Metallic FX

Published: August 01, 2011

Innovative Label Solutions (ILS) has enhanced its print capabilities by adding Color-Logic's Process Metallic Color System, which enables converters to print process metallic spot colors and special effects using their existing equipment and print workflows. Color-Logic image files can be created with all major graphic design software.

Four-color printing incorporating metallic inks or metallic substrates can be expensive and unpredictable — particularly if more than one metallic color is required. Now, using only five inks, ILS can produce as many as 250 metallic colors, says Kathy Popovich, director of marketing & communications for ILS.

The Color-Logic system enables graphic designers to create a single metallic design that can be executed using offset lithography, flexography, inkjet, and digital processes. As a result, brand managers can develop effective, consistent cross-media programs, including collateral literature, packaging, labels, banners, and other materials — all with striking and dramatic metallic effects.

“We know the digital presses can't print metallic inks,” notes Popovich. “So we overcome that with the use of a metallic material and the Color-Logic system to more easily create three-dimensional characteristics and other patterns.”

Popovich says these enhanced capabilities have improved ILS's ability to create “partnerships” with customers, particularly with the ability to meet all or most of their packaging needs — including prime labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, and folding cartons. “So all packaging materials are now being printed on the HP Indigo, which assures the quality of the graphics and the color across substrates. Being able to be consistent across all applications that may house one single product is powerful.”

Popovich says ILS has turned its sales efforts to focus on marketing, brand owners, and package designers. “We can change the game for them,” she notes. “If you look at the total costs of ownership that are involved, the perceived barriers start to melt away.”

• Color-Logic Inc. | www.color-logic.com