The database, covering the entire SmartColour range of inks, has more than 100,000 formulations of real ink colours for the print marketplace, and is directed at commercial printers that print brochures, annual reports, POP displays and packaging.

SmartColour was first introduced to the pre-press and design markets, however the ink giant is now taking the product to the commercial print sector in a bid to help printers increase their speed and accuracy of ink colour.

Visitors to the company's booth can also obtain an initial energy carbon footprint for their facility operations, as part of its Sun Chemical SunCare Environmental Services.

In order for visitors to learn how green they are, they must be able to provide an estimate of their average monthly energy usage.

Brian Breidigan, vice president of product management for commercial Inks, North American Inks, at Sun Chemical, said the company would use Print 09 to continue its focus on its customers.

He explained: "We will continue to look for ways to increase productivity for our printers through quality, service and the new and innovative products that we provide."

However, he said there are a number of challenges currently facing the ink industry, and said the economic downturn is "clearly the overriding force that has a major impact on the industry as a whole".  

"Print 09 is another venue we can use to show our customers that we are working for them," Breidigan added.