Awards showcase Diamond’s folding carton decorating capabilities, including printing, cold foiling, and embossing.

Rochester, N.Y. – Diamond Packaging today announced that it won four awards in the 2019 Premier Print Awards, the world’s most prestigious international print competition. Printing Industries of America (PIA) hosts the competition, which recognizes the creation and production of superior print communications. Entries were judged on color, registration, degree of difficulty, and the overall look and design that make an effective and graphically appealing piece.

Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, notes, “This year marks the 70th year of this annual and most prestigious international print competition. Over 2,200 entries were received this year, and the work of Diamond Packaging was chosen as that which exemplifies some of the highest standards in the printing industry.”

Diamond won Awards of Recognition in the “Calendars” and “Embossing/Debossing” categories for its 2019 corporate calendar, a popular promotional item given to customers and suppliers.

The “Making Waves” calendar, which was conceptualized, planned, and produced by the entire Diamond team, originates from a beautiful, hand-drawn pencil drawing. The calendar features Extended Color Gamut (ECG) seven-color process printing, cold foiling, UV gloss spot coating, DiamondGlitter and DiamondReticulate specialty coatings, multi-level embossing, debossing, intricate die cutting, and NFC tagging.

The header and backers were converted utilizing Clearwater Candesce® SBS paperboard, cold foiled, and offset printed with Extended Color Gamut (ECG) seven-color process and PMS 541 inks, DiamondGlitter and DiamondReticulate specialty coatings, aqueous satin coating, and UV gloss coating. The use of seven high-fidelity colors increased the color range and improved transitions between colors.

The header features dramatic multi-level embossed waves splashing against a tropical beach. The waves were enhanced with DiamondGlitter specialty coating, creating stunning shimmering and tactile effects that promote user interaction. The sunset was cold foiled and embossed, including each of the geometric color patterns, within the yellow rays, and around the entire outline. The palm trees were multi-level embossed and enhanced with DiamondReticulate specialty coating, which added a subtle texture to the tree trunks.

The two middle backers feature multi-level embossed fish and seaweed, set against a debossed water pattern.

The bottom backer features several enhancements, including a multi-level embossed fish and seaweed, debossed water pattern, cold foiled and embossed “Diamond Packaging”, and an NFC smart tag located in the bottom center.

Users can simply touch or tap their smartphone at the bottom of the calendar for exclusive content, and touch again for additional content. The first touch takes users to “The Making of” video, where they can take a sneak peek behind the scenes during the design and production of the calendar. Subsequent touches take users to a landing page describing the decorative processes used in the production of the calendar (with an offer to receive a free sample kit), Diamond’s Instagram page, and website, respectively. On four different dates throughout 2019, tapping on the tag will display new content specific to that day (e.g., Earth Day).

The calendar pages were converted utilizing Domtar Cougar Opaque White Smooth 80# Text and offset printed with UV green ink.

The calendar’s recyclable shipper was converted utilizing Clearwater Candesce® SBS paperboard laminated to E-Flute corrugated board, and offset printed with four color process inks, in-line with and aqueous gloss coating.

Diamond won Certificates of Merit in the “Embossing/Debossing” and “Cartons, Containers, Boxes, and Totes” categories for Inter Parfums’ Anna Sui Fantasia Mermaid packaging.

The folding cartons were converted utilizing FSC-certified Iggesund Invercote G paperboard and offset printed with seven PMS and custom color inks, in-line with DiamondTouch and UV gloss spot coating.

The overall DiamondTouch soft touch coating adds an appealing tactile quality that promotes consumer interaction. The UV gloss spot coating is tightly registered to the embossed accents and provides a striking contrast to the overall matte finish surrounding it.

Overprinting transparent champagne rose gold ink over cold foil creates shimmering metallic effects on the panels and perimeter of the carton. The custom turquoise ombré design seamlessly blends from dark to light, creating a luxurious gradient background for the gloss and embossed accents.

Multi-level embossing (mermaid, shells, seahorses, starfish, plants) add dimension and contribute to a unique visual and tactile presentation.

The combination of color and textures beautifully complement the design of the primary container – a glass spray bottle decorated with an ornate silver cap topped with a mermaid. It also adds distinction and reinforces Fantasia as a fun, whimsical brand.

All of Diamond’s winning entries were designed utilizing recyclable paperboards, and manufactured using 100% clean, renewable wind energy, in a Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) facility.