Case Study · Packaging & Print

How Absolute Packaging brought consistent color to four print platforms

What started as a single prototyping-system install in Anaheim grew into a multi-phase color management partnership — aligning proofing, prototyping, and two offset presses to one predictable standard.

Client Absolute Packaging Location Anaheim, CA Industry Packaging & commercial print Focus Color management & G7 calibration

Print platforms
brought into conformance

On-site visits
to full deployment

Calibration applied
to both offset presses

90%

Of work on SBS C1S —
proof now matches press

Phase one — prototyping system & RIP upgrade

The first on-site visit centered on installing and configuring a new 64-inch inkjet printer for direct-to-press stock output. The system uses specialized inks that print directly onto press substrates — specifically SBS C1S paperboard — so prototypes match real production stock.

Alongside the hardware, we added a printer option to Absolute Packaging's existing Fiery XF RIP and upgraded it to the latest version (v9) on a new workstation, migrating all existing configurations. We then activated the new printer license, built fresh calibrations and ICC profiles, and tuned the workflows for maximum color accuracy — with every result verified in ChromaChecker.

Impressed by the platform, the team adopted their own ChromaChecker subscription for ongoing conformance and quality assurance across process and spot color, lighting, devices, substrates, fountain solutions, and plate performance.

Fixing the inkjet proofing system

During the same visit we audited their proofing setup — Fiery XF with an Epson SureColor P9570 and SpectroProofer — and found two issues: the wrong proofing substrate and alignment to the wrong print standard. Since roughly 90% of their work runs on SBS C1S (a neutral, non-OBA substrate), we moved them to non-OBA proofing media and recalibrated to a matching non-OBA standard.

Phase two — optimizing the offset presses

The second visit addressed press operations: a 5-color Komori conventional press and an 8-color KBA UV press. Both were transitioning to our Great Western Ink series — conventional inks for the Komori and LED UV inks for the KBA.

What we did

Trained the team to use ChromaChecker to establish optimal density targets.
Built G7 calibration curves for both presses and integrated them into the Xitron Navigator RIP.
Ran a validation press run confirming improved conformance and consistency.

ChromaChecker's Virtual Press Run then enabled predictive validation from the applied curve data — reducing the need for extra press runs when G7 Master Printer certification or ICC profiling isn't required.

Results & impact

In just two on-site visits, color management and conformance validation were implemented across every production platform. Absolute Packaging now holds the tools, workflows, and expertise to maintain consistent color quality independent of device or process.

Inkjet proofing recalibrated Prototyping system deployed 2 offset presses G7-calibrated ChromaChecker in production

Alder Color Solutions color management setup at Absolute Packaging in Anaheim — On-site color management setup, Anaheim.

G7 press calibration and ChromaChecker verification at Absolute Packaging — G7 calibration verified in ChromaChecker.

Consistent color across every platform — independent of device or process.

The outcome after two on-site visits

What's next

A broader audit surfaced several improvement areas now underway as the partnership continues.

In progress

Light booth upgrades

Existing viewing booths were found out of specification and are being upgraded to ensure reliable visual evaluation.

Planned

Extended Color Gamut (ECG)

Preparing for expansion into ECG printing, with a dedicated color server to support advanced color management.

Proposed

Modern make-ready systems

Moving beyond density-only controls to systems aligned with G7 and GRACoL, while supporting ECG workflows.

Foundation

Process-independent color

A unified standard that holds across proofing, prototyping, and press — the basis for continued growth.

Frequently asked questions

What did Alder Color Solutions do for Absolute Packaging?

Across two on-site visits, Alder installed a 64-inch packaging prototyping system, upgraded the Fiery XF RIP to v9, corrected the inkjet proofing setup, and built G7 calibration curves for two offset presses — bringing consistent color to four print platforms.

Why switch Absolute Packaging to non-OBA proofing media?

About 90% of their packaging work runs on SBS C1S, a neutral substrate without optical brightening agents. Matching the proofing media and print standard to that substrate keeps proofs predictive of the final press result.

What is ChromaChecker used for in this project?

ChromaChecker provides cloud-based color conformance and quality assurance — verifying density targets, G7 curves, ICC profiles, spot colors, substrates, lighting, and measurement devices across the full print process.

Bring consistent color to every press in your shop

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Packaging Color Management Case Study | Alder Color Solutions