Sun Chemical partners X-Rite to unveil PantoneLIVE color libraries for metal packaging

USA – Sun Chemical and X-Rite have introduced new color libraries to the PantoneLIVE digital ecosystem, enhancing color accuracy for metal packaging in the beverage sector. 

According to the announcement, these libraries enable precise representation of Pantone and brand colors on two-piece aluminum cans, streamlining the process from design to shelf. 

The initiative ensures consistent brand colors across various substrates and finishes, addressing the industry’s need for reliable color management.

The new libraries, accessible via the PantoneLIVE Production, Print and Packaging subscription, support aluminum can production with opaque and transparent inks, achieving a matte effect. 

With growing demand for matte varnishes, the update provides comprehensive libraries for both gloss and matte finishes, allowing brand owners, converters, and can-makers to select production-ready colors. 

Jason Campbell, X-Rite’s product manager, emphasized the importance of early color management, stating, “These libraries, paired with our measurement tools, ensure consistent color across the production chain, delivering the intended final product.”

Offering over 4,000 color options, the libraries extend PantoneLIVE’s reach to applications like monobloc aerosols, aluminum tubes, cartridges, and felt pen cases. 

This enables brands and their supply chain partners to streamline color development, minimize revisions, and achieve consistent results across metal formats. 

Eduardo Alegria, Sun Chemical’s global champion for metal deco inks, noted that the libraries reduce costly custom color development, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in packaging workflows.

PantoneLIVE integrates with X-Rite’s tools, including ColorCert, Color iQC, Autura Ink, MeasureColor, the Ci64 spectrophotometer, and NetProfiler, simplifying color communication and boosting production efficiency. 

In a related development, a recent report highlighted Sun Chemical, X-Rite, and Pantone’s launch of monobloc color libraries in October 2024, designed for extruded aluminum aerosol packaging. 

These libraries, also part of the PantoneLIVE ecosystem, ensure accurate color standards for monobloc cans, further expanding options for brands and manufacturers. 

This addition supports the industry’s push for sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions by reducing production delays and waste.

The combined efforts of Sun Chemical and X-Rite demonstrate a commitment to advancing digital color management, helping beverage brands maintain consistency and efficiency in their packaging processes.

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