Masterpress uses hybrid printing for Distilia labels

Masterpress, a leading European provider of printed decorative packaging, has completed a niche labeling project for Distilia, an independent bottler of high-quality spirits specializing in selling unique bottles of rare, collectible alcohols.  

The project involved the production of five series of 250 exclusive labels using hybrid printing – Masterpress’s technique that combined digital printing, screen printing, lamination and varnishing – to achieve a distinctive, touch-sensitive, durable and visually striking effect.  

Distilia, known for sourcing unique barrels and bottling exclusive batches, required labels that would not only mirror the luxury and exclusivity of their products but also captivate investors and enthusiasts at auctions. Unlike standard retail labels, these had to demonstrate superior quality and durability – essential characteristics for supreme and collectible items.   

The company approached Masterpress with a pre-designed label featuring Yu Chaun’s real-life painting, aiming to integrate metallic elements and extenuate the painting’s intricate details. Considering the unique nature of the request, the challenge for Masterpress was to find the right technology to turn this vision into a captivating and exclusive label.  

Artur Lesiński, business development manager at Masterpress, said: ‘Our goal was to create something truly special – a label that reflects the heritage and sophistication of Distilia’s products while pushing the boundaries of conventional label printing and design.'

Jakub Bagiński, managing director of Distilia, said: ‘We wanted labels inspired by painted artwork that would capture the essence of our collectible spirits, showcasing their exclusivity and enduring quality. We had a clear vision and a ready design, but needed a partner that could turn this into reality. Masterpress achieved this with a blend of artistry and advanced printing techniques, which managed to capture even the paint brushes of the original painting and enhance the allure and premium nature of our products.’ 

Aleksander Gajecki, digital printing manager at Masterpress,added that project was new for the converter, considering the label’s niche purpose and the fact it had to reproduce real art with all its details. Distilia's flexibility in label implementation allowed Masterpress to assess its creative and technological capabilities.

Masterpress combined multiple technologies – digital printing, screen printing, lamination and varnishing. This combination of digital printing with different finishing techniques enabled the company to achieve a distinctive, touch-sensitive, and visually striking label. The label was printed on silver paper with a soft touch and laminate finish, creating a combination of paper and foil to make the connection soft and noble.  

Digital printing allowed Masterpress to quickly test and adjust solutions, reducing costs and efficiently consulting with Distilia. It also lowered water, energy, and paint consumption, and minimized waste during manufacturing.   

Distilia’s managing director Jakub Baginski highlighted: ‘Masterpress’s printing capabilities [digital printing] allowed for unprecedented levels of detail and colour fidelity. Each label meticulously incorporates special lacquers and metallic finishes, achieving a noble shade of gold, creating a really unique, tactile experience.’ 

Lesiński at Masterpress described working with Distilia as 'trickle-down innovation'. The brand's technological freedom allowed for innovative hybrid solutions and flexibility throughout the manufacturer-client relationship. This enabled Masterpress to deliver high-quality overprints, giving Distilia’s graphic designers more room to test new designs and spread innovation across the cooperation chain.

Masterpress has comprehensively met Distilia’s expectations – from unique endurance and elegance to intricate aspects linked to the product’s advertisement, the company’s managing director reaffirmed. Masterpress’s hybrid approach ensured that Distilia’s designers had no limitations in the label design process. The brand aimed to reproduce the original images perfectly while ensuring the final visuals were stunning. Labels needed to looks good in pictures and on the shelf and Masterpress delivered exactly that. 

Following the success of this project, Masterpress and Distilia have extended their collaboration, and are now working on a new label product.