XAAR’S Ultra High Viscosity Technology is powering Koenig & Bauer Kammann’s latest digital decoration breakthrough, in a project that produced 5,000 uniquely printed Johnnie Walker whisky bottles for Diageo.
Kammann, part of Koenig & Bauer Group, specialises in decorative printing machines for glass, plastic, and metal containers. The firm’s K15 decorative print machine was used to digitally print an image of 180mm in height, directly onto all four sides of each glass bottle in just three passes.
The limited-edition Johnnie Walker bottles showcase 50 original artworks by pop artist Andy Gellenberg, further enhanced using generative AI. With every bottle individually designed, Xaar said the project highlights the power of digital print in enabling customisation at scale and was recognised at this year’s Digital Labels and Packaging awards, triumphing in the Supreme category.
Xaar’s printhead technology has been utilised in the task, including its High Laydown and Ultra High Viscosity Technology, which enables the jetting of fluids with viscosities up to 1000 centipoise (cP) at ambient temperature.
These capabilities have allowed Marabu’s high viscosity UV inks to be jetted at high temperatures, ensuring ‘smooth application, improved pigment load and a luxurious high-impact finish’.
“This collaboration has been seamless,” said Matthias Graf, MD at Kammann. “By combining our machine expertise with the strengths of both Xaar and Marabu in printhead and ink technology, we’ve enabled an exceptional example of what’s possible with digital print for premium container decoration.”
Justin Noble, director of sales at Xaar, added, “We’re delighted that our printhead technology played such a key role in bringing this impressive collection to life. This project shows the creative and commercial potential of digital print, and the result is a powerful demonstration of how brands can harness customisation to elevate consumer experience.
“As expectations around personalisation continue to rise, Xaar’s digital inkjet technology offers the quality, speed and versatility brands need to respond – delivering high value, high-impact products like these Johnnie Walker bottles.”
