Imitation of Life

Published: June 30, 2005, By Edited by Nsenga Byrd Thompson, Associate Editor

Gravure Printing

The Gravure Assn. of America (GAA) gathered in Valley Forge, PA, to celebrate its 21st Golden Cylinder Awards, which recognize the “best of the best” in gravure printing. The presentation took place in a ceremony at the Scanticon Hotel & Conference Center as part of Gravure Expo 2005.

More than 140 submissions from around the world were received, cataloged, and displayed for the intensive two days of judging and deliberations. There were 20 winners in 19 categories representing the spectrum of gravure’s capabilities. Below is look at a few of the winning entries.

A Tasty Win
Sonoco Flexible Packaging takes a bow in the Flexible Packaging—Paper category for its President’s Choice Blueberry Cheesecake entry. This beautifully delicious and inviting package is said to display phenomenal graphics and great registration and demonstrates how lamination enhances the gravure process. With all of the finishing requirements, there are numerous ink integrity issues, and this entry meets those challenges.

Lifelike Graphics
In the Flexible Packaging—Film category, UKRPLASTIC earns the judges approval for its packaging of Mio Croissants entry. A combination of laser technology at 80 l/cm, press profiling, and precise color management produces the mouth-watering details seen on this package. Ganged with two other jobs with equally outstanding results, this entry from Ukraine is said to display excellent registration and detail. The judges’ verdict: The visual impact of the croissants is outstanding, making them appear “good enough to eat!”

Fit for the Islands
WRE/ColorTech & Maverick Enterprises’ entry of the Santoro Especial Tequila Bottle is honored in the Packaging—Labels/Wrappers—Film category. Shrink packaging carries its own set of challenges, and this entry is said to be no exception. Significant prepress work is required to achieve colorfast results with an overlay and to have reverse-engineered artwork shrink perfectly in register, reports GAA. The Santoro Especial label is said to display excellent print detail supported by an equally detailed accompanying write-up. It earns a unanimous “Bravo!” from the judges.

This Ogre has Appeal
Tran-Z-Print General Mills Shrek2 Cereal Box Promotion from Zumbiel Packaging caught the judges attention in the Packaging—Paperboard category. The magic of the green ogre Shrek is impressively reproduced on this family of fun-filled entries, says GAA. Demonstrating real technical innovation, the color fidelity of the unique ink used is said to be exemplary. The entry reportedly carries an environmental plus as well, with the prize being printed as an integral part of the package.

Beyond the Sea
The Avery Dennison Security Printing Div. receives raves for its Pacific Coral Reef entry in the Product—Postage Stamps & Security Printing category. Produced using laser-like mechanical engraving, this work of gravure art is so eye appealing that judges say they can feel the tropic sun, hear the waves rolling in, and are ready to order the margaritas, raves GAA. The register is said to be best in class, and even with no trap, superb quality is maintained.

For a complete list of winners, visit gaa.org.