In packaging production, color alone does not tell the full story.

Five years ago, we introduced an idea that challenged the way packaging proofs were produced.

Instead of simulating the final packaging on conventional proofing media, we wanted to print directly on the original production substrate. It was a simple idea that offered packaging printers, converters, and brand owners a different way to evaluate packaging before production.

Today, we're celebrating five years of Real Substrate Proof. Looking back, it's been a journey shaped by close collaboration with Mutoh, practical experience from customer installations, and years of refining both the technology and the complete workflow.

It All Started with a Simple Idea

The goal behind Real Substrate Proof was straightforward: Create color-accurate packaging proofs directly on the original production substrate.

Rather than reproducing the appearance of a substrate through alternative printing technologies, Real Substrate Proof makes it possible to print on the same material that will ultimately be used in production.

The benefits remain just as relevant today as they were five years ago:

• True appearance of the final packaging
• Original surface texture and finish
• No compromise in look and feel
• Reliable color evaluation before production
• Greater confidence for converters, brand owners, and designers

When everyone is evaluating the proof on the actual production substrate, approval decisions become more reliable and expectations are easier to align.

From CMYK to Expanded Color Gamut

The first generation of Real Substrate Proof was built on the Mutoh ValueJet 628MP using a CMYK + Light Cyan + Light Magenta + Light Black ink configuration.

Naturally, as packaging requirements continued to grow, so did the solution. Working closely with Mutoh, we developed an Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) workflow using CMYKOGB with Orange, Green, and Blue. This significantly increased the achievable color gamut while maintaining the color accuracy required for professional packaging proofing.

Today, Real Substrate Proof provides a flexible platform capable of supporting a wide range of packaging applications.

Growing Beyond the ValueJet 628MP

Real Substrate Proof now supports two Mutoh platforms:

• Mutoh ValueJet 628MP
• Mutoh ValueJet 1628MH

The ValueJet 628MP laid the foundation for Real Substrate Proof and continues to be a proven solution for packaging proofing on original substrates.

The larger ValueJet 1628MH expands those capabilities even further. With its increased print width, improved performance, and enhanced stability, it offers additional advantages for customers with higher proof volumes and larger formats while maintaining the same high print quality.

Supporting both platforms allows customers to choose the solution that best fits their production requirements.

Five Years of Experience That Go Beyond the Printer

A successful Real Substrate Proof solution is about much more than selecting the right hardware. Over the past five years, we have gained extensive practical experience with every aspect of the workflow, from color management and profiling to installation, operator training, production processes, and long-term support.

Along the way, we have built a reliable service infrastructure supported by experienced technicians who understand not only the Mutoh printers, but also the complete CGS ORIS solution behind them.

• Customers benefit from:
• Proven installation procedures
• Optimized color management workflows
• Extensive application know-how
• Experienced service engineers
• Fast and reliable technical support
• Stable production operation

That combination of hardware expertise and software knowledge has become an important part of what Real Substrate Proof represents today.

Thank You for Five Great Years

Five years ago, Real Substrate Proof started with a simple idea: print packaging proofs directly on the original production substrate.

Since then, the solution has grown through close collaboration with Mutoh, valuable customer feedback, and years of practical experience. Today, it has become an established solution for packaging proofing, helping customers evaluate color where it matters most: on the original production substrate.

We would like to thank our customers, partners, and the entire Mutoh team for being part of this journey over the past five years.

Happy Birthday, Real Substrate Proof!