SMURFIT KAPPA ZEDEK FIRST PACKAGING PRODUCER IN EUROPE TO BE CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO ISO 12647-2

Smurfit Kappa Zedek is the first packaging producer in Europe to be certified according to ISO-12647-2. This certification, which was initiated in Germany, has been the most important technical quality standard for printed matter since last year. From graphic design to printed product: the end result always has the same high, predictable quality. The great advantage of ISO-certification for the client is that colour variations between the test result and end result do not exist anymore. The print test can be checked and always offers predictable results within the applicable tolerances. Wherever in the world the same product is made, the result will always be the same. Another major advantage is the reproducibility: it is also possible to create the exact quality of the original with subsequent printings. For Smurfit Kappa Zedek the ISO-certification is a logical step in its ambition to constantly optimise the quality of its products.

The new standard ISO 12647-2

In the past all parties who were involved in the process, such as printing businesses and prepress, had their own separate standardization formats. Now the proverbial circle is complete: one standard within the ISO-standard applies to the total process from design to printed matter. The strict ISO 12647-2 certification (also known as Certified Proofing and Certified Printing in the Netherlands) is the most important technical standard for sheet offset. Every single relevant aspect relating to inspection within prepress and the printing process have been laid down in this new standard. In practice working according to the ISO-standard implies a predictable and constant quality in the (re)production of printed matter. In addition, the colour problems have decreased in the process and the result is a more brilliant, more intensive colour strength. This enables Smurfit Kappa Zedek to offer POP-materials and packaging products of an unprecedented high quality level to its clients.

Certified Proof

A certified proof that is produced at a different location, such as at a lithographer, advertising agency or other printing business, always has the same, predictable high quality. The central point in the process is the inspection strip that is also printed (Medienkeil or UGRA/FOGA), which makes it easy to measure the result through spectral analysis. The quality of the proof is documented in a report and can be approached very closely in the printing process. With the use of the correct paper type and the correct printing process (ISO 12647-2 for offset and paper type 2 for recycled duplex) the quality can always be predicted and reproduced. When comparing proofs that have been made at different locations, it is only necessary to take the light source into account.

Printing according to ISO-standard (Certified Printing)

When all conditions have been met, the quality of the proof can be realised surprisingly well in print. The process considers the qualities of ink as well as of paper in the printing process, so that the final results are always realised within the prevailing tolerances. And it is always possible to make the quality measurable through spectral analysis, so that its evaluation is not subject anymore to personal influences. With the efficient and user-friendly software package Pressview from Firma Koldenhof Grafimedia. It is also possible to show at a single glance whether the results remain within the ISO-tolerances. Printing according to the new ISO-standard has major quality advantages both for the producer and clients. As an extra service the experts of Smurfit Kappa Zedek have the necessary know-how to support their clients when implementing ISO 12647-2 within their own organisation.

Smurfit Kappa Zedek is the first company in the Netherlands to be certified according to ISO-12647-2. Apart from the ISO-certification for sheet offset, the company was also granted an ISO-certification for recycled substrate.