The Gemini technology enables the machine to print on both sides of a piece of paper at the same time. The technique, which is also available on Océ's VarioPrint 6140, 6160 and 6200 machines, allows for print speeds of up to 250 A4ppm.

David Sweetnam, European lab and research manager at the BLI, said the technology offered "perfect front-to-back registration capabilities and double-sided output at the same rate as single-sided output".

BLI recognised that Gemini eliminated the need for reverse direction clutches, sheet flipping or dual printing steps for double-sided tab printing.

The labs carried out a 10m-impression test, which resulted in only a single misfeed every 333,333 impressions.

Bron Curley, managing director of Océ UK, said: "The 2008 Pick of the Year accolade from BLI for our office colour systems is a further acknowledgement of Océ's growing presence as a best-in-class colour provider."

The award is the latest in a long line of accolades the VarioPrint 6250 has picked up since its 2006 launch.

The European Digital Press Association (EDPA) named it as its product of the year for 2007.

And in August last year, the press won an InterTech Technology Award from US representative body PIA/GATF.

The VarioPrint 6250 model also achieved a "Beyond 5 Star" rating from independent product analyst Bertl in January this year.