White ink is one of the most expensive and widely used inks in packaging production—but it’s often under-optimized. In this blog, we’ll explore how MeasureColor enables printers to maximize white ink opacity, reduce waste, and boost overall print performance.
Why White Ink Matters
White ink acts as the foundation layer when printing on transparent, metallic, or colored substrates. It ensures brand colors are vibrant and consistent. But due to its high-volume use and cost, inefficiencies in white ink application can quickly lead to excess waste and rising material expenses.
The Challenge: Opacity vs. Efficiency
Many printers default to high-opacity white layers to guarantee visual results. However, this often leads to overconsumption of white ink. With MeasureColor, printers gain precise control and real-time visibility into white ink opacity—so they can maintain quality without overspending.
The Breakthrough: 3% Opacity Change = 33.3% Ink Savings
Small changes can have a big impact. By reducing white ink opacity by just 3% it can lead to a 33.3% decrease in ink usage—with no visible effect on print quality. MeasureColor makes it easy to find this “sweet spot” between performance and efficiency.
How MeasureColor Helps
MeasureColor’s software provides easy-to-interpret visuals and actionable data that help press operators:
- Monitor white ink coverage in real time
- View historical performance across jobs and substrates
- Make fast, informed decisions that optimize ink use
Whether you’re printing labels, folding cartons, or flexible packaging, MeasureColor seamlessly integrates into your workflow.
Beyond Cost Savings: Operational Benefits
Reducing white ink usage has ripple effects across the pressroom:
- Faster drying times
- Less substrate distortion
- More efficient production cycles
- Lower environmental impact
MeasureColor supports a smarter, more sustainable approach to printing.
Getting Started with MeasureColor
Optimizing white ink opacity doesn’t require major process changes. With MeasureColor’s tools and intuitive interface, teams can start measuring and managing white ink today.
Conclusion
White ink optimization is a hidden opportunity for many packaging printers. MeasureColor gives you the tools to unlock cost savings, maintain high print quality, and run a more efficient operation—simply by measuring what matters.
Continue the MeasureColor in Action Blog Series
This article is part of our MeasureColor in Action series. Catch up on previous topics:
- #1: MeasureColor: A User-Friendly Interface for Faster Print Decisions
Discover how ChromaTrack eliminates trial and error, helping operators reach the right color faster using guided, predictive corrections. - #2: MeasureColor: Manage Digital Color Targets with Confidence
Learn how Reference Manager simplifies the organization and application of digital color targets and ICC profiles for consistent results across workflows. - #3: MeasureColor: Optimize Dot Gain for Better Print Quality
See how real-time dot gain monitoring and CTP curve optimization help press operators improve color accuracy, reduce waste, and maintain consistency.
Talk to our Color Experts to learn how MeasureColor can help you manage white ink opacity with precision and confidence.
