Spotlight: K Laser Technology
The first time you see it, you get it. And once you get it, you’ll never be able to stop daydreaming about all the possibilities.
“It” is a printing demonstration on Viridian holographic eco-paper and eco-paperboard from cold foil experts K Laser Technology.
And yes, it’s that game-changing. See for yourself. This is what the Viridian sheet looks like before:
And after:
What is Viridian Exactly?
Essentially it is paper flooded with foil, creating a substrate that’s available in more than 100 different holographic patterns and colors.
Is it Eco-Friendly?
Since Viridian doesn’t include laminating films, it can be pulped and sorted along with paper, resulting in a fully sustainable, 100% recyclable sheet.
How Do You Get Those Amazing Effects on Press?
It’s similar to overprinting on foil, really. The more hits of White ink you use, the more opaque those areas will be.
Use only one or two hits to allow the holographic pattern to show through in certain areas, or increase that number to completely obscure it. You can then include the additional process colors of your artwork on top.
Where Do I Even Begin?
Though it might seem daunting to use at first, the thing to remember is this: You never go into using Viridian alone. This might be a good time to meet the Design Lab at K Laser.
Here’s how it works:
1. Come up with a rough design, be it for packaging, invitations, or something else entirely.
2. Contact the design team at the Design Lab and share your rough design with them.
3. Collaborate with the Design Lab designers, who will help you set up your files and refine your design so that it will work best with the holographic pattern of your choice.
4. Receive a physical mock-up of your conceptual artwork.
5. Follow up with the Design Lab to make any necessary revisions.
6. Once you’ve approved the design, K Laser Technology will send the Viridian patterned paperboard you chose to your printer, in either sheets or rolls.
That’s it.
Are There Ways to Further Enhance my Viridian Piece?
Want to give your design a “limited edition” or “premium” look, or simply need an anti-counterfeiting measure for your item?
Given enough lead time, you can work with the Design Lab to create a “registered hologram” for your creation.
This 2D or 3D design – often a logo or emblem – is pre-printed in the exact same place (the “registration”) on each sheet of Viridian, before being overprinted with white ink and additional process colors. The result is instantly eye-catching.
And, either alone or through the use of certifications with bodies such as the IHMA’s Security Image Register, it provides a layer of security to packaging, event tickets and more.
How Do I Get Started?
Probably the best way is to get a sample in your hands…which is where the Viridian Calendar comes in.
Enter to win 1 of 100 Viridian Foil calendars from K Laser Technology right now! Hurry, this contest ends Feb. 20, 2025. (North American entries only, please.) [THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED]
As a reminder if you are a PRO member, you can get your copy for free in the PRO portal (click link below). Not a PRO member yet? What are you waiting for? Join the waitlist here.
