Using the Metal Deco color libraries in PantoneLIVE, beverage manufacturers can set achievable expectations for producing color on two-piece aluminum cans.

X-Rite Incorporated, Pantone LLC, and Sun Chemical announce two new Metal Deco dependent color libraries for PantoneLIVE, a cloud-based digital color standard ecosystem. Consisting of over 4,000 new color options, the Metal Deco libraries for opaque and transparent applications help beverage manufacturers and brands set achievable expectations for producing Pantone color standards on two-piece beverage cans. The new libraries will be showcased in the X-Rite booth in Hall No. 3, stand 3E62 at Labelexpo Europe, September 24 – 27 in Brussels, Belgium.

Now available as part of the PantoneLIVE Production – Print and Packaging subscription, the Metal Deco libraries provide achievable and realistic targets that enable canmakers to address common challenges in the application of Pantone color directly onto reflective two-piece beverage cans. The libraries were developed by capturing the closest achievable match to the core Pantone Matching System colors that can be produced by applying Metal Deco ink onto aluminum with a gloss varnish finish, in both opaque and transparent applications.

“Providing Pantone approved colors on a beverage can is a true first for the industry,” said Inaki Llona, Global Champion Metal Deco inks, Sun Chemical. “The color approval process is now as simple as selecting the required Pantone color in PantoneLIVE. No more guesswork, delays with ink rollouts moving backwards or forwards and no more delays or disappointment during new design production runs. Customers have the peace of mind knowing that final product runs will match the Pantone standard.”

“We are seeing more localization and short runs in the beverage and craft beer markets,” said Adrián Fernández, VP/GM, Pantone. “The new Metal Deco libraries make it easier for brands, design agencies and canmakers to select Pantone color combinations and finalize graphics that can be accurately produced on two-piece cans. This helps speed up the entire packaging design process and get products to market faster.”

“Together with Sun Chemical, we are continuously updating the PantoneLIVE platform to support a wider range of packaging applications. The PantoneLIVE ecosystem now offers more than 70,000 color choices for the top packaging and printing applications helping designers, brand owners and suppliers digitally communicate and visualize on-screen how color palettes will appear in production,” continued Fernández.