St. Gallen – Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), has introduced a major advancement in digital inkjet technology with the launch of Gallus MatteJet. Announced at Labelexpo Americas 2024, this innovative technology brings a premium matte finish to digital inkjet printing, specifically targeting the wine and spirits label market, a segment where such a finish has long been in demand.
HEIDELBERG, known for providing comprehensive solutions across modern printing processes – from toner and inkjet to offset and flexo printing, all managed by its Prinect workflow – developed the MatteJet technology at Gallus’ innovation hub in St. Gallen, the Gallus Experience Center. The new technology directly addresses a key limitation that has historically hindered the adoption of digital inkjet for premium label production, offering a solution that will enhance the capabilities of converters in the market.
Traditionally, the glossy finish of digital inkjet printing posed a challenge for industries like wine and spirits, where a sophisticated matte finish is often preferred. Until now, achieving this required additional step such as conventional printing or applying matte varnishes through costly and time-consuming post-processing. Gallus MatteJet revolutionizes this process by integrating a matte finish directly into the digital inkjet process, eliminating the need for external finishing or additional equipment.
The new technology not only simplifies the production process but also opens up profitable new opportunities for converters. By removing a major barrier to inkjet printing’s expansion, Gallus MatteJet enables converters to access short runs, personalized printing, and on-demand production with a high-end matte finish – all at the push of a button. This breakthrough is expected to drive digital transformation in the label printing industry and expand the market for digital inkjet technology.
“The launch of Gallus MatteJet represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing,” said Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group. “By introducing matte finishing to digital inkjet, we are making a highly profitable market segment accessible to converters, while offering greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. This innovation underscores our commitment to driving the industry forward and creating long-term growth opportunities.”
In addition to unveiling MatteJet, Gallus showcased the latest version of its Gallus One digital printing press at Labelexpo, now available in a wider 430mm format. This expanded web width, along with an extended color gamut featuring Orange and Violet Saphira inks developed with HEIDELBERG, allows converters to deliver enhanced brand differentiation and standout shelf appeal. Together, HEIDELBERG and Gallus continue to push boundaries, offering end-to-end solutions for the evolving label and packaging industry.
