It can combine numerous holographic patterns, images, logos and styles, and allows new designs and mock-ups to be made over a few days at "hugely reduced costs".

Dave Stansfield, sales director, API Foils UK/export Holographics, said: "Holonique is being positioned to fill the gap in the holographic market between the two distinct categories, off the shelf holographics and bespoke origination holographics."

He added that Holonique is offering companies the best of both holographic worlds.

"Holographics are increasingly playing a key role in product enhancement and brand protection, but due to the technical and costly production process they have often been expensive to produce with no guarantee that the final designs were how the client envisaged them.

"Holonique offers a higher quality finish meaning a clearer image, almost unlimited design options and most importantly allows companies to be involved with every aspect of the design process."

Holonique can be used on packaging and is generally used in the food and drink, pharmaceutical, publishing and consumer goods sectors.

API Group operates 15 facilities worldwide and employs around 800 people. It has sales in excess of £85m.