Stamp of Approval

"The evidence is in the grocery store," says Doug Herr, national sales manager for the Bobst Group. "Walking down the aisles today versus five years ago, you see many more packages with hot foil stamping—and not only promotional packages, but other items which consistently use hot foil stamping."

Suppliers have noticed more consumer markets are now using hot stamping on their products—anything from auto parts to fish food. It is now being used across the packaging world. "It's not just for the cosmetic and personal care markets anymore," advises Peter Kuschnitzky, general manager of I.Kela. "It's basically a cheap way to get a better look for your packages," And when foil use starts in a product market, it can become contagious.