PantoneLive - the cloud-based colour library jointly-developed by Esko, Pantone, Sun Chemical and X-Rite - will allow Asda to achieve consistent colour results across different categories, suppliers and regions.

It works by assigning a spectral value to any given colour when printed on a specific machine and substrate and storing this data in a cloud-based library; registered suppliers scan and upload colour data during the print run to confirm that they are hitting the target.

The tool was designed to allow brand managers to communicate colour specifications across the supply chain, validate compliance and track supplier performance from anywhere in the world.

Jason Gilmartin, senior print manager at Asda, said: "Printers being able to validate their own work in real-time makes PantoneLive a game changer.

"We will now be able to manage our print base intelligently with true closed loop colour management, from initial concept to final print, while slashing waste, reducing cost and driving greater brand consistency."

Wilson said that "most print validation solutions on the market were aimed at printers rather than brand owners", unlike PantoneLive, which will allow the Wal-Mart subsidiary to assess quality across all of its approved packaging printers worldwide, while "presenting complex, technical colour data in an easy-to-understand format".

Dr. Sonia Megert, vice president of the Pantone Digital Business unit at X-Rite/Pantone, said: "It is mission critical for a large retailer such as Asda to achieve better and more consistent colour results across different categories, suppliers and regions.

"Spectral data for Asda’s main brand colours are stored securely in the PantoneLIVE cloud, thus helping reduce colour variation in the production process, ensuring their colours are correct every time, on every packaging material."

Asda will begin to deploy PantoneLive immediately with its Smart Price, Chosen by You and Extra Special private label brands.