"With RollingStar we have created an unprecedented and unique product."

Trends and insights: Mr. Böhm, at the Banknote 2011 Conference you presented the RollingStar to the public for the first time. What does RollingStar provide that other security threads do not?

Michael Böhm: The combination of dynamics and colour change is a world first - never before have movement effects been blended with such optical brilliance. In addition, the RollingStar is practically counterfeit-proof and can even be equipped with further features.

No doubt your exhibit contributed to RollingStar being one of the central topics of the conference?

It’s true that our stand was always well attended. Each of the 350 mirrors on our two-meter-high exhibit was equipped with a ColourShift film. Controlled by computer, a dynamic movement sequence was created on a large scale, just as it occurs in RollingStar at microscopic level. But this wasn't just for show - it demonstrated the complex RollingStar technology in a way that was vivid and easy to grasp.

How have central banks and printers reacted to the new feature?

In the many conversations I had surrounding my presentation and at our stand I certainly picked up on great interest in this new technology. The visual brilliance of its movement and colour shifts made quite an impression. The combination of appearance and functionality was also very well received, as customer feedback has since confirmed. I am convinced that we have set a trend with this feature.

When will we see the first RollingStar on real banknotes?

We already have some contracts and more projects are in the pipeline. The first banknotes to feature RollingStar will enter circulation in 2012. At the moment we are developing additional designs for RollingStar, because new images in different colours will mean it can be seamlessly integrated into even more national banknote designs.