Sun Chemical, X-Rite & Pantone revolutionise colour matching for aluminium aerosol packaging

Sun Chemical, X-Rite Incorporated, and Pantone LLC have jointly introduced new Monobloc colour libraries within the PantoneLIVE™ digital colour ecosystem, enhancing the precision of Pantone standards communication across monobloc can production. These innovative libraries support brands and metal packaging manufacturers by setting realistic expectations for design, proofing, and printing. They cover both gloss and matte finishes on products like monobloc aerosols, aluminium collapsible tubes, cartridges, and felt pen cases.

According to a statement from the companies, these Monobloc colour libraries are integrated within the 'PantoneLIVE Production—Print and Packaging' subscription and aim to provide the most accurate representation of Pantone colours for extruded aluminium aerosol cans.

Nearly everyone has held an aluminium aerosol can at least once. These hollow bodies can be created through the impact extrusion process or the  DWI (drawn and wall ironed) method.

Aerosol cans can be produced using a technique known as impact extrusion. In this process, a hydraulic ram exerts pressure on an aluminium slug, initiating the formation of the can. Following this, the can's sides undergo an ironing process, which reduces their thickness to approximately 0.40 mm while elongating the walls.

In the DWI (Drawn and Wall-Ironed) customised production line, an aluminium sheet, supplied in a coil, is first punched to create a cup. This cup is then processed in the bodymaker, which is ironed into a cylindrical shape, forming the bottom. Following this, the cylinder is cut to the desired length and decorated, and it undergoes necking and shaping to become an aluminium aerosol can.

Developed by capturing the closest achievable match to Pantone's core colour standards, the libraries utilise applied ink with either gloss or matte varnishes across a range of monobloc formats, including cans, bottles, and containers.

This expansion allows leading consumer brands, packaging converters, and can makers to rely on PantoneLIVE with enhanced confidence. It ensures that colour standards chosen at the design phase can be effectively realised in production, delivering consistency across aluminium packaging applications.

Eduardo Alegria, Global Metal Deco Inks Sales Director, Sun Chemical, said, “Providing Pantone-approved colours on a monobloc can is a game-changer for brands and manufacturers.” 

“It simplifies the colour approval process and removes guesswork, delays with ink laydowns, and reworks during new design production runs. This creates a more sustainable and cost-effective process.”

AL Circle's recently released industry-focused report, "ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics," revealed that as per capita GDP increases globally, consumer behaviour shifts, particularly in the personal care industry. With rising incomes, individuals are more willing to invest in products that enhance their lifestyle, health, and appearance. This economic shift drives the demand for high-quality personal care items such as deodorants, skincare, and hair care products. 

Global aluminium aerosol can market size, 2023 - 2030 (in $USD billion)

The personal care and beauty industry is witnessing a significant rise in the demand for aluminium aerosol cans, fuelled by shifting consumer preferences and the industry’s unwavering focus on sustainable packaging solutions. Discover the latest insights on the aerosol cans sector, including market size, consumer behaviour, innovations, and sustainability trends. Get your copy of the report today!

PantoneLIVE seamlessly integrates with X-Rite solutions, including ColorCert, Color iQC quality control software, Autura Ink Software, the Ci64 handheld colour measurement device, and the NetProfiler performance platform, to create a connected digital colour workflow. As the companies state, this comprehensive colour management system enables brands, packaging printers, and manufacturers to streamline colour communication, improving design and print efficiency.

Cindy Cooperman, Vice President of Global Brand Sales at X-Rite, said, “Can making is a complex process, and the reflective, curved shape of aluminium containers makes producing accurate and consistent colour challenging.”

“The monobloc libraries in PantoneLIVE, combined with X-Rite’s Ci64 spectrophotometer and formulation and quality control software, make it easy to select, measure, and produce consistent colours to maintain brand integrity.”

Top image credit: PR Web

Mid-image credit: Fu-Chuan Metal