ZZP024ZZXZZP021ZZ | Dozens of suppliers! How should color management be implemented?
For dozens of suppliers and across multiple material scenarios—including bottle labels, cardboard boxes, and posters—SKU first conducts color difference and color gamut assessments for six suppliers; then establishes standard color proofs and physical samples using commonly used materials; and finally provides the final color effect data to the suppliers for color matching.
Dongpeng Energy Drink has dozens of suppliers; since the equipment, inks, and materials vary from one factory to another, it is inevitable that packaging color discrepancies may arise when the same document is sent to different suppliers for processing.
Not only are there numerous suppliers, but there are also many SKU products under Dongpeng Energy Drink; bottle labels, cardboard boxes, promotional posters, promotional vehicle stickers, and so on—color management across different materials presents another challenge.
01 Supplier Color Printing Evaluation Test
In response to the two issues outlined above, we first conducted an evaluation and test of color printing by the suppliers of Dongpeng Energy Drink. The figure below presents a comparison of color differences and color gamut among the three spot colors of six suppliers, as well as a report indicating whether each supplier can achieve a color difference ΔE <2 for its spot color.
Based on the data above, we analyzed the primary factors contributing to the color differences.
1. Equipment
Different equipment brands or models may produce varying results; even when the equipment is identical, color consistency is difficult to guarantee unless color management is implemented.
Data analysis for printing the same type of material using six printers of the same brand and model belonging to a particular customer
Randomly select two sets of measurement data for comparison.
The equipment's printing accuracy (resolution and PASS count) is set differently
The issue of double exposure during equipment printing has not been addressed.
2. Ink
The quality of domestically produced inks varies considerably, and their color tones differ. Ink directly affects the size of the printing color gamut; consequently, ink formulation directly influences that color gamut.
Color gamut comparison chart for CMYK and CMYKOGV
3. Materials
Different materials result in different paper whites; the effect of fluorescent whitening agents on color is shown in the figure below.
Effects of fluorescent whitening agents on color: differences arising from variations in materials and paper whiteness
4. Software
Suppliers generally use essentially the same software. Software is merely a tool; ink and materials are the primary factors determining color.
02 Establish Standards—Create Standard Color Samples
Subsequently, we developed a standard color sample for the "Huishuila" series for Dongpeng Energy Drink. We determined the color specifications for the four most widely used solid colors. We also created standard physical samples for commonly used materials, such as 250 g double-coated paper and black-background self-adhesive sheets, to facilitate comparison and color matching by suppliers.
Ultimately, this color proof standard sample was approved by the client. We will continue to monitor its actual performance in real-world use.
03 How can establishing standards help brands manage their suppliers?
Establishing color standards can help brands better manage their suppliers, as they provide a concrete data standard for color performance and standardized physical samples.
In traditional communication practices, the brand provider provides the supplier with only design documents (e.g., AI and PDF documents) for production. These design documents specify the CMYK value.
However, based on this CMYK data, the color output varies depending on the equipment, ink, and materials used; this is the issue of color variation in packaging.
There is too much theoretical knowledge in the middle, so let us illustrate this with a simple example. The CMYK value represents a drop of ink; printing it on different devices is akin to pouring that drop of ink into containers of different capacities.
When added to a glass of water versus a bucket of water, the resulting color effect will certainly differ. Therefore, the CMYK value cannot represent the final color effect.
The color standard we establish consists of the color data that defines the final color effect. Based on this color data, suppliers can adjust their equipment, inks, and materials to achieve a comparable color effect, thereby enabling color management across different equipment, materials, and media.
Color management spans the entire process from design through final implementation; establishing standards is only the first step. Subsequently, tolerance levels for printed colors must also be managed, and standards should be defined for every stage, thereby establishing a comprehensive color management system.
This article has been compiled and archived based on project case documentation; the full text and accompanying images are published on this website. The figures and descriptions of results in the article are drawn from the project documentation; prior to formal public release, they must be confirmed and authorized by the client.