The German cleaning equipment manufacturer Kärcher wanted to highlight the use of recycled plastic in its new sweeper?even on its packaging. To meet this request, the paper manufacturer Mondi developed a digital printing solution for brown cardboard capable of reproducing the brand?s vibrant colors.
A white to preserve the colors
The choice of natural-looking brown cardboard imposes several constraints on the printing process. The color of the substrate affects how the inks appear, particularly when it comes to bright colors. To reproduce Kärcher?s iconic yellow, Mondi used multicolor digital printing with a white undercoat.
This technique produces opaque, high-contrast colors while leaving areas of brown cardboard visible. It also ensures the accurate reproduction of photographs, graphic details, small text, and EAN barcodes. According to Mondi, the white undercoat also adds depth to the visuals, creating a 3D effect.
Production tailored to the brand's needs
Beyond the graphic quality, digital printing offers a certain degree of production flexibility. This allows packaging to be produced in quantities tailored to demand, thereby limiting excess inventory.
Mondi also used water-based inks approved by Swiss Quality Testing Services for primary packaging.
With this project, Mondi demonstrates how digital printing can meet both the graphic design and marketing needs of brands. The packaging thus retains Kärcher?s visual identity while prominently featuring the brown cardboard chosen to reinforce its environmental message.
