Disc, a specialty packaging solutions provider, recently produced Pantone’s Extended Color Gamut Guide, in partnership with the global color authority and its parent company X-Rite—and Esko, the international supplier of integrated software solutions for the graphic industry.  The September 10th launch of this new color matching system has been applauded for its execution—and for its potential within the graphic arts industry.
 
“We are thrilled to be part of the buzz for Pantone’s new color system,” said Disc president Margaret Krumholz.  “We’ve had a great relationship with Pantone for more than two decades, and we were extremely honored to be approached by them to produce this extraordinary project.  In fact, we couldn’t say yes fast enough!  Our print and production teams, who are very experienced with high-quality 7-color ECG printing, were extremely enthusiastic about partnering with the Pantone and X-Rite teams.  We conducted three test runs before going into final production in our Hauppauge, NY facility.  It was an exhilarating, yet very intimidating experience – like having Frank Sinatra come to listen to your concert.”
 
Pantone defines its Pantone Plus Series Extended Color Gamut (ECG) Coated Guide as a “visual, 7-color printing simulation of the 1,729 existing Pantone Matching System colors.” ECG, also known as fixed color palette printing, uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks plus orange, green and purple (OGV) inks to dramatically expand the range of colors available.  The new guide was printed by Disc on a Komori 40in. 8-color offset press and finished with an aqueous coating.
 
According to Disc chairman of the board and CEO, Don Sinkin, “The new ECG guide serves as a bridge between the Pantone Matching System (PMS) spot-color palette and traditional CMYK 4-color printing, providing a new color benchmark for designers, printers and packaging converters. ECG increases efficiency and keeps costs in line, while enabling all those involved with the process to match their dress colors with a 90% rate of accuracy.  It gives them a tool to understand how to achieve and ensure brand color integrity.”