Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology is at the forefront of Koenig & Bauer Kammann’s innovative solution in digital decoration, exemplified by their creation of 5,000 distinct Johnnie Walker whisky bottles for Diageo.
Kammann, a division of Koenig & Bauer Group, specializes in high-quality decorative printing machinery for glass, plastic, and metal containers. Their decade-long collaboration with Xaar leverages cutting-edge inkjet technology to spur innovation across their print systems, thus enhancing food and drink packaging solutions.
In this recent collaboration, the K15 decorative print machine was employed to digitally imprint an eye-catching image, measuring 180 mm in height, onto all four sides of each glass bottle within just three passes. This method ensured the superior quality and efficiency essential for this exclusive project.
The limited-edition Johnnie Walker bottles feature 50 original artworks by esteemed pop artist Andy Gellenberg, enriched through generative AI to curate a truly unique collection. Each bottle showcases individual designs, emphasizing the capabilities of digital printing to facilitate customization at scale. This exceptional project earned recognition at the Digital Labels and Packaging awards, winning in the Supreme category earlier this year.
Integral to the project’s success has been Xaar’s advanced printhead technology, particularly its High Laydown and Ultra High Viscosity capabilities. This technology enables the reliable jetting of fluids with viscosities reaching 1000 centipoise (cP) at ambient temperature, facilitating productivity and quality.
These features empowered Marabu’s high viscosity UV inks to be applied efficiently at elevated temperatures. This process not only ensures smooth application but also enhances pigment load and achieves a luxurious, high-impact finish. The final design reflects the premium essence of Johnnie Walker by Diageo, aligning with the trends in sustainable food and drink packaging.
“This collaboration has been seamless,” stated Matthias Graf, Managing Director at Kammann.
“By merging our machinery expertise with the strengths of both Xaar and Marabu in printhead and ink technologies, we have set a benchmark for digital prints in premium container decoration.”
The increasing consumer preference for personalization drives demand for standout products. Digital inkjet printing is ideally suited to meet this need, offering quick setup times, cost-effective small batch production, and unmatched flexibility—making it the premier choice for limited-edition and customized goods.
Moreover, Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology supports sustainable production by minimizing material use and reducing energy requirements for curing, aligning with environmental goals in food and drink sustainable packaging.
Justin Noble, Director of Sales at Xaar, remarked, “We’re delighted that our printhead technology played a crucial role in bringing this impressive collection to fruition.”
“This project illustrates the creative and commercial potential of digital print. The outcome showcases how brands can leverage customization to enhance consumer experience.”
“As consumer expectations for personalization grow, Xaar’s digital inkjet technology delivers the quality, speed, and versatility brands need to respond, producing high-value, impactful products like these Johnnie Walker bottles.”
