INX Color Perfection Newsmagazine Issue #7

Leaving a worldclass legacy of growth

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTS

I accepted the role of President and CEO when Rick Clendenning retired in April 2018, and it has been an honor that SAKATA INX and INX have trusted me to serve in this capacity. I had some big shoes to fill when Rick left because he was a strong force and leader in the industry and at INX for so many years.

I know I could not have accomplished all of the projects I’ve been involved in without the many dedicated co-workers I’ve been blessed to work with over the years. I got my start in the ink industry 49 years ago as a mill operator at the Sinclair & Valentine Ink Co. in Milwaukee. Three years later in 1977, I moved over to Acme Printing, which later was acquired by INX and SAKATA INX. Working as a member of the third shift set me on my path to what has been a memorable and remarkable journey.

INX International bids a fond farewell to President and CEO John Hrdlick, who is retiring

I have been fortunate to be a part of many important developments over the years. Some that stand out include the construction and expansion of many manufacturing facilities as part of a multi-year capital improvements program. This work – including increasing the size of our Research & Development campus in West Chicago –involved properties on three continents. I’m proud these efforts were instrumental in making us a stronger organization and a leader in the metal decorating industry.

Our world-class facilities today are second to none and I know this because I’ve visited all of them. The pandemic that began in 2020 has certainly brought a new set of challenges to our industry. But I believe the decisions we’ve made over the years have made us more agile. Along with the changes we’ve implemented, we are positioned to react more quickly for the betterment of our customers.

Our team is the core reason for the success of INX. Since I announced my intention to retire last December, Bryce Kristo and I have worked together to ensure a smooth transition. I am confident under his leadership, INX is positioned for continued growth and success.

My retirement is bittersweet to some extent since five years as President and CEO seems like a short time. Yet I am no different than those who have retired before me. It’s time for my wife Dawn and I to reconnect with our family in North Carolina, where I fondly recall spending 12 years over two stays at our facility in Charlotte. We are looking forward to spending more time with the grandchildren and welcoming our seventh and eighth this year.

Hrdlick, President & CEO INX International Ink Co.

John

Our team is the core reason for the success of INX."

"

Inspired to move innovation fo r ward

I am honored to be John Hrdlick’s successor and I am deeply appreciative of the faith SAKATA INX and INX have placed in me. Since the decision was made late last year, I have continued working with John to assure our business plan continues to keep INX moving forward as an industry leader.

John represents all that is great about INX and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him for the last five years. He mentioned in his letter about having big shoes to fill after Rick Clendenning retired, and I feel the same way about him. When he replaced Rick, I was promoted at the same time to Executive Vice President. INX would not be in the position it is today without all of his contributions. I wish John and Dawn many joys in their retirement years.

For those who are not familiar with me, I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone. I grew up here in Illinois and attended the University of Illinois-Champaign and DePaul University in Chicago, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. It was when I was in public accounting at KPMG that I first became familiar with INX.

I joined INX in 1991 and it has been an exciting ride over the last 32 years. From starting as an internal auditor to working my way up through various departments, it has been a tremendous learning and growth experience. At each and every step, many longterm colleagues have helped me gain important knowledge and better understand the cultural, financial and operational aspects of our business.

This is an exciting time to lead INX. While learning to live with and overcome challenges caused by the pandemic, we have also made great strides with both new and existing programs. You can read more about some of them in this seventh edition of Color Perfection® Magazine, as well as other news and examples of the latest design innovations. These are exciting times indeed.

INSIDE COLOR PERFECTION

2 LETTER FROM PRESIDENTS

4 MARKET TRENDS

6 MARKET NEWS

17 MEET THE INXPERT - CHAD BUTLER

20 CAN DESIGN CONTEST

8 COVER STORY READY-TODRINK COFFEES ARE BUZZING

Whether hot, iced, cold-brewed, or nitrogenated, ready-to-drink coffees in enticingly decorated metal cans are having a moment.

12 WHAT IS RANCH WATER?

The latest in ready-to-drink, canned cocktails features tequila and simple, refreshing ingredients that are becoming a Texas staple and captivating packaging graphics that invite all-day sipping.

14 CREATING SHELF SUPERSTARS WITH SPECIAL EFFECTS

Special Effects for Metal

Decorating provide visual appeal and help brand owners achieve competitive differentiation and increased market share.

18 A CROWDED MARKET FOR CRAFT BREWS

There will be a tipping point sometime, but craft brewers remain resilient, continuing to launch new beers in this $26-billion market, which continues to grow.

To stay up to date with our latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

Bryce Kristo, Incoming President & CEO INX

Brand differentiating special effects made possible with INX inks and coatings for both commercial and package converters yield finishing characteristics that appeal to the senses and enhance shelf appeal. Scan to watch here.

International Ink Co.

MOLSON COORS launches zero-proof canned cocktail

Just in time for “Dry January,” Molson Coors Beverage Co. debuted Roxie, a zero-proof canned cocktail, with a twist: Roxie is all about flavor without booze. The launch is Molson Coors’ latest venture in the “beyond beer” market and represents its first-ever direct-to-consumer line of zero-proof cocktails.

“Roxie is the brand that empowers people to be a part

of the moment, celebrating the choice to drink and not drink alcohol,” explains Jamie Wideman, Vice President of Innovation at Molson Coors Beverage. “That’s where Roxie shines. It packs layers of flavorful complexity, delivering a line of zero-proof cocktails built for those who want to moderate their drinking, abstain or simply sip on something fantastic.”

Roxie’s three premium crafted flavors are Ripe With Passionfruit, Forbidden Pineapple, and Lost In The Mango, guaranteed to convince consumers they’re not zero-proof, the company says. Can graphics offset a fox motif with a bold brand name and colorful flavor descriptors on a teal blue background, and a “zero” liquor emblem, front and center.

U.K. SUPERMARKET

WAITROSE

to Sell Wine in Aluminum Cans

U.K.-based Waitrose Supermarkets announced in January it will replace its small glass wine bottles with aluminum cans.

According to a recent Metal Packager article, the supermarket chain expects this move to save around 320 million tons of packaging and help them make significant carbon footprint reductions.

“We’re delighted to pioneer this move and make reducing waste even easier for our customers,” commented Barry Dick, MW, Beer, Wine and Spirit Bulk Sourcing Manager at Waitrose. “Aluminum cans weigh significantly less than glass and create less than half the amount of CO² than the equivalent single-use glass bottle. Cans can also be recycled an infinite number of times.

“We know that more people are buying their drinks in canned formats, from onthe-go cocktails to craft beer, which is why this shift in our wine category makes so much sense,” Dick added. “We hope the move will encourage suppliers to continue to develop a diverse and exciting range of wines in cans.”

THE ROCK Energizes ZOA in Colorful Slim Cans

Backed by one of the biggest movie stars in the world, ZOA Energy, a fast-growing energy drink (ZOA means organisms or animals of a specified kind) is debuting a new look in 2023. It's part of a dramatic rebrand that includes brightly colored 12-ounce slim cans and two new flavors: Cherry Limeade and Strawberry Watermelon.

Expanding into the pre-workout supplement market with the launch of ZOA+ pre-workout supplement formula, ZOA Energy’s drink

line is described as providing healthy solutions to meet varying consumer needs. The sleek, slim package design was developed for portable consumption.

“We’re getting ZOA out of the gym and making it approachable,” said founder Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, ZOA’s Chief Energy Officer. “People can feel your energy when you show up. It raises the bar for everyone around you. And that’s what we’re harnessing with ZOA.” Featuring a blend of electrolytes, the zero-sugar

flavors also include frosted grape, coconut lemonade, and tropical punch. The cans display bold, lively colors and the ZOA brand name in white, placed vertically across the front panel as well as an exotic tribal logo.

The new formula touts 120 mg. of natural caffeine from green tea extract, green coffee, turmeric, vitamin C, and vitamin B. The slim cans are available in retail stores, online, and in a variety pack at Costco.

Dwayne Johnson Source: ZOA Energy

IT’S ALL IN THE EYES: Tracking Eye Movements to Gauge Shopper Interest

Which packaging designs work and which don’t may be determined by science as much as creativity, according to findings from Quad Graphics’ Package Insight division. A recent WhatTheyTh!nk article examined how Packaging Insight helps companies understand the ways people shop and how they react to packaging.

The division studied participants’ eye movement in a retail setting to determine the time, in seconds, spent fixating on an item, when a product first enters a participant’s field of view until they fixate on it, the total number of times a product crosses a participant’s line of vision, and how many participants chose to buy the item.

A key takeaway from the research: Whether for craft beer, soda, or wine, the average shopper looks at a package for less than a second. Even if it’s only a fraction of a second, brands want to maximize every fraction they can. While two of the craft beers with “top attention” in the

study had zero purchases, there is a correlation between the total fixation duration (TFD) and sales. After all, we tend to spend the most time looking at the product we intend to buy.

Storytelling is also important, and came in second in what participants expect to obtain from a craft beer package to help decide which beer to purchase. Many of the cans with the highest eye tracking also told the brand story up front. Hop Thing’s can, which has an eye-catching design, also tells the brand story right on the front—“New England Style Double Dry Hopped India Pale Ale.”

For more intriguing details, visit bit.ly/3XWXJar.

Participants looked at brands in PakTech holders with bright, simple graphics the longest.

Nearly 75% also indicated that the packaging design had a positive influence on their purchase decision (the design made them want the beer more).

INX INTERNATIONAL Opens Metal Decorating Ink Plant in Mexico

INX is expanding once again with a new ink manufacturing plant being built in Mexico that will strengthen our operations in the region.

Located in the city of Querétaro, 120 miles from Mexico City, the new plant has 33,000 square feet of space to warehouse several product lines, and has a planned capacity to produce metal decorating inks.

Leased at the beginning of 2022, the plant is equipped with racks, offices, and all necessary equipment and systems to support successful operations in the latter part of 2023.

ALUMINUM CAN MARKET to Grow to $76 Billion by 2030

The aluminum can market is expected to grow worldwide to approximately $76 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5 percent between 2022 and 2030, according to a new report from Custom Market Insights, a market research and advisory company. Pegged at $53.3 billion in 2021, the market shows increased consumption of various types of beverages, which will contribute to growth.

Increasing demand for sustainable packaging options is boosting the market. The report notes that aluminum cans are economical and easily recycled. Scrap collectors emerged as a major collection source where aluminum cans are gathered and then sent for the process of recycling.

UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS

—See you there!

MAY 7-10

CRAFT BREWERS CONFERENCE & BREW EXPO

Nashville, Tenn.

Delivers brewing education and idea sharing to improve brewery quality and performance.

craftbrewersconference.com

MAY 2-6

METPACK 2023

Messe Essen, Germany

The world's leading trade fair for metal packaging will gather more than 300 exhibitors and 7,000+ visitors in search of innovative metal packaging solutions.

www.metpack.de

SEPT. 26-28

INTERNATIONAL METAL DECORATING AND PACKAGING ASSOCIATION (IMDPA)

2023

Eaglewood Resort, Itasca, Ill.

MAY 4-10

INTERPACK 2023

Düsseldorf, Germany

The top trade and packaging fair, sponsored by Messe Dusseldorf, affords the entire value chain with innovations in one location.

interpack.com

The two-day conference promotes the interests of metal decorators, canmakers, designers, and trade suppliers involved in metal decorating and packaging. metaldecorators.org

Ready-to-Drink Coffees are

From cold-brew to energy-based, product innovations are brewing across the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee category. America’s thirst for portable coffee continues to surge, and manufacturers big and small have invested in the RTD space, bringing interesting ingredients, artisanal brewing techniques, and fun new flavors to shelves. A popular packaging choice, the metal can has solidified its top position for simplifying how we get through the day.

Plenty of ready-to-drink flavor options like white chocolate, coffee cake, and cinnamon bun are sweetening sales in the category, while the metal can makes coffee easy to grab and start the day. The cans are also a popular packaging choice for

their long shelf life. They afford little or no change in flavor consistency for three to six months for most RTD drinks, and reduce the hassle and mess of to-go cups or making a cup at home. Here’s something else to pour over: Dollar growth data for RTD coffee from Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. (IRI) pegged RTD refrigerated coffee sales at $925.4 million. That's a 31.5-percent year-over-year increase, for the 52 weeks ending May 15, 2022, in total U.S. multi-outlets. Forecasts from Mordor Intelligence project the U.S. RTD coffee market by packaging type (bottles and cans) and distribution channel (supermarkets, c-stores, online retail, and others) will register a compound average growth rate of 7.75 percent from 2022 to 2027.

Whether they’re hot, iced, cold-brewed, or nitrogenated, ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees are ‘percolating’ in enticingly decorated metal cans

Cold and boozy are both ‘hot’

Innovations like energy coffee drinks, cold brews, and nitro options (infused with nitrogen gas and often containing more caffeine for a fast caffeine boost) are hiking up coffee sales, according to Beverage Marketing Corp.’s (BMC) Managing Director of Research, Gary Hemphill. “Once primarily a category dominated by single-serve packaging, ready-to-drink coffee in chilled, take-home packaging has burst onto the scene and is driving much of the growth.”

Both emerging and established brands are brewing captivating can decorations to lure consumers. Starbucks together with PepsiCo offers Starbucks ready-to-drink Nitro Cold Brew canned coffee drinks following the success of Nitro Cold Brew in its stores, which became available nationally in 2019. Attention-getting, dark colors and gold and silver accents are used in the line’s graphic color scheme. The popular brew infuses regular coldbrew coffee with nitrogen, which gives it a creamy, cascading texture similar to a Guinness beer.

Now, Guinness & Co. is rolling out Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, a beer incorporating nitro-brewed coffee flavors, in 14.9-ounce cans. Replicating the dark beer’s signature color scheme, rich colors, and gold harp logo, the cans incorporate the brand’s patented “widget” device that releases nitrogen gas into the can, giving the beer its distinctive creamy head when poured.

Iced and flavorful

Linked with donuts for years, the Dunkin’ brand will expand its presence in the canned beverage sector with three new canned iced coffees inspired by bakery flavors. Already successful with its existing iced coffee line available in supermarkets, Dunkin’s three new flavors – Brownie Batter Donut, Coffee Cake Muffin, and Cake Batter Donut — debuted on social media in early 2023. Can graphics illustrate a donut or cake and the prominent Dunkin logo in colors coded to each bakery flavor.

After it purchased Costa Ltd. in 2019 from Whitbread PLC, Coca-Cola Co. in Atlanta recently launched Costa Flat White Ready-to-Drink in the U.S. The espresso-based beverage in a tall, 11-ounce can contains a thin, “flat” layer of steamed milk and features a no-nonsense graphics design with a clean typeface. Available in Signature Blend, Mocha, and Caramel, Costa’s Flat White balances coffee and milk for a sophisticated taste, the company says.

Other new twists

Strange Magic Cascara soda, available in four-packs from Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Portland ORE., will no doubt prompt anyone to wake up and smell the coffee. Its dramatic black and gold can design is fun and approachable, just as the innovative plant-based product inside will encourage repeat purchases.

Stumptown, owned by Peet’s Coffee & Tea, was an early innovator in coldbrew coffee in nitro cans and continues to develop cold-brewed innovations, such as the sweet, fizzy, and fruity Cascara soda. The tart, bright, refreshing taste comes from the cascara husk surrounding the coffee fruit.

Black Rifle Coffee Co.’s RTD Espresso with Cream in tall 11-ounce cans presents “rough and ready” camouflage graphics for some of its canned varieties. A rifle target scope design dominates its 15-ounce can of Triple Shot 300 arabica coffee. The Salt Lake City-based, veteranowned roaster by the same name specializes in an online, direct-to-consumer coffee subscription service.

Whatever you’re looking for in canned RTD coffee, you’ll find it thanks to attentiongetting packaging that will wake up your senses.

Costa Flat White follows 2022’s successful launch of Coca-Cola with Coffee, which contains 69 mg of caffeine in Caramel, Dark Blend, Vanilla, Mocha, and Vanilla Zero Sugar. The brand’s slim, vivid red cans capture attention on store shelves while the beverage is said to “sip like a Coke and finish like a coffee,” giving cola fans and java lovers a refreshing reset to their daily routines.

Atypical graphic illustrations somewhat resemble the colors and elements of a Ouija board, with messages of “yes” sprinkled on the top panel above the brand logo and “good” and “luck” on either side of the 12-ounce can bottom. Centered on the front panel is a soothsayer, sitting cross-legged as if meditating.

Watch the INX color book instructional video to see the industry’s first true color standard for beverage can design printed directly on metal.

RANCH WATER

A LIGHTER CHOICE FOR REFRESHMENT

The growth of ranch water in the market is the culmination of three major consumer trends that we have seen in the past couple of years,” explains Joey Parris, CMO at Texas Ranch Water Co., MPL Brands, Sausalito, CA, in a recent Beverage Industry article. Texas Ranch Water’s blue agave-based product is light and refreshing, and comes in 12-ounce cans, each with 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs, “making it an easy choice for consumers,'' he adds.

Cara Piotrowski, client insights at Information Resources Inc. (IRI), Chicago, notes that simple ingredients, tequila’s wide appeal, the convenience of a readyto-drink (RTD) cocktail experience and tequila-based cocktail trends probably influenced the proliferation of ranch water. London-

based IWSR Drinks Market Analysis states “Tequila

Ranch Water’s increasing market reach has been supported by trends such as the continued growth of hard seltzers, the continued surge in ready-to-drink cocktails, and low-calorie/low-sugar beverages.”

CATCHING ON FAST

Ranch water brands such as one from Lone River Beverage Co., have experienced growth over the past few years. Exclusive flavors such as Prickly Pear Ranch Water, inspired by the Prickly Pear cactus fruit found in the high desert of Far West Texas. “Tequila is the fastest-growing spirits category in share gains over the past few years,” says Liz Paquette, head of consumer insights at Boston-based Drizly, an online ordering and delivery service. Paquette says Drizly has seen significant increases in consumer demand for ranch water. “Distribution has increased significantly yearover-year for Lone River’s variety pack; in January 2021, it was available in two states, and in January 2022, it was available in 28.”

In February 2021, Dutch brewer Heineken unveiled a line extension of its Dos Equis lager with Dos Equis Ranch Water Classic Lime Hard Seltzer, with 4.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and 90 calories per can. This package features

light colors of green on white, beneath the brand’s bold bright red double “X” logo. In March 2021, Diageo PLC acquired Texan producer Far West Spirits, maker of Lone River Ranch Water hard seltzer. The cans replicate the beverage’s clean, lime taste with a green and white color scheme and an agave leaf and lime motif.

A CLEAN POUR

Coca-Cola’s Topo Chico brand of Ranch Water in tall, 12-ounce slim cans is glutenfree, 12 percent ABV and has 100 calories. The signature Topo Chico graphics and brand logo carry over to the new packaging, promoting a refreshing twist on a hard lime seltzer crafted to taste like the Texas cocktail.

Bluebird Hardwater, from Tallahassee, FL, hopes to carve out a new category within the saturated industry called “hardwater,” though the drink could conceivably be defined as ranch water. The new trio of alcoholic beverages is defined as “premium spirits and ultrapurified water at an ABV (alcohol by volume) of just 4%.” Bluebird contains only premium spirits (vodka, tequila, or whiskey) and ultra-purified still water. Each 12-ounce can of the three varieties has 78 calories, the lowest calorie count in the industry, the company claims. Bluebird is also devoid of carbonation, preservatives, sugars, imitation flavors, and artificial sweeteners.

Bluebird Hardwater CEO and founder, Will Blum, says his alcoholic option resonates with active consumers who want a clean solution without feeling weighed down. Can graphics are as clean, uncomplicated, and informative as Bluebird Hardwater itself, in colors of silver and either blue (vodka), lime green (tequila), or black (whiskey), depending on the liquor inside the can.

Networking with distributors including the Anheuser Busch group in Florida and Empire in New York, Bluebird Hardwater will be available at select liquor stores in both markets and online in 23 U.S. states. These are only a few examples as canned ranch water broadens its reach across the market, experts note. “There are endless opportunities in this space, and consumer education is key,” Parris says.

Fueled by a confluence of tequila’s popularity, the seltzer craze, and other consumer trends, this new, ready-to-drink canned cocktail trend is creating a perfect storm that quenches a thirst in a portable format.

CREATING SHELF SUPERSTARS WITH SPECIAL EFFECTS

Technology takes sales to the next level

DAZZLING DECORATION FOR BEVERAGE CANS

Metal packaging decoration is evolving. While color is one of the first things consumers notice about packaging, and nearly 85 percent of their purchasing decisions are based on color, it’s not always enough. Packaging designers and aluminum can producers use specialty inks and coatings with personality and pizzaz to keep pace with the times, engage consumers, enhance brand awareness and increase value. There are several inkbased special effects used today in two-piece aluminum can decoration that heighten brand awareness and differentiate products.

“Metal is one of the hardest substrates on which to print,” notes Jack Knight, Global Business Development Director for Rigid Packaging, at INX. Ink is considered by some as the magical part of what brings printing to life on metal. But it’s becoming easier to produce special effects using technologies developed by INX.

For more information on INX Color Perfection, visit inxcolorperfection.com or call 800-631-7956.

SEVERAL OPTIONS

Package designers may do so with subtle special effects that wake up the senses, attract and engage customers with a shimmer, spice things up with an intricate look, or even to protect a brand’s authenticity. Special effects that pop and “speak for the product” also help brands differentiate themselves from their competitors on the shelf.

Using special-effect ink technologies and the standard, two-piece aluminum can as a “canvas,” designers, converters, and brand managers can produce astounding looks with benefits that transcend simple decoration.

Show-through effects for example allow spaces on the shiny, metallic container finish to show through, providing a metallic look without the need for metallic inks. Similarly, opaque inks block the container's metallic finish, and in some cases mimic the look of an elaborate decal. Alexander Folloso, Director, Metal Decorating Technology for INX, notes that while these effects can be produced using standard dry offset inks formulated for aluminum cans, achieving a highly opaque underbase may require a “double hit” of white ink.

SPOT EFFECTS

Cans can be covered with matte and glossy overvarnishes to create spot effects, including the matte look of non-reflective “flat” paint as well as the reflective, color-popping glossy effects that heighten the perceived value of a product. Wine producers Dark Horse Winery and Underwood use glossy and/or matte finishes in their canned products.

TEMPERATURE TACTICS

Since 2009, the Coors Light beer brand adopted thermochromic inks, (those that change color with a change in temperature), to indicate their products are at or below the optimum drinking temperature of 46 degrees F. The can is coated with a special temperature-sensitive ink that appears blue when the can is cold, but gradually changes to white as the can warms up. INX, through an ongoing partnership with Chromatic Technologies, a producer of thermochromic, photochromic and reveal inks, serves package producers with an ink solution that provides thermochromic effects. The color-changing can idea helped propel Coors Light to become the No. 2 bestselling beer in America. The two-piece aluminum can is a favorite for cold beverages such as soft drinks, seltzers, and a myriad of beers, it’s also used for dairy-based products that must be retorted or sterilized at a temperature of 230 to 275 degrees F for a specified time. Retort II inks from INX are specially formulated to withstand these retort production temperatures, allowing producers to undertake required sanitary procedures for products while maintaining brand integrity on the package.

TEXTURE ADDS BRAND VALUE

While printing stimulates the visual sense, specialty ink systems that create textures and tactile effects can add value by simulating embossing. Tactile effects have been used by energy drink producer Monster Energy to heighten the look of its products and add value to the consumer’s brand experience. Tactile Plus inks from INX are formulated explicitly for two-piece metal decoration. AP Tactile inks are high-strength, thermoset and low-misting. Formulated to be BPA-free, they print well on plain, clear, and white base-coated, drawn-andironed aluminum and steel cans, resulting in a textured feel.

PROTECTING AND AUTHENTICATING BRANDS

A variety of printed effects can help authenticate products. They can be as simple as using a difficultto-match specialty substrate or as complex as adding “hidden markers” that show only when the product is exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This is particularly useful with luxury products applied using an ink-jet process.

A special range of inorganic luminescent pigments (some of them based on rare earth elements and some having quite complex crystal structures) that has been specially surface treated for ease of printing, has been developed for security printing needs. INX’s covert security ink and VerifyMe provide brand owners with time-sensitive logistics, authentication, supply chain monitoring, and data-rich consumer engagement features using unique smartphone-readable codes on their products. [See our article in Color Perfection Magazine’s sixth issue on Can Labels Getting Smart: protecting packaging with security inks].

FOUND IN THE DARK

Fluorescent inks include colors that can be startingly “bright” and fluoresce when exposed to black light. The reflectance of an object determines the color. These inks will help brands “glow” within the confines of bars, nightclubs, and other spaces. Enterprising designers and package producers use INX LoVOC Black Light fluorescent inks to identify brands within dark settings. Phosphorescent effects create inks that glow in the dark after they’ve been exposed to natural or simulated light sources. Like fluorescent inks, phosphorescent inks can provide a secondary look or reveal hidden details displayed when the ambient environment is dark. The glowing effect will fade over time but can be reactivated by re-exposing the can to light.

MORE TECHNOLOGIES TO COME

Technology and special effects for dry offset aluminum can printing continue to evolve to take packaging in exciting new directions. It’s all a matter of chemistry. As a leader in innovative inks for aluminum can decoration, INX stays at the forefront of new technologies, expanding what is possible.

To learn more about special effect inks and how they can provide additional opportunities for your metal decorating operation, contact INX at info@ inxintl.com or visit

(youtube.com/watch?v=HNcmk54ICuc)

When it comes to Chad Butler, Vice President of Sales, Metal and Rigid Packaging at INX, team-building strengths, consistency, and drive are key. He has spent almost all of his career at INX.

After joining the company in January 1994, Chad has held various positions, ranging from laboratory technician to technical service representative, account management and sales, to managing national accounts for the metal division.

Today, Chad says digital printing is becoming a strong focus in metal decorating and rigid packaging.

DEVELOPING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

“Throughout the last few years, digital has grown and I anticipate that will only continue. INX has had a presence in this market for a number of years, with our various digital printing applications with the CP100 and CP800 printing systems,” he says.

“We continue to dedicate research and development specifically for the evolving digital technologies in the metal decorating industry, particularly in ink formulation.”  As equipment manufacturers introduce more digital printing machinery, Chad expects these technologies to continue to evolve with quicker production speeds, more opportunities for short runs, and more customization in metal decorating.

“We expect continued growth in 2023 for metal decorating, and the addition of more can manufacturers entering the U.S. market and globally with new plants,” he adds. “We are still navigating supply

chain restraints as ongoing supply chain issues impact us as an ink supplier, in the U.S. and globally. But the supply chain challenges seem to be trending in a more favorable direction. We also deal with price

changes for raw materials and changes in regulatory requirements for certain materials, so we face having to reformulate and/or adjust our products to meet the requirements. A lot of research and development goes into those areas.”

WORKING COHESIVELY

Chad manages INX’s various sales groups within the division, overseeing all customer activities and national accounts. “There is not a typical day in this industry,” he mentions. “A large portion of my role is actively engaging with our technical groups to ensure we are all working together as a company to service the needs of our customers and keep up with the trends as they evolve.”

Chad’s 20-plus years of experience building and nurturing many customer and supplier relationships comes in handy every day. “After the pandemic, I’m excited about getting back in front of our customers and continuously strengthening our relationships. I like to continue strengthening our strong ties with industry suppliers and vendors so that we can together provide innovations in equipment and ink technologies.”

The last few years of the pandemic created additional hurdles for INX and the overall ink industry, but Chad is quite pleased with INX’s resilience. “I’m proud of the way our company and our team in the metal and rigid packaging division have handled whatever was thrown our way. Our team has a strong foundation that allows us to work successfully together.”

CHAD BUTLER, VP OF SALES, METAL AND RIGID PACKAGING

Butler discusses the growing focus on digital printing in metal decorating and rigid packaging.

“We continue to dedicate research and development specifically for the evolving digital technologies in metal decorating.”

CRAFT BREWERIES REMAIN RESILIENT DESPITE INCREASED COMPETITION

“There’s a ton of room for smaller, medium and even regional breweries. As you get to the national level, there’s less. We’re not playing at that level.”

Charlie Berger, co-founder

of the Denver Beer Co

Avery competitive craft marketplace is becoming far more competitive from a numerical standpoint. The Wall Street Journal reported in January that craft beer’s popularity has risen nationwide for more than a decade. About 9,500 breweries now operate in the U.S., compared to 6,372 at the end of 2017. The pace has slowed slightly from the 2,100 breweries that existed in 2012.

According to the Coloradobased Brewers Association, while the craft beer industry continues to mature, the majority of small and local brewpubs proved nimble last year during continued supply disruptions.

“The industry continues to grow more competitive, facing both internal business pressures and the externally continued growth of new beverage alcohol competitors,” said Bart Watson, chief economist at the association. “While these challenges are daunting, craft brewers are known for their

innovation and flexibility, and will need both as they evolve to meet the next generation of beer lovers with new beers and new occasions.”

THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY

The Brewers Association indicates there were more than 550 brewery openings and over 200 closures in 2022. They predict this year, brewery openings will be at the lowest level in over a decade and distributed craft volume will not grow. The supply chain will remain rocky, but collectively average prices will be lower than 2022 peaks. However, total brewery employment numbers are expected to increase.

They also reported that fierce competition will likely force out weaker competitors. However, the industry is now established with an infrastructure it did not possess in the early years.

The bigger concerns are beer aficionados who think it’s tough for new brands to stand out today, despite the many experimental flavors, ingredients, and techniques now in play. The deluge of hazy IPAs on the market contains everything from coffee to pineapple, peach, bitter notes, coconut juice, and “better-for-you” nonalcoholic additions.

Some boutique beer shops and small marketers agree that craft beer is reaching an oversaturation point in some cities. This is the case in San Diego, home to nationally known breweries like Stone Brewing. One bottle shop owner believes the upstarts need to know the industry is reaching a tipping point:

“It’s not just growth anymore. Seven years ago, it was nothing but growth.”

The Wall Street Journal spoke to Leah Wong Ashburn, President and Chief Executive of Highland Brewing Co. in Asheville, N.C. Reported to be the first legal brewery in that city since Prohibition, it has operated for nearly 30 years and is now one of 50 in the area. Producing 40,000 barrels annually with a reported $15 million in revenue hasn’t stopped Ashburn from worrying about the crowded field. She fears consumers are bombarded by the competition.

“I think it’s overwhelming for consumers who haven’t been into craft beer,” she says. Yet the same story also points out that some breweries may have benefitted from the increased competition. Atlanta’s Wild Haven coowner and brewmaster Eric Johnson said, “I don’t view [the competition] as even remotely problematic. We looked at this space because Monday Night [Brewing] was already here. Creating a critical mass of folks doing something exciting is important.”

BRING ON MORE

In Colorado – one of the craft beer meccas in the country – others also see plenty of room for growth. According to statistics compiled by the aforementioned Brewers Association, the state is home to 428 craft breweries, which is up significantly from 126 outlets in 2011.

With good beers here to stay, Charlie Berger, cofounder of the Denver

Beer Co., embraces the crowded craft industry. In fact, he plans to open a fourth taproom this year with a separate production facility. His company offers premium artisan ales and lagers incorporating fresh ingredients and both innovative and old-world beer-making styles. Similar to a farmer’s table, Denver Beer’s beer selections change with the seasons and its unique flavors and quality products have caught the public’s attention.

“There’s a ton of room for smaller, medium and even regional breweries,” reports Berger. “As you get to the national level, there’s less. We’re not playing at that level.”

Marketing and brand identity, created with distinctive packaging graphics that often push the envelope of color reproduction on aluminum cans, can also help sway consumers to regional craft brands. Much larger players often use these tools, along with sales promotions, merchandising displays, and more to claim precious retail shelf space and distribution channels that can sometimes create headwinds for local craft brands. But their eyecatching label art attracts new consumers, encourages trials, and reflects the product’s high-quality brand image. Many see that as a good game plan to stay competitive.

Today there are more craft brews than anyone could experience in a lifetime. Some may not be sustainable economically in the long run, but craft beer is based on passion and consumers are cheering the abundance.

Denver Beer Co., Denver, Colo., started in a garage. Currently, it has three taprooms, a standalone production facility, and expects to open its fourth taproom this year.

INX International Ink Co.

150 North Martingale Road, Suite 700

Schaumburg, IL 60173

800-631-7956

inxcolorperfection.com

Colored by INX Can Design Contest Due May 31

INX International is excited to announce the 4th annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest. Launched on February 14, the competition will recognize creations of outstanding brand design and highlight the many benefits of using the INX Color Catalog as part of the INX Color Perfection® system for metal packaging. The contest is open to graphic designers and brand owners who use the INX Color Catalog and corresponding INX Digital Color Library for selecting colors during the design phase of their can.

The top winner receives an engraved trophy with the designed can mounted inside, a certificate of award endorsed by INX International, a feature in Color Perfection Magazine, press coverage in industry magazines, and international publicity.

Please read the complete rules for submission at coloredbyinx.com.

Judging will take place June 7–12 when contest judges will select their top five design candidates based on: 30% originality, 30% overall design aesthetics, 30% on the best use of color palette, and 10% for the project statement

explaining how the INX Color Catalog was integral to the resulting design. The five finalists will be announced June 12, and the final winner announced June 22.

The judges want to learn all about your brand story and can design. Be sure to include information about your design process, why you selected specific colors, the color names and the role the INX Color Catalog played in the design.

More information is available from INX at 630-382-1961. Information and online entry forms are also available at www.INXcancontest.com

Sarah Jacks, Color Perfection Manager/ Color Management Expert, INX International

Scott Drucker, Managing Partner, The Drucker Group Creative Brand Marketing and Advertising

Alex Fordham, Owner, The Metal Packager, Managing Director, Connective Press Group Ltd.

Janet Johanson, Founder and CEO, BevSource

Marshall Thompson, Co-Founder, Head of Sales, Canworks Printing

You

Voting will also be open to the public on social media June 14 - 16

2023 JUDGES