Protecting Identities with KINEGRAM – Project Highlights

As we begin 2026, physical identity documents remain the “root of trust” for identity verification and establishment. While digital proofs of identity are promising convenience and efficiency, verification of digital identity credentials is subject to the correct tools (including a functioning mobile phone of the credential holder), the interoperability of solutions across borders, and the necessary security infrastructure. Add to this the ongoing AI evolvements, which make sophisticated identity fraud achievable by anyone with a computer or a smartphone, and it is clear that secure physical identity documents remain an essential component for societies to continue to function.

In that spirit, governments continue to issue state-of-the-art physical identity documents with advanced features, and we are proud that the KINEGRAM continues to be a principal security element for passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses, visa and other documents around the world. In the following, we are happy to share an overview of some of the prestigious projects that we worked on in the past twelve months.

New Kyrgyz Passport including a KINEGRAM PCI with Full Data Protection

Polycarbonate-based data pages are the gold standard for modern biometric passports. They meet the latest ICAO standards, are highly resistant to counterfeiting and tampering, and can be equipped with advanced security features. The new passport of Kyrgyzstan is a prime example.

Issued on November 03, 2025, and produced domestically at the Uchkun JSC facility, the document is a complete redesign. It incorporates the new national flag as well as diverse national symbols, such as the legendary tribal leader Manas on his horse as well as traditional fabric patterns and ornaments. Among a total of over 30 security features, including two transparent windows, UV printing and the electronic chip, is a highly sophisticated KINEGRAM PCI with Full Data Protection (FDP).

The large-surface feature protects the entire personalization on the passport’s data page. It is based on the FDP concept and its possibility to create story-telling, connected designs, cleverly integrating sophisticated optical security effects. As an example, the tunduk at the data page’s center, representing the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt inside a sun disc, is surrounded by brilliant sun rays that display both colorful and achromatic Fine Line Movements. Other signature KINEGRAM effects are used for the depiction of the hero Manas on his horse and the words “KYRGYZ REPUBLIC” at the bottom of the data page. The KINEGRAM includes Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 effects, providing for strong and comprehensive security.

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI with Full Data Protection

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - partial metallization with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - Full Data Protection

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - protection of the portrait

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI with Full Data Protection

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - partial metallization with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - Full Data Protection

Kyrgyz Passport with KINEGRAM PCI - protection of the portrait

New Dutch Driver’s License with a KINEGRAM

An upgraded and newly designed driver’s license was introduced in The Netherlands in June 2025. It is issued to applicants by RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer), the Netherlands Vehicle Authority. While the overall appearance remains broadly similar to the previous generation, the new card incorporates several advanced security features; among them, a fully transparent KINEGRAM with an extremely brilliant appearance.

The KINEGRAM is embedded in the polycarbonate card and secures the document holder’s portrait. It is equipped with several signature KINEGRAM effects, for example a virtual 3D “Surface Relief” effect enhancing the letters “NL” in the card’s center; a colorful pump effect, and a prominent RICS effect (Rotation-Induced Color Shift).

From a design perspective, the successful integration of the KINEGRAM into the card design is striking. Elements from other security features are playfully repeated, and are all linked to the theme of driving. The design makes very focused use of typical KINEGRAM properties and offers clear anchor points for easy recognition and visual authentication.

Dutch Driver’s License with a KINEGRAM PCI

Dutch Driver’s License with a KINEGRAM PCI - protection of the portrait

Dutch Driver’s License with a KINEGRAM PCI

Dutch Driver’s License with a KINEGRAM PCI - protection of the portrait

Malaysia Visa with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Given the entitlements that visas provide for international travel, they are also a prime target for counterfeiters, making solid protection by sophisticated security features essential. A good example for this is the new visa document of Malaysia, incorporating an advanced KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO element.

The prominent feature is applied in patch format on the top left of the document and integrated with the print design, repeating a neighboring print motif: a bright red Malaysia hibiscus, the country’s national flower. The hibiscus blossom is realized as a virtual 3D Surface Relief effect. Other signature KINEGRAM effects, including Level 2 and forensic elements, additionally elevate the feature’s security and protect the visa document against counterfeiting.

We are proud of this beautiful reference – and its contribution to the success of this document at the 2025 High Security Printing Asia Conference’s Award Ceremony, where it was named “Best New ID Document”. Having contributed to this accolade is a great motivator to continue the pursuit of our mission: protecting identities.

Malaysia Visa with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Malaysia Visa with KINEGRAM PATCH with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Malaysia Visa with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO

Malaysia Visa with KINEGRAM PATCH with KINEGRAM ZERO.ZERO