Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberg, says it is poised to transform the narrow web print landscape with its latest research breakthrough: Gallus MatteJet technology. Announced at Labelexpo Americas 2024, the landmark innovation represents an important advancement in inkjet printing, unlocking a premium matte finish previously unachievable with digital inkjet, bringing the possibilities of inkjet technology to the wine label market for the very first time.

Exemplifying Heidelberg’s position as a total solution provider for all modern printing processes – offering the entire spectrum from toner to inkjet, offset printing to flexo and all controlled from a common Prinect workflow – MatteJet was developed in-house at Gallus’ innovation hub in St. Gallen, the Gallus Experience Center. At Labelexpo Americas 2024, Gallus exhibited alongside Heidelberg, where it explained how this innovation addresses one of the key challenges that has historically restricted the growth of digital inkjet technology. Importantly, visitors at the show also learned how MatteJet can transform the entire market segment for wine and spirit labels and provide converters with the key to a profitable new area of business growth.

The glossy finish inherent to digital inkjet technology has been one of the foremost barriers to its widespread adoption across labels and packaging – specifically in premium segments such as wine and spirit labels where brands traditionally expect a sophisticated matte finish. Until today, this was only achievable through conventional printing, or the addition of post-processing equipment to utilize matt varnishes, adding time, complexity and cost.

Now, in an industry milestone, Gallus MatteJet technology delivers fast, cost-effective, and high-quality matte finishing capabilities, integrated directly into the digital inkjet process. This will allow converters, for the first time, to achieve a high-end matte finish at the touch of a button, without changing inks or adding overprint varnish, eliminating the need for external finishing processes or separate conventional machines. By removing one of the key barriers traditionally restricting the expansion of inkjet printing, Gallus’ new innovative process presents an enormous opportunity for converters to now access a highly profitable market segment. Importantly, MatteJet will also enable more converters and brands than ever before to enjoy the benefits of digital printing, such as more profitable short runs, personalization, and on-demand printing – representing a huge leap in the industry’s digital transformation.

“The development of Gallus MatteJet technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing, opening up a world of new opportunities and ultimately, completely transforming the very foundation of what’s possible with inkjet technology,” commented Dario Urbinati, CEO, Gallus Group. “By unlocking matte finishing for digital inkjet, we’ll be able to make an entirely new market segment accessible to converters without the sizeable investment into separate offset solutions – boosting profitability and exemplifying our commitment to building a new era of flexibility that will enable our industry to thrive long-term.”

Designed to integrate with Gallus’ Digital Printing Unit, the new MatteJet technology also represents further expansion of Gallus’ System to Compose concept, which provides unprecedented levels of compatibility across its leading product lines. Under the System to Compose, converters can add, adjust and remove units to their Gallus One as their business needs evolve – now further expanded to comprise workflow and service options as well as equipment, following its overwhelming reception at drupa 2024. Labelexpo will see Gallus demonstrate how the System to Compose concept is key to empowering converters to pivot, adapt and therefore thrive long term, with MatteJet now providing an additional piece to this puzzle.

The latest iteration of the Gallus One also made its global tradeshow debut at this Labelexpo, in the newly-expanded 430mm web width, unlocking more application possibilities than ever before. Visitors to the stand will see first-hand the possibilities achievable with its recently-extended color gamut, with the integration of Orange and Violet Saphira inks developed jointly in-house with Heidelberg, and helping converters to achieve shelf standout for brand differentiation.

Heidelberg also showcased various aspects of its label offering alongside Gallus, having recently continued its expansion into new business areas, solidifying its position as a leader in delivering end-to-end solutions. Together, they highlighted a number of innovations in the label space – including the latest developments in its Screeny screen printing solutions and Prinect workflow software.