#USA #Grand Rapids #X-Rite #PantoneLIVE #Sun Chemical

Introduction to PantoneLIVE and Beverage Packaging

In a world where branding relies heavily on color, the ability to accurately reproduce specific hues has never been more critical. Recognizing this, Sun Chemical and X-Rite have unveiled new color libraries within the PantoneLIVE™ digital color ecosystem aimed at revolutionizing the beverage packaging industry, particularly aluminum cans. This update offers advanced solutions for manufacturers, converters, and brands to achieve consistency and precision in color applications.

What’s New in PantoneLIVE?

As the beverage sector continues to grow, so too does the complexity of its packaging needs. The newly expanded libraries allow for precise visualization of Pantone and brand colors on two-piece aluminum cans. These enhancements utilize metal deco inks that provide a sophisticated matte finish, addressing a rising demand for matte varnishes in metal packaging.

Available through subscriptions to PantoneLIVE Production – Print and Packaging, the latest libraries are designed with versatility in mind. They accommodate both opaque and transparent inks, facilitating a seamless application that ensures brand colors remain consistent from concept through to production.

Streamlining Color Management

The integration of over 4,000 color options significantly extends PantoneLIVE’s capabilities in metal packaging. This comprehensive selection supports a range of applications, including:

• - Two-piece aluminum cans
• - Monobloc aerosols
• - Aluminum collapsible tubes
• - Felt pen cases

By streamlining color development, these libraries empower brands to reduce uncertainties and rework. This is critical for maintaining consistency not only across various finishes but also across production runs, which can often be fraught with challenges. Eduardo Alegria, Global Champion of Metal Deco Inks at Sun Chemical, emphasizes that leveraging PantoneLIVE's extensive library can significantly reduce the time and costs traditionally associated with custom color developments.

Benefits for Manufacturers and Brands

For packaging professionals, the new libraries bring about several key advantages:

• - Predictability and Control: Brands and suppliers can confidently select colors that are achievable in production, minimizing delays and errors.
• - Efficiency: The use of an organized color management system facilitates a smoother workflow, allowing teams to focus more on creativity rather than constant adjustments during production.
• - Sustainability: By minimizing the number of ink laydown trials, companies can reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

A Complete Workflow Solution

Furthermore, PantoneLIVE fully integrates with X-Rite's advanced color measurement tools like ColorCert®, Color iQC, and the Ci64 handheld spectrophotometer. This comprehensive suite aids in creating an end-to-end color management system that enhances efficiency across design and print channels.

Industry Insight and Future Applications

As stated by Jason Campbell, Product Manager at X-Rite, early management of color expectations is essential in the design phase, especially with the skateboard growth of metal packaging. These new libraries empower companies to visualize their branding more effectively, ensuring that their final products resonate accurately with their marketing objectives.

Conclusion

With the combination of innovative technologies and robust color libraries, PantoneLIVE stands to enhance the entire landscape of the beverage packaging industry. By effectively bridging the gap between design and production, Sun Chemical and X-Rite not only improve the visual appeal of products but also facilitate a more sustainable approach to manufacturing. As this industry continues to evolve, these crucial advancements lay the groundwork for better, faster, and more reliable packaging solutions.

For further information about the digital color solutions tailored for metal packaging manufacturers, you can visit X-Rite's official website.