The Challenge of Printing Whites
The PANTONE Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, is more than just a trend, it’s a technical challenge for packaging converters. While white may seem simple, its appearance is impacted by substrate color, ink formulation, and the presence of optical brightening agents (OBAs). For converters, the goal is to deliver consistent, accurate whites across every run, between every plant, and throughout every region.
Why Whites Are Complex in Packaging
Whites are highly sensitive to the substrate’s natural color and surface treatment. OBAs, which are often added to paper to enhance brightness, can cause whites to appear differently under various lighting conditions. You can’t “control” OBAs, you can only measure their impact and adjust your process accordingly.
The Science of Color Measurement: Substrate First
The journey to Cloud Dancer starts with the substrate. Using a spectrophotometer, converters can measure the substrate’s L*a*b* values and whiteness metrics. Selecting the correct measurement mode (M-condition) is essential:
- M1 mode includes UV, making it ideal for substrates with OBAs.
- M2 mode excludes UV, ensuring accurate color readings without interference from fluorescence caused by OBAs.
From Measurement to Production Control
Achieving the delicate, natural white of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer in packaging isn’t just about choosing the right ink, it’s about understanding and controlling every variable in the print environment. X-Rite’s integrated solutions empower converters to bring this color to life with confidence and consistency.
- Step 1: Measure the Substrate Baseline
Every successful print run starts with a precise understanding of the substrate. Using a spectrophotometer like the eXact 2, converters can measure the substrate’s color values (L*a*b*) and whiteness. These instruments provide the accuracy needed to account for the natural shade of the material and the presence of optical brightening agents (OBAs), which can affect how whites appear under different lighting. For added consistency, PantoneLIVE offers digital access to Pantone’s spectral color standards, ensuring every stakeholder is aligned on precise color targets from design through production.
- Step 2: Monitor and Control On-Press Color
Once the substrate is characterized, maintaining color accuracy throughout production is essential. MeasureColor Production helps operators achieve faster, more consistent color throughout the print process, reducing makeready time and improving efficiency. By providing real-time color feedback, press operators can make educated decisions to ensure every sheet meets the target specification for Cloud Dancer. - Step 3: Centralize Quality Control and Reporting
MeasureColor Reports software brings all measurement data together, allowing teams to compare live press results and share quality metrics across locations. This centralized approach streamlines communication and supports continuous improvement, making it easier to achieve and maintain the desired white between runs and locations.
Bringing It All Together: Scientific Color Control for Cloud Dancer
Reproducing Cloud Dancer on packaging is a true test of color expertise. Success depends on more than just ink selection. It requires a holistic approach to measurement, process control, and data-driven decision making.
By leveraging X-Rite’s integrated solutions, print and packaging professionals can confidently reproduce Cloud Dancer while achieving consistency, minimizing waste, and delivering on brand expectations.
Ready to bring PANTONE Color of the Year 2026 to your packaging?
To learn more, get in touch with our Color Experts.
