PantoneLIVE cloud-based colour standardisation and verification tool was introduced at drupa in 2012. “I think it’s fair to say that no vendor in the graphic arts industry knows colour reference and management like X-Rite/Pantone. Our introductions at drupa 2012 – new platforms for measurement, enhanced colour libraries and integrated colour communications solutions – offer the most exciting and complete package of new colour tools for graphic arts and printing in the company’s history,” stated co-developer, X-Rite’s, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Vic Stalam.
PantoneLIVE was jointly developed by Esko, Pantone, Sun Chemical and X-Rite. It delivers consistent colour across the entire packaging workflow, from design concept to retail store shelves, and consistent colour results across different categories, suppliers and regions.
It works by assigning a spectral value to any given colour when printed on a specific machine and substrate and storing this data in a cloud-based library; registered suppliers scan and upload colour data during the print run to confirm that they are hitting the target.
The tool was designed to allow brand managers to communicate colour specifications across the supply chain, validate compliance and track supplier performance from anywhere in the world.
The first single brand to use PantoneLIVE was also in the UK – HJ Heinz Co’s UK subsidiary used PantoneLive to help bring colour consistency to its trademark Heinz Beanz turquoise across different substrates early in 2012.
“Across all of our packaging formats, we saw a reduction in colour variance of 50 per cent and saved time by establishing one colour target that can be applied to all our Heinz Beanz designs. The results with our Beanz packaging have been so remarkable that we plan to extend PantoneLIVE to additional product lines, including Heinz soups and Spaghetti Hoops,” said Nigel Dickie, director of corporate and government affairs for Heinz.
Asda print manager, Andy Wilson, said that the company decided to adopt PantoneLIVE because the majority of print validation solutions are targeted at printers rather than brand owners.
"The proposition was challenging - develop a solution that not only enables us to assess print quality across the entire list of Asda-approved packaging printers, but also present complex, technical colour data in an easy to understand format," Wilson added.
Dr. Sonia Megert, vice president of the Pantone digital business unit at X-Rite/Pantone, said, "It is mission critical for a large retailer such as Asda to achieve better and more consistent colour results across different categories, suppliers and regions.”
PantoneLIVE provides Asda with a secure repository for its precise colour data, enabling brand managers to communicate colour specifications while validating compliance and tracking supplier performance.
The solution reduces waste and is also helpful for Asda in managing its print base with true 'closed loop' colour management from initial concept to final print.
Asda will begin to use PantoneLIVE immediately for its Smart Price, Chosen by You and Extra Special private label brands.
