aluminum on the embossed surface. This serves to protect the embossed surface as well as reflect light through the embossed surface providing a more colorful and brighter image. These films can be pressure sensitized to make label or sticker material. This is done by applying a pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner to the metallized surface of the film. Labels or stickers can then be created by die or machine cutting the film into the desired shape, removing the excess film and then discarding the release liner to expose the adhesive surface of the finished sticker or label.

Holographic film can also be chopped into glitter or powder and then applied to textile products or mixed into other materials to provide a unique holographic effect.

Lamination of the Film
The film can be laminated to different types of materials for various packaging applications. They can be laminated to sealable films to make form, fill and seal roll stock packaging or premade flexible bags. They can be laminated to paper or card stock to make consumer packaging and specialty gift boxes and bags. They can be extrusion coated with sealable polyethylene and can also be coated with special adhesives.