Mastering Color Accuracy for Print and Packaging

In Level 1, color professionals typically rely on visual color perception to assess production. While visual evaluation is critical, a program that relies solely on this may struggle with color rejections as color is very subjective and everyone views color differently.

To advance to Level 2, introduce a light booth to evaluate your samples under controlled lighting.

In Level 2, color professionals compare a physical color standard against a sample with controlled lighting to evaluate color shifts under multiple viewing conditions. While this reduces the variability, appearance aspects can change based on viewing angle and visual color evaluation is still subjective.

To advance to Level 3 and improve your color accuracy in printing, introduce a spectrophotometer and color software to objectively evaluate color.

In Level 3, color data is captured using a color measurement device and quality control or formulation software to capture precise color data and objectively compare it against standards. This level of color maturity improves productivity and enables objective color assessment by removing subjectivity from specification and evaluation.

To move up to Level 4, implement standard operating procedures to ensure the entire supply chain is using the same color management solutions to specify, communicate, and evaluate color. This will help ensure consistent and accurate color across production sites and ultimately help speed time to market. 

At this stage, spectral color data is communicated across the supply chain. This integration enhances collaboration, streamlines processes, and ultimately improves product quality. Most brands require printers to be working at a Level 4 to earn their business.

Most companies working at a Level 4 already have a dependable, consistent, and accurate color workflow across the supply chain. Invest in advanced automation solutions to progress to level 5 to get to market faster, reduce waste and rework, and achieve sustainability initiatives.

Companies operating at Level 5 use a digital, data-driven color quality program to monitor and control all aspects of color and appearance. The entire supply chain utilizes various spectrophotometers and software to ensure everyone is speaking the same color language, achieving color accuracy in printing.