The firm said its new Gallus MatteJet technology would enable users to produce a premium matte finish inline, something “previously unattainable with digital inkjet”.

MatteJet was developed at the Gallus Experience Center in St Gallen, Switzerland. It does not require a change of ink, or an additional overprint varnish.

The manufacturer is owned by Heidelberg and specialises in systems for label and packaging production.

Details around precisely how the new system works were limited at the time of writing.

Gallus and Heidelberg said it was “integrated directly into the inkjet process” and worked at the touch of a button.

MatteJet is expected to be particularly attractive to printers and converters with customers in premium segments such as wine and spirit labels, where brands traditionally require “a sophisticated matte finish”.

Gallus Group CEO Dario Urbinati hailed the new system as transformational.

He stated: “The development of Gallus MatteJet technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing, opening up a world of new opportunities and ultimately, completely transforming the very foundation of what’s possible with inkjet technology.

Urbinati said it would unlock an entirely new market segment for converters without the need for additional investment into separate offset solutions, “boosting profitability and exemplifying our commitment to building a new era of flexibility that will enable our industry to thrive long-term”.

MatteJet becomes part of the Gallus System to Compose offering, whereby customers can update and adjust the configuration of a Gallus One press as market needs change and technologies advance.

Availability and pricing details for MatteJet were not disclosed.

The latest Gallus One was also shown at Labelexpo Americas with an extended colour gamut using orange and violet, and the option of a wider 430mm web width, compared with 340mm on the original model.