Alexir Packaging offers both litho and digitally printed packaging for the food and branded goods industries.
Print manager Andy Crack said: “It took us two years to become certified and involved thousands of pounds investment to get machines up to a certain standard and keep them there.
“We wanted to improve quality and running times on the machines. We also did it for matching proofs, so when we produce a Fogra 39 proof we can match it on the press.”
The new certificate is a level-one standard for SMEs wanting to promote their colour management or put in place the steps required to progress towards a quality system.
Crack said: “As a carton-converter mainly in the food industry we strive for print excellence. This programme helps to endorse our high expectations of colour management.
“We worked hard as a team – the print and repro departments – and together we have achieved a great deal."
Alexir Packaging in Edenbridge, Kent, employs around 100 staff and has a £14m turnover. It runs two Komori 40 LSX machines. It also has a base in Uckfield, East Sussex, with 25 staff.
BPIF consultancy services director Phil Pateman presented Crack with the certificate at the company's Edenbridge site alongside Sun Chemical programme sponsor Kevin Purdy.
Pateman said the scheme cost £1,995 to sign up to, with nine print businesses so far agreeing to go for certification. Another 50 had expressed interest.
He added: “Key issues for printers are often software requirements and measuring equipment. A lot of printers have good equipment but not the time to go for certification for this, UCAS or Heidelberg's scheme.
“Companies often have the software but haven't set it up correctly. The most likely thing they will need is a spectrophotometer.”
Pateman said the BPIF was running workshops for groups of eight to bring printed sheets for advice tailored to their needs rather than receiving generic information as they do in seminars of 80 people.
He added: “The BPIF is delighted that one of the UK’s leading packaging printers have recognised the importance of the scheme in relation to striving for colour management excellence.
“We have a number of printers currently on the scheme, some of which have required some capital investment in their front-end systems.
“All recognise the productivity benefits of doing so through reduced makeready times, paper, ink and consumable wastage.
“But the ability to produce continuous print quality that matches a recognised colour standard is the biggest bonus of all.”
BPIF offers a free online colour 'healthcheck' to give print companies an indication of ease of implementation at www.britishprint.com.
