UK packaging converter strengthens brand owner relationship with color control

Ultimate Packaging participated in a pilot project by Asda using PantoneLIVE and ColorCert as part of an effort to engage key suppliers in a more streamlined and color-accurate manufacturing process. Asda begins by specifying spectral values for brand and other colors within the PantoneLIVE library. This makes color specifications available to all authorized stakeholders. ColorCert then uses these color standards against which to measure performance.

PantoneLIVE is a cloud-based tool that enables the universal Pantone Color language to be accurately and digitally communicated among brand owners, designers, pre-media, ink suppliers and pressrooms with no ambiguity, and ‘breaking down the siloes in the color workflow’, it is claimed. ColorCert: X-Rite Edition, also cloud-based, is a standards-compliant and specifications management tool sold exclusively by X-Rite and its authorized dealers, and delivers statistical process control for defining, monitoring and communicating production quality.

 ‘X-Rite/Pantone solutions gave us visibility into problems we were not aware we had, including with our ICC profiles, ink formulation and proofs,’ said Vincent Whatley, X-Rite coordinator at Ultimate Packaging. ‘We have implemented ColorCert: X-Rite Edition on our newest F&K flexible packaging press where 20 percent of the work produced is for Asda.

‘We are reporting on all of the work the press produces, however, making the information available through ColorCert Scorecard, so that Asda can see how the press is performing overall.’

‘Our relationship with Asda was always good, but it has really improved since we implemented PantoneLIVE and ColorCert,’ added Whatley. ‘Having the ColorCert Scorecard in place has given performance visibility to all authorized parties in the supply chain. This helps with communication, putting everyone at ease, knowing that product delivered will be consistent and of highest possible quality. We are also having ongoing conversations with a number of other customers about the benefits X-Rite solutions can bring, and we expect to on-board more customers with both PantoneLIVE and ColorCert in the near future. These are exciting times.’

Ultimate Packaging uses other X-Rite products across its workflow, including taking spectral measurements with X-Rite SpectroEye spectrophotometers and X-Rite NetProfiler, and using Color iQC. X-Rite InkFormulation Software is also used to ensure correct and accurate ink formulation on-site.