Spear, a provider of labels to the global beverage industry, announced that it has achieved G7 Master Printer status, which is a benchmark for exceptional print processes from proof-to-print.

G7 Master Printer qualifications are granted by IDEAlliance, a non-profit organization that specializes in developing “standards and best practices to enhance efficiency and speed information across the end-to-end digital media supply chain – creation, production, management, and delivery of knowledge-based multimedia content – digitally and in print.” Master status is presented to physical facilities that continually use the G7 Proof-to-Print Processes and use modern technology, techniques, and press controls to ensure close visual match on printed products. G7 is both a definition of grayscale appearance and a calibration method for adjusting any CMYK imaging device to simulate the G7 definition.

To become certified at their corporate headquarters in Mason, OH, USA, Spear had to go through a qualifying process that includes optimizing all ink sets and print conditions, printing a fingerprint to evaluate the necessary curve adjustments and then reprinting after adjustments are made. This is followed by a certification from an outside registered source. The detailed print process displays Spear’s excellence in print/color management.

“The G7 qualification has delivered a win-win to Spear and our customers. Using this methodology allows our customers to use more standardization with their pre-press suppliers reducing costs and improving time to market,” says Doug Bartlett, director of graphics at Spear.  “On our end it has given us a tool to more accurately calibrate our printing processes, reducing set-up time and related waste. It also improves consistency in our print process within a run and from run to run, delivering a more consistent product to our customers”.

Currently Spear is exploring G7 qualification at two other US locations, totaling three facilities that will meet the Master Printer status.