Digital Proofing System Targets Metal Packaging Color Approval
X-Rite Pantone, Sun Chemical and CMA Imaging have announced North American commercial availability of the CanJET digital proofing ecosystem for beverage brands, can manufacturers and packaging converters.
The connected workflow is designed to reproduce and measure both color and opacity directly on actual cans, providing an alternative to conventional pilot-line proofing and prototyping.
Opacity is a particular issue in metal decoration because the reflective substrate can influence the final appearance of a printed color.
The system combines CMA Imaging’s direct-to-can printing hardware with Sun Chemical extended-color-gamut inks, PantoneLIVE digital color references and X-Rite measurement technology.
PantoneLIVE’s metal-decoration libraries contain more than 4,000 achievable color options, according to the companies. The workflow can be used with open, closed and necked cans.
CanJET previously received a Bronze Innovation Award at METPACK 2026. The Sept. 29 announcement marks its commercial availability in North America, rather than its initial public demonstration.
Claims that the system reduces proofing cycles and accelerates approval are supplier-provided.
Sources: Yahoo Finance, The Metal Packager
The system is relevant to readers following packaging coatings because metal decoration requires close control of ink/coating color, opacity and substrate interaction before production-scale application.
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