We are Winners! Statex are proud winners of the ‘Printweek Awards 2024 – Innovation Printer of the Year – Books’ – for our sterling efforts on paint brand International Paint’s (IP) yachting boat painting guides.

 

Statex was tasked with colour matching paints samples using the lithographic printing process. The main aim of the project was to reduce the high costs associated with ink deposition that IP used on its existing colour cards. The challenge for Statex was heightened because it had to create various finishes, such as high-gloss, semi-gloss and textured variants.

Through running numerous R&D tests in areas such as pre-press, print and finishing, the company was able to accurately match the paint swatches supplied by the client from both a colour and finish perspective. Another essential requirement was to produce these guides in an environmentally safe manner, using eco-friendly plate processing, vegetable-based inks and FSC accredited paper, each of which was achieved successfully.

A judge said they “loved the three-pronged approach to develop a genuinely technical and repeatable solution to colour match paint samples in LAB colourspace”.

Statex have always been at the forefront of colour matching and reproduction, by expanding the boundaries of what is traditionally possible in offset printing. This was another challenging project we were happy to approach and have continually improved each aspect of our colour reproduction and print process.

Through numerous R&D tests in areas such as pre-press, print and finishing we are able to accurately match client supplied paint swatches from both a colour and finish perspective. Our bespoke colour matching process, strict quality assurance regimes and numerous checks have allowed us to expand the traditional lithographic colour gamut considerably, to ensure that measured LAB readings are as accurate as possible to the client provided paint swatches.

We produce tens of thousands of the IP boat painting guides in more than 25 languages and ship these worldwide. By continuing to expand and enhance the colour matching process we have saved our client tens of thousands of pounds per year by producing the guides at a fraction of the cost, whilst reducing delivery times and ensuring quality is maintained at every stage. We work in partnership with IP to advise on the most effective and efficient approach from the initial design concept through to the finished product, providing first class customer service along the way.

Statex were also shortlisted for Printweek Bespoke Publications Printer of the year at the event in London’s iconic The Brewery.

Included on the shortlist was Durham University’s Chancellor’s installation brochure, BSW Timber’s group brochure, Akzo Nobel’s E18 book and G&G Goodfellows Portfolio brochure.

A huge round of applause and heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding staff of Statex for clinching this prestigious Printweek 2024 Award! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and tireless efforts of each and every member of our team. Here’s to many more successes and milestones ahead as we continue to push the boundaries of creativity and excellence in the world of colour printing!

A year of significant investment is paying dividends and has reaffirmed our position as leaders in the field of color printing and underscores our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.