IVRY sur SEINE, FRANCE (November 18, 2008) - MGI Digital Graphic Technology, the multi-substrate (paper and plastic) digital press and finishing solution manufacturer, has received the 53rd annual Oscar de l'Emballage/ Packaging award for the new JETvarnish digital inkjet spot UV coater. 

The most prestigious prize in the packaging industry, the Oscar de l'Emballage awards are organized by the Information Service Industry (GISI), publisher of magazines Usine Nouvelle, Packaging, and LSA, and are determined by a panel of influential editors and recognized industry experts. Out of 140 total entries, 40 were selected as finalists with 12 prizes awarded. The awards are held concurrently with Emballage, the world packaging exhibition.

MGI's JETvarnish was announced as the recipient of the Oscar in the Production category (All Product Packaging, Machinery) at the annual Awards Gala, held November 17, 2008, in Paris, France.

The JETvarnish, the only offline digital inkjet spot UV coater on the market, was recognized by leading industry peers as a technological breakthrough with a tremendous potential impact on the packaging sector.  This reaffirms MGI's proven ability to deliver innovative digital printing and finishing solutions for a variety of specializations year after year. 

"We are very honored and pleased to receive this prestigious award," said Edmond Abergel, MGI's President and CEO. "Many years of hard work have gone into the development of the JETvarnish and we knew it had great potential. We are particularly proud to be the first company worldwide to introduce this technology to the market. The Oscar speaks volumes about the creativity and innovation of our Research & Development and Engineering teams and I am confident the JETvarnish will have a lasting impact on the industry."

MGI's revolutionary JETvarnish is the first digital spot UV coater, accommodating up to 52 x 74cm / 20 x 29" sheets and utilizing MGI's patented inkjet technology. The 100% digital JETvarnish can handle runs from one to thousands with ease with full variable data capabilities  Computer controlled drop-on-demand (piezo) print heads allow for precise spot or flood coverage and the integrated ozone-free UV lamp enables instant drying.

The Oscar de l'Emballage comes on the heels of another prestigious technology award for MGI. At GRAPH EXPO 2008, the most comprehensive graphic communications exhibition in the Americas, MGI's Meteor DP60 Pro 4-color digital press for paper and plastics was named as a Must See 'em in the Presses – Production Color Digital category. Products selected as Must See 'ems were chosen from more than 5,000 individual products shown at GRAPH EXPO 2008 by nearly 600 exhibitors. A panel of 16 leading industry consultants and trade magazine editors selected the winners, which represent technologies that will impact virtually all printers.

MGI is currently showing the JETvarnish at Emballage (hall 5, G alley, booth 21), the world packaging exhibition, held November 17-21 at Paris-Norde Villepinte, France. The U.S. launch of the JETvarnish will take place at Graphics of the Americas, held February 26-28, 2009, in Miami Beach, Florida (booth #876).