TAGA NextGen Agenda
Top 10 Challenges for Print Quality Managers Today—and How Technology Can Solve Them
Michael (MJ) John
3M
Print quality management faces unprecedented challenges—from global color consistency to rapid tech shifts. This session explores the Top 10 issues confronting today's print managers and how emerging technologies like AI, automation, and cloud workflows can eliminate these pain points, ensuring brand integrity and efficiency in a fast-changing print landscape.
Print Surface Engineering: Retrospective on Microcell Patterns in Flexographic Printing
Marek Skrzynski
CSW
White ink represents a significant cost in flexographic printing and has long suffered from mottle and pinholing that reduce print quality and efficiency. The development of microcell surface patterns on photopolymer plates improved ink laydown, reduced defects, and increased opacity at lower ink volumes, with later refinements addressing the unique challenges of white ink and spot colors. This paper reviews a decade of microcell innovation, correlating print performance metrics with microcell geometry, imaging resolution, pigment size, and anilox volume across major vendor technologies. The findings demonstrate substantial ink savings, improved opacity and mottle reduction, expanded press stability, and outline a roadmap for future microcell and pigment engineering advancements.
Development of a systematic characterization method for functional high-viscosity inkjet fluids
Antonia Götz 1, Jan Christoph Janhsen 2, Stefan Güttler 1
1 Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart 2 Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
This paper explores inkjet printing as a platform for functional applications such as printed electronics, medical devices, and selective material deposition. While inkjet offers unique advantages in individualization and multimaterial processing, its adoption has been limited by strict viscosity constraints on jettable materials. The study introduces a systematic methodology to characterize high‑viscosity, particle‑loaded functional inks enabled by emerging printhead technologies capable of jetting up to 250 mPa·s. The work aims to link ink rheological properties to waveform parameters, laying the groundwork for expanding inkjet printing into new functional material applications.
Expanded Color Gamut Printing 2.0: Integrating Process Control and Sustainability Assessment
Krzysztof Krystosiak 1, Kai Lankinen 2, Martin Habekost 1
1 Toronto Metropolitan University 2 Tampere University of Applied Sciences
This study examines Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) printing as a strategic alternative to traditional spot‑color workflows, building on prior research that demonstrated efficiency and sustainability benefits. To address gaps between simulation and real‑world validation, the research integrates laboratory colorimetric testing with industrial production trials. A calibrated CMYK + OGV flexo configuration is compared against a CMYK + 2 PMS workflow to measure color accuracy, reproducibility, and process efficiency. Empirical print data are combined with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts, establishing a multi‑criteria framework linking print performance to sustainability outcomes.
Printing for and in Space: Novel Applications and Opportunities for Printing Technology on the Frontier
Sean Garnsey
Enova Concepts, LLC
Printing is a multidisciplinary, evolving technology with applications extending beyond traditional graphics into areas such as printed electronics. The study documents a collaboration with NASA and the University of Texas at San Antonio to develop printable materials and processes for lunar missions, combining established print practices with electronic performance requirements. The research identifies materials, workflows, and testing methods that enable printed components to tolerate extreme temperature swings and integrate with aerospace alloys. The work highlights new opportunities for the graphic communications industry to expand into space manufacturing and advanced printed electronics.
Improving Perceptual Color Matching Performance between Different Backlight Displays and Color Managed Prints using Observer Correction Matrix in ICC Architecture
Chris Yi-Ho Bai
BenQ Corporation
This paper investigates perceptual color matching differences between CCFL‑ and LED‑backlight displays when used for soft‑proofing against color‑managed prints. Through controlled psychophysical experiments, it demonstrates that CCFL displays are perceived as more closely matching prints, while LED displays tend to appear overly saturated despite equivalent colorimetric calibration. To address this discrepancy, the study introduces observer correction matrices integrated into the ICC profile architecture to compensate for perceptual differences on LED displays. Validation through expert observer evaluations and ISO 14861 criteria shows that these corrections significantly improve both visual matching and objective colorimetric accuracy, offering a practical solution for modern color‑critical workflows.
Advancing Cutting Table Estimation with the Help of AI
Celeste M. Calkins and Calista J. Smith
Illinois State University
Profitability in print manufacturing is challenging because jobs are priced before production, leaving little room to adjust for production cost variability, despite industry profit margins averaging below 5%. Cutting table estimation is a recurring problem area due to differences in materials, tool speeds, design complexity, and geometry, with current methods relying on cut length and subjective complexity factors. Prior research suggests that cutting time may be more strongly influenced by the number of tool direction transitions rather than cut distance or design size. This study explores whether more robust time standards and potentially AI‑assisted estimation of transition points can improve cutting time accuracy, even when final artwork is not yet available.
Measurement of metallic appearance
John Seymour 1, William Pope 2 and Bruce Leigh Myers 2
1 John the Math Guy, LLC and 2 RIT
This paper examines the lack of objective methods for measuring the perceived metallic appearance of premium metallic inks used in packaging. While prior research has linked ink film thickness to spectrophotometric measurements, these metrics do not necessarily capture the visual qualities that make metallic inks visually appealing. The paper reviews existing measurement instruments and common metrics for metallic appearance, highlighting both their effectiveness and limitations. It proposes new image‑based, BRDF‑derived metrics—specularity volume and specularity width—as perceptually relevant measures for quantifying metallic appearance.
Efficient and Accurate Color Conversions for Multicolor Printing
Dr. Hanno Hoffstadt
GMG Germany
This paper addresses the challenge of accurate color conversion in multicolor printing, where conventional ICC table‑based methods become impractical due to exponential growth in table size. It introduces a subspace‑based data format and transformation engine that stores only key ink combinations while estimating missing combinations with controlled interpolation and correction stages. The approach supports high accuracy, reduced memory usage, and flexible conversion to Lab, spectral, or device color spaces—even when overprints involve more than four inks. The method enables scalable color management for expanded‑gamut and spot‑color workflows without the discontinuities or storage limits of earlier solutions.
Advances in Recycling Strategies for Multilayer Food Packaging: Current Approaches to Address Non-Recyclable Packaging Systems
Prof. Dr. Volker Jansen
Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart
This paper examines the sustainability challenges of multilayer flexible packaging (MFP), which relies on fossil‑based polymers and contributes significantly to global plastic waste due to limited recyclability. Although MFP delivers critical functional benefits, its composite structure complicates sorting and recycling, leading most post‑consumer film waste to be landfilled or incinerated. The study reviews emerging solutions including mono‑material designs, delamination, selective dissolution, and compatibilization techniques to improve material recovery. It concludes by outlining a roadmap for advancing MFP recycling while balancing performance and environmental responsibility.
Color Measurement Instrument Uncertainty: Examining Real-World Strategies for Informed Conversations Regarding Instrument Agreement
Bruce Leigh Myers
Rochester Institute of Technology
Color reflection spectrophotometers are widely used in printing, but uncertainty between different instruments and manufacturers presents a significant challenge for process control and quality assurance. Existing agreement data are limited to same‑model instruments and do not account for user practices, measurement conditions, or inter‑manufacturer variability. This study proposes the use of CCS‑II tiles combined with a Gage R&R methodology to systematically quantify instrument and appraiser variation across a population of spectrophotometers. The approach aims to establish realistic expectations for measurement uncertainty and provide a practical framework for diagnosing the sources of color measurement variation in real‑world print environments.
From Surface Energy to Delamination: A multi-faceted mechanical approach for predicting Failure in EB-Printed Corona Treated PET - PE Laminates in flexible packaging
Carolina Suárez Vallejo 1, 2 Edgar Dörsam 2 and Hans Martin Sauer 1
1 Sun Chemical GmbH 2 Technische Universität Darmstadt
This paper investigates adhesion and delamination behavior in multilayer flexible packaging structures, focusing on EB‑cured inks used with different substrates. It addresses limitations of conventional adhesion testing by developing a quantitative framework linking surface treatments, surface energy, roughness, and lamination bond strength. Using controlled surface pre‑treatments, advanced analytical techniques, and T‑Peel testing, the study examines how substrate properties and adhesive chemistry influence delamination mechanisms. The findings aim to improve predictive understanding of laminate performance, enabling more reliable and durable flexible packaging designs.
Environmental problems of adhesives
Lukas W Jenner
Hochschule der Medien, Stuttgart
Adhesives are essential to modern manufacturing, offering functional and design advantages over traditional joining methods across numerous industries. However, the global adhesive market relies heavily on petrochemical-based materials, resulting in substantial environmental impacts related to resource depletion, emissions, recycling challenges, and persistent waste. While bio‑based and biodegradable adhesives have emerged as alternatives, they also present environmental trade‑offs across their life cycles. This study reviews the ecological burdens of both synthetic and bio‑based adhesives and explores pathways toward more sustainable adhesive technologies.
Balancing Compliance and Color Performance: CMYKOV Ink Gamut for Direct Food Contact in Offset Printing
Aileen Chiu
Sun Chemical
This paper examines the use of an Extended Color Gamut (ECG) workflow for Direct Food Contact (DFC) printing, where strict safety regulations limit pigment choice and achievable color gamut. Building on prior work that identified 1,801 reproducible Pantone colors under DFC constraints, the study evaluates a CMYKOV ink set for sheetfed printing. Results show that while Orange and Violet inks expand the gamut beyond standard CMYK, regulatory pigment restrictions introduce challenges such as reduced vibrancy, hue shifts, gray balance casts, and undefined density targets. The findings help printers and brand owners balance color performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability in DFC packaging workflows.
The Future of Graphic Communications: Exploring the Intersection of Generative AI and Digital Assets
Kinda Aboushanab and Dr. Reem El Asaleh
Toronto Metropolitan University
This paper examines the convergence of Generative AI and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems and their influence on graphic communications workflows. Using surveys and expert interviews, it explores adoption challenges, governance gaps, sustainability concerns, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) implications. Results reveal widespread awareness of AI's potential but limited, compliant implementation due to weak governance structures and underutilized DAM infrastructure. The paper concludes that integrated DAM strategies and clear governance are essential to responsibly realize the creative and operational benefits of Generative AI.
Designing in Full Color: Optimizing Files for Nanographic Printing
Charmaine Martinez
California Polytechnic State University
This study analyzes nanographic printing from a graphic designer's perspective, highlighting gaps in both design education and professional print workflow knowledge. It shows how nanographic printing differs from offset and other digital methods and identifies best practices for ideation, client communication, and file preparation to maximize the technology's expanded color gamut. The research evaluates press‑sheet results, ICC profiles, color spaces, and file formats using output from a Landa S10P press and supporting microscopic and photographic analysis. The findings provide practical guidance for designers while helping align educational curricula with real‑world printing capabilities.
Influences of Fabric Type and Color on Post-Wash Colorfastness
Jinhee Nam and Renmei Xu
Ball State University
This study investigates color changes in digitally printed fabrics before and after washing, focusing on the color stability of commonly used apparel materials. Four fabric types were examined using a factorial experimental design with fabric type and CMYK color as independent variables. Standardized AATCC washing methods were applied, and color measurements were taken using CIE Lab* values recorded by a spectrophotometer. Color differences before and after washing were statistically analyzed using t‑tests to evaluate the effects of fabric type and color on post‑wash colorfastness.
How standards will impact business in 2026 and beyond
Don Schroeder and Ben Lubin
FUJIFILM North America Corporation
This session provides an update on ISO's worldwide objectives and the current goals of USA TC/130, including an overview of ISO TC 130's structure and active working groups. It offers an up‑to‑date review of current and emerging ISO TC 130 standards, examined through both technical and business‑impact lenses. The presentation highlights recent and planned updates to ISO 12647‑2, including the proposed inclusion of Near Neutral Calibration (G7) alongside traditional TVI‑based press controls, and discusses ongoing development of the UCD. An interactive Q&A will address questions about ISO TC 130 standards and how industry stakeholders can participate in and influence future standardization.
Accessibility as an Afterthought: Addressing Packaging Design Misconceptions in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry
Umme Abiha
Toronto Metropolitan University
The accessibility in CPG packaging is routinely marginalized, treated as an afterthought despite increasing awareness and regulation. Using a mixed‑methods approach with Microsoft's Seeing AI and a supporting literature review, we identified widespread issues with readability, contrast, tactile features, and accessible digital content across eleven products. The findings indicate that internal misconceptions about cost and time, rather than technical limitations, are the primary barriers, even though early inclusive design demonstrably reduces long‑term risk and improves efficiency. The paper concludes that embedding accessibility into packaging design is both an ethical responsibility and a strategic business opportunity.
AI-Driven Variable Data Printing Ecosystems: GPT-5 as the Integrative Design Engine
Carl Blue
Clemson University
This study proposes a new Variable Data Printing (VDP) paradigm that integrates GPT‑5 as an adaptive design engine within digital print and communication workflows. By enabling semantic reasoning, dynamic content generation, and conditional design logic, GPT‑5 expands VDP beyond static template-based personalization while incorporating sustainability metrics such as E‑ROI. A simulated campaign demonstrates how CRM data can drive AI‑generated personalized print and digital outputs with improved efficiency and reduced material waste. The research also addresses educational implications, positioning AI‑driven VDP as a critical skill set for future graphic communication professionals.
Assessing Direct-to-Film Color Accuracy in Textiles
Amanda Bridges, Celeste Calkins, Erica Walker
Clemson University and Illinois State
This study evaluates if emerging digital textile printing technologies can support a shift from fast fashion toward more sustainable, short‑run "slow fashion" production. Focusing on color accuracy, the research examines how well DTF reproduces a broad color spectrum on different textile compositions, with and without a white ink base, when no custom color profiles are applied. Repeated color targets are used to assess variability and identify colors that present greater accuracy challenges in digital textile workflows. The findings aim to inform manufacturers, brand owners, and educators about the feasibility of achieving reliable brand color in short‑run digital textile printing.