Mr. Gebauer, what is it that makes the technology behind the RollingStar® Patch so special?

The RollingStar® Patch combines two advanced technologies: micromirrors and ColorShift™. These two systems work together to create dynamic effects that are not only impressive to the naked eye, but also difficult to fake. The micromirrors reflect light in a way that enables the banknote to display intricate three-dimensional or dynamic visual effects based on the viewing angle. These motion effects bring the design to life, making it visually appealing and almost impossible to copy. The ColourShift™ technology creates a color change that varies depending on the viewing angle, for example from gold to green or green to blue. This creates a visual experience that is as intuitive as it is safe: the combination of aesthetics and functionality makes this technology stand out. It is easily recognizable, difficult to fake, and with maximum flexibility for design. 

 

How do these technologies specifically contribute to greater banknote security? 

For us, security and design have always been closely linked. The dynamic effects created by tilting the banknote offer a simple and intuitive way of checking the authenticity of the banknote. The micromirrors create a stunning visual effect and make it extremely difficult for counterfeiters to imitate. Counterfeiters would have to imitate both the optical color change and the movement effects of the micromirrors, which is technically incredibly challenging and extremely difficult to copy since they rely on a precise "manipulation" of light. These innovations are essential for meeting the growing demands for enhanced banknote security and providing central banks with a reliable, future-proof solution. Another key advantage is that the effects remain clearly visible even in poor lighting conditions. This is crucial for checking banknotes in everyday situations, whether in poorly lit rooms or outdoors. The patch remains easily recognizable even in these environments. 

Christoph Gebauer, Senior Product Manager High-Security Foils at Louisenthal

»History comes alive«

Tell me other ways the RollingStar® patch is used. 

One outstanding example is our sample note depicting the fairy tale "Sternentaler." The story comes alive with the dynamic effects of the RollingStar® Patch. Stars falling from the sky, clouds moving and changing color while an owl flies by in front of the moon—this combination of color changes, movement, and three-dimensional effects makes the banknote secure and a real work of art! 

 

What were the strongest drivers for the development of the RollingStar® Patch? 

The market and customer requirements. After the success of our varifeye® ColourChange Patch, we received many requests for a similar solution that does not require a window but still offers similar visual effects. The RollingStar® Patch is the answer. We then took our existing technologies and enhanced them, creating a compact, flexible, and secure solution. This security feature can be used in various shapes and positions on the banknote. This flexibility was a key feature in the development of the RollingStar® Patch, as it allows each banknote to be customized even further. 

 

What sets the RollingStar® Patch apart from similar technologies? 

It offers superior visual quality, primarily because we achieve a significantly higher "resolution" and brighter colors with our micromirror technology. The color change and motion effects are as precise as they are brilliant, creating stunning three-dimensional effects that create an illusion of movement when the banknote is tilted — something that other technologies struggle to achieve.  

 

Isn't such a highly complex product also very vulnerable? 

No, the RollingStar® Patch is designed to endure the full life cycle of a banknote. Even after years of use, the visual effects remain intact; after all, it was also developed with high resistance in mind. We have already achieved promising results with tests in countries with high circulation rates and challenging climatic conditions. The long-term durability under real circulation conditions is therefore constantly and closely examined by us. 

RollingStar® Patch

»Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our development efforts«

To what extent does sustainability play a role in the development of the RollingStar® Patch? 

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our development efforts. The backing film of the RollingStar® Patch is made from 70% recycled plastic, reducing the ecological footprint without compromising safety or durability. The patch integrates seamlessly into existing production processes without affecting the end-of-life repurposing of banknotes. This is especially important for countries that are focusing on more environmentally friendly banknotes. 

 

How does the patch fit into the “future of banknote security” and what role does it play? 

Our security technologies are constantly evolving, so we see the RollingStar® patch as an integral part of a multi-layered security system that also includes other technologies such as watermarks, UV printing and hidden features. Each security feature fulfills a specific function, working together to prevent counterfeiting. The patch complements these technologies with its unique visual effects and interaction with light. It is essential that all these features remain intuitively recognizable — both for the end user and for experts. The RollingStar® patch is the perfect basis for continuing along this path and making banknotes more secure and more attractive. 

Further Reading

RollingStar® Patch
RollingStar Patch is based on the same technology as RollingStar LEAD – and gives you complete freedom to choose any patch size, shape and position on the note. That makes it really easy to integrate it into your banknote design.

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ColourShift Threads
ColourShift and ColourShift/ColourFix security threads deliver striking colours that change when the note is tilted. We offer a wide range of colour options so you can customise the thread to your banknote design.

READ MORE