Labelling Solutions
Ensuring colour consistency in premium labels
technology increases productivity and eliminates wasted time when setting up the next job.
Gary Roberts, head of sales, EMEA, at Edale discusses the importance of constants in premium label production.
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n the world of premium labels, colour is everything. Brands invest heavily in creating strong visual identities, and packaging plays a vital role in reinforcing consumer trust. A brand’s signature red, deep blue, or vibrant green must remain consistent across every label, batch and production run – even across potentially very diff erent substrates. Yet, achieving absolute colour uniformity is a complex challenge, one where fl exographic printing, with its advancements in precision and control, provides a highly reliable solution.
WHY COLOUR CONSISTENCY MATTERS For premium products, inconsistent colour isn’t just a minor defect, it’s a risk to brand reputation. Consumers subconsciously associate uniformity with quality, and even a slight variation can raise doubts about authenticity, freshness, or safety. This is particularly critical in industries like cosmetics, beverages and high-end food products, where the smallest inconsistency can impact consumer perception.
In a competitive retail environment, where products vie for attention on crowded shelves, consistency ensures instant brand recognition. Any deviation can disrupt the seamless brand experience, making colour management an essential aspect of label production.
THE CHALLENGES OF MAINTAINING COLOUR INTEGRITY Several factors infl uence colour consistency in label printing, each requiring careful management. Substrate variability is one of the most signifi cant. Diff erent materials—whether paper, fi lms, or foils—interact with inks in diff erent ways. Even minor diff erences in coatings or surface textures can aff ect appearance. To mitigate this, printers must calibrate their processes to achieve uniformity across substrates.
Ink formulation also plays a crucial role. Even in controlled environments, raw material diff erences
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can cause slight variations between ink batches. Additionally, coatings and laminates, applied for durability or aesthetic enhancement, can alter colour perception. Careful formulation and testing help maintain consistency across production runs. Environmental conditions and press performance add further complexity. Humidity changes, temperature fl uctuations and press speed inconsistencies can all contribute to colour variations. Anilox roll wear, plate variability and drying conditions must be continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain print stability.
The printing process itself also plays a key role. While diff erent methods off er varying levels of consistency, fl exographic printing has advanced signifi cantly. High-resolution plate technology, precise ink metering and closed-loop colour control systems have made fl exo an increasingly reliable choice for high-quality, repeatable label prints. The Edale FL3 Label Press, for example, incorporates advanced colour management features that ensure predictable results, reducing waste and improving effi ciency. Edale’s ‘On The Fly’ technology enables colour changes to be made on unused print stations whilst the machine is still in production. The
STRATEGIES FOR PRECISION COLOUR CONTROL
Achieving reliable colour consistency isn’t about reacting to issues, it’s about proactive colour management. The following best practices help ensure stable, repeatable results: 1. Implementing colour standards Industry-recognised standards, such as the FOGRA 39L printing standard that we aspire to at Edale, provide a reliable framework for predictable, reproducible colour results across diff erent printing technologies and locations. Custom brand colour libraries further ensure consistency across production runs.
2. Consistent prepress workfl ow A tightly controlled prepress process is essential. Standardising colour profi les, proofi ng techniques and dot gain curves minimises variability between proofi ng and fi nal print production. 3. Press calibration and monitoring Regular calibration, including anilox roll maintenance, plate checking and ink density control, helps reduce inconsistencies. Many modern fl exographic presses, including the Edale FL3, off er inline colour monitoring, allowing real-time adjustments for ultimate precision. 4. Colour management software Advanced colour management systems integrate with presses to monitor and correct deviations during production. These systems provide closed-loop feedback, dynamically adjusting settings to maintain uniformity.
5. Collaboration across the supply chain From ink suppliers to printers and brand owners, collaboration is key. A transparent workfl ow, where all stakeholders align on expectations, substrates and quality checks, reduces the likelihood of colour deviations.
THE FUTURE OF COLOUR CONSISTENCY IN LABELLING
As technology advances, automation and AI-driven quality control will play an increasing role in label printing. Spectral data analysis, automated defect detection and machine learning-driven adjustments will help printers achieve greater precision with less manual intervention. Sustainable printing practices, such as water-based inks and recyclable substrates, add another layer of complexity to colour management, making rigorous control even more critical.
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