Hot foil stamping

Hot foil stamping is a finishing process in which heat and pressure transfer a thin metallic or coloured layer from a foil onto a substrate. This creates glossy, metallic, or matt effects that appear particularly high‑end.

POHLI offers hot foil stamping as a finishing technique to enhance a wide range of packaging solutions individually.

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Why is hot foil stamping worthwhile?

POHLI’s hot foil stamping is available in gold and silver, either glossy or matt. Other colours are available on request. Both glass and plastic packaging, as well as closures, can be decorated using this technique.

This service is available even for smaller quantities. Tooling set-up costs for dies are incurred only once per item and are charged pro rata.

Premium look and exclusivity

Hot foil stamping lends products an elegant, luxurious appearance. Gold or silver stamping appears particularly refined and eye‑catching, which is why it is frequently used for premium products.

Tactile hot foil finishing

In addition to the visual enhancement, the process also creates a distinctive tactile effect. Embossed areas are slightly raised, giving the product a noticeably more premium feel.

Advantages of hot foil stamping

Increased attention and differentiation

Products featuring hot foil stamping stand out visually from competing products. Especially in saturated markets such as cosmetics, fashion, or spirits, this represents a key factor in attracting customers.

Durability and resistance

Unlike conventional printing processes, the metallic effects created by hot foil stamping do not fade and are abrasion‑resistant. This is particularly important for products that are handled frequently or stored long‑term, such as exclusive packaging or certificates.

Security and anti-counterfeiting

Hot foil stamping is also used to integrate security features – for example, holograms on banknotes, tickets, or certificates – making counterfeiting significantly more difficult.

Materials used in hot foil stamping

Materials for stamping (substrates)

Hot foil stamping can be applied to many materials, including plastics (e.g. for cosmetic packaging and bottle closures), as well as glass and metal packaging (such as high‑quality bottles or tins).

Materials for the hot stamping foil

The hot stamping foil itself consists of several layers that are transferred to the substrate when heated:

carrier film: usually polyester (PET), serves as the foil’s base
release layer: ensures the colour layer releases when heated
colour or metallic layer: contains the desired design (e.g. gold, silver, holographic, or matt effects)
adhesive layer: bonds the stamped design to the substrate

How hot foil stamping works

Preparation

First, a metal stamping die (die plate) is produced with the desired motif. The die is then installed in the stamping press and heated to the appropriate temperature. Meanwhile, the material to be finished is prepared.

Placing the hot stamping foil

A specially coated hot stamping foil is placed between the material and the stamping die. The foil consists of several layers: a carrier film, a colour layer (e.g. gold or silver), and an adhesive layer that activates under heat.

Stamping process

Once the machine has reached operating temperature, the heated die is pressed with high pressure onto the foil and the material beneath. The heat causes the colour layer to separate from the foil and bond to the material’s surface.

Removing the foil

After pressing, the excess foil is removed, leaving only the desired motif on the material. Depending on the design, different foil colours or additional stamping passes can be used to create special effects.

Further processing

After hot foil stamping, the finished product can be further processed – for example by die‑cutting, folding, or laminating – depending on the desired end product.

The process is particularly suitable for long‑lasting finishes, as the foil does not fade and is highly abrasion‑resistant depending on the substrate.