The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA, Fairfax, Virginia) is convening some of the most experienced names in colour to address a serious current need in the printing industry – colour standards for digital printing. A new working group will include representatives from industry-leading companies including WestRock, Fujifilm, Nazdar and host of others. Printers, manufacturers, software designers, colour experts and others will contribute their expertise.
“There’s a big gap in the specification arena in the printing industry,” said Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs at the SGIA. “While colour specifications such as SWOP and GRACol are based on offset presses running traditional CMYK inks, digital printing is currently the ‘wild west’ – with substrates and ink sets varying tremendously.” Ultimately, Weiss said the new targets will reduce waste, leading to more satisfied customers. SGIA’s working group will bring together professionals from all printing sectors including manufacturers of inks, media and presses, software designers, printers and colour experts. Additionally, the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University will provide measurement data, and the SGIA’s Chief Economist Andrew Paparozzi will oversee the statistical calculations involved. “This is a challenging project, but we have some of the best colour people in the industry working on it,” Weiss added.
The following industry professionals will be participating:
Travis Barcelona, Nazdar- Bruce Bayne, SpotOn!
- Tim Bolton, Ricoh
- Dave Brewer, Image Options
- Tom Cooper, WestRock
- Ann Crum, Phoenix Ink
- Dan Gillespie, Alder Technology
- Josh Hope, Mimaki, USA
- Mike Mentone, 3M
- Chris Padilla, Mutoh
- Peter Pretzer, Fujifilm
- Jim Raffel, ColorCasters
- Bruce Ridge, Nazdar
- Paul Roba, Avery Dennison
- Toby Satterfield, Ricoh
- Max West, Holland and Crosby
“We have the knowledge base and we have the support of manufacturers and printers. The time is right to take action,” Weiss said.
We’ll keep you informed on future developments and releases right here.
