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Century Label, a CMC Group company, announced today that its digital and HD Flexo printing methods, which are used primarily in printing custom product packaging, have been calibrated to meet G7 standards. Century Label becomes one of only 16 facilities in the United States that is currently G7 qualified for flexographic printing, validating their capabilities to the highest level of global industry standards and specifications.
G7 is a simple methodology that focuses on balancing the grays or the neutral portion of the gamut so that different printing systems and technologies print with the same visual appearance. The goal is to ensure a more consistent visual agreement of color between devices, even if they do not necessarily share the same core ink color values or substrate.
Though it requires a few additional steps to calibrate a system, the G7 methodology actually eliminates unnecessary delays during the process by reducing waste and expediting setup times, leading to an overall improvement in both efficiency and accuracy.
Now considered a G7 Master Printer, this qualification signifies Century's ability to more consistently achieve neutral grayscale appearance. It also reinforces Century’s ability to provide a consistency and repeatability with their label printing that allows them to fully maintain the integrity of brand identification that their customers desire.
Securing the Qualification
The G7 qualification is overseen by Idealliance, a not-for-profit industry group dedicated to guiding print production best practices, specifications, and standards, worldwide.Century Label has since become a member of Idealliance.
Per Idealliance’s requirements, Century consulted with Catherine Haynes, a Certified G7 Expert from All Printing Resources, in order to bring themselves in line with G7 standards. After pre-assessing their digital and flexo presses, Ms. Haynes discovered that Century had a good head start on the flexo process: “It turned out that our initial calibration was very close” says Rob Banister, Color Manager at Century Label. Mr. Banister then worked with Ms. Haynes to make minor adjustments to Century’s flexo plate curves and SpotOn!™ Flexo color management software settings to ensure repeatability and process control throughout the workflow.
"We applaud Century Label for utilizing the G7 Master Program to assure consistency and quality in their proofing, brand color management and print processes," commented Steve Bonoff for Idealliance. "G7 Master Qualification demonstrates a level of control and expertise that places Century at the top of their field. We applaud their leadership, commitment and support of the G7 Master Qualification Program."
The G7 qualification is in place for one year; thereafter, the facility will need to re-qualify on an annual basis.
Enabled by HP Indigo digital printing technology, Century Label is helping microbreweries produce unique seasonal shrink sleeves that stand out on store shelves. Using three HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Presses and HP SmartStream Mosaic technology, the company is able to produce the vast majority of labels and packaging jobs with customization and proven quality embraced by the world’s leading brands.
Most recently, Century Label partnered with Sun King Brewery to produce customized shrink sleeves for its Tip-Off Ale, a seasonal craft beer which debuted at the Indiana Pacers’ home opener. Featuring commemorative blue-and-gold basketball-themed graphics, a basketball court cut in the shape of Indiana as well as the Sun King Brewery logo, the label was designed as a tribute to the Pacers and Sun King Brewery’s community’s love of basketball. HP SmartStream Mosaic enabled each individual can to feature a different background design.
“We have a focus on creating seasonal and unique specialty beers, and part of our legacy is developing creative labels that demand attention,” said Elizabeth Belange, marketing and promotions director, Sun King Brewery. “Our relationship with Century Label and the quality they deliver with HP Indigo digital printing technology has enabled us to highlight our partnership with the Pacers and celebrate Hoosiers’ love of basketball.”
Using HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Presses, Century Label produces full-color personalized labels without plates, significantly reducing the cost of short-run printing for seasonal labels and packaging needed by microbreweries.Century Label can also produce the exact quantities needed, when they are needed, helping Sun King Brewery and other microbreweries avoid inventory costs.
“We have a solid infrastructure of equipment and people to keep growing in our core products and services, including shrink sleeves, while expanding into new markets, such as flexible packaging,” said Heidi Chambers, director, Century Label. “With our HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Presses, we are perfectly poised to grow our business and offer exciting new programs, such as Speedy Sleeve, which will provide full-color shrink sleeves to customers within three days.”
