Haze (optics)

There are two different types of haze that can occur in materials:

• Reflection haze occurs when light is reflected from a material.
• Transmission haze occurs when light passes through a material.

The measurement and control of both types during manufacture is essential to ensure optimum quality, acceptability and suitability for purpose of the product. For instance, in automotive manufacturing, a high quality reflective appearance is desirable with low reflection haze and high contrast whilst in packaging clear, low haze, highly transmissive films are required so that the contents, foods etc., can be clearly observed.