Digital Proofing Ecosystem Launched for Metal Cans
Packaging designers and operators can now use the CanJET platform to accelerate color approvals before metal production begins.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Sun Chemical, CMA Imaging, and X-Rite Pantone have released the CanJET digital proofing ecosystem, which provides over 4,000 color options for metal packaging. The system streamlines the design process by replacing traditional pilot-line proofing with digital color and opacity matching.
Why it matters
The platform is designed to reduce the number of physical iterations required for metal decoration. By accelerating design approvals, businesses can shorten lead times and improve flexibility in packaging production.
The system offers access to more than 4,000 color options in metal decoration libraries. It serves as a digital alternative to traditional pilot-line proofing, though specific commercial pricing and adoption costs for operators were not provided.
The players
Sun Chemical
A global producer of printing inks, coatings, and pigments used across the packaging and graphic arts industries.
X-Rite Pantone
A color science and technology firm that provides measurement systems and software to standardize color across global supply chains.
CMA Imaging
A specialist in digital proofing and color management software with two decades of experience in packaging workflows.
Raf Mulla
An industry professional who presented on the implementation of digital color management during the IMDPA conference.
The details
CanJET integrates printing systems, digital color references, and measurement technology into a single workflow. Operators use spectral data from a handheld spectrophotometer linked to a cloud-based platform to facilitate remote proofing. The system then utilizes high-resolution direct-to-can printing and extended color gamut inks to match color and opacity, aiming to standardize the proofing process.
Timeline
September 29 to October 1, 2026: Companies introduced the CanJET ecosystem at the IMDPA conference.
October 1, 2026: Raf Mulla presented on digital color management.
October 7, 2026: Commercial availability of the CanJET ecosystem was announced.
Market Landscape
This release follows the receipt of the Bronze Innovation Award at METPACK 2026, signaling industry validation for digital-first proofing tools. The development reflects a broader move toward cloud-based, spectral data-driven workflows in industrial packaging.
Packaging operators should evaluate whether the CanJET workflow can replace their existing pilot-line cycles to lower overhead costs. Review your current color approval timelines to determine if cloud-based spectral measurement offers a scalable alternative to your existing manual processes.
The takeaway
Digital color management tools are increasingly capable of replacing physical pilot-line prototyping in metal packaging. Operators should monitor their current iteration counts and consider whether moving to a digital proofing ecosystem could reduce production bottlenecks.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts in manufacturing and decoration, visit our Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Paper, Film and Foil Converter.
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