Embellishment done right! · Marcus Short, Ricahrd Pacey & Jordan Pugh · Qualvis Print & Packaging

It’s difficult to decide how to start this story. It’s about a print and packaging company in Leicester investing in new technology. A new Koenig & Bauer press and a new folding/gluer, also from Koenig & Press. In a way, enough, but there is more to it, because the configuration of the printing press is as such unique, and as Richard Pacey explains, maybe the only one in the world. A six-color with three coaters. But doesn’t that lead to the more obvious question, why? And that’s really the story. Qualvis is a print and packaging company that has specialized in high-end packaging. As we sit in the meeting room before the filming, tons of samples are placed on the table, and, of course, we look at them. Marcus Short asks us – so how do you think it’s made? It looks like overprinted coldset, yet it has a different shine, and it’s still the best option.

And here is what Qualvis has developed over the years. Instead of using cold foil, Qualvis has developed Q-lustre. It’s a flexo-printed, reflective silver color, UV-dried, and ready to be overprinted, just like a cold foil. The result is a stunning print with a metalization that actually doesn’t have any metalization, as we know. It’s more sustainable because it doesn’t use a foil carrier, the company claims, and customers like what they see.

Combined with a fast folding/gluer, the company’s existing blue Koenig & Bauer Rapida press, and a few BOBST die-cutters, the company is well set for the future, and the three gentlemen we speak with are all game and ready.

This was a fun job!