Esko, a global leader in integrated software and hardware solutions for the packaging, label, and printing industries, has unveiled its latest innovation—Print Clone, an advanced cloud-native color matching solution designed to redefine digital print production.
Announced during the prestigious Esko World 2025 event held in St. Louis, Missouri, Print Clone combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence and automation to enable press operators to effortlessly and accurately replicate colors from previously printed packaging, regardless of the original printing process or substrate used.
This breakthrough tool addresses one of the most persistent challenges in digital printing: achieving consistent and precise color matching without the need for time-consuming manual adjustments. According to Jan De Roeck, CMO at Esko, “Print Clone delivers high-quality results with minimal manual intervention.
It eliminates the traditional trial-and-error method of color matching, reducing waste, saving time, and boosting overall press efficiency.” The result is faster job turnaround times, improved accuracy, and a significant reduction in costly material wastage, making it a valuable asset for packaging and label converters seeking to optimize their operations.
What sets Print Clone apart is its simplicity and accessibility. As a cloud-native application, it requires no software installation. Users simply log in via a web browser, upload their PDF file, connect a spectrophotometer, and allow the system to measure and optimize the color output.
Its intuitive interface and user-friendly design mean that even non-expert operators can confidently use the software to achieve professional-grade results. The AI-driven algorithms analyze the target print and dynamically adjust the digital file to match the desired color output with unparalleled accuracy.
Print Clone significantly reduces setup time on press by eliminating the need for multiple test prints and iterative adjustments. Instead, operators can perform real-time color comparisons using a spectrophotometer, with the software providing instant feedback and making necessary color corrections within seconds.
This not only speeds up the printing process but also ensures consistency across multiple jobs, different substrates, and reprints—critical in maintaining brand integrity and customer satisfaction.
Another key benefit of Print Clone is its contribution to sustainability goals. By minimizing trial-and-error cycles and waste, converters can reduce their environmental impact while also lowering production costs. “Decreased press downtime serves to improve profitability,” De Roeck noted.
“And the fact that Print Clone is cloud-native, requiring no installation or complex setup, makes it even more appealing for converters looking to streamline their workflows.”
Originally teased at drupa 2024, the full unveiling of Print Clone at Esko World 2025 has generated significant interest from across the global packaging and printing industry.
This new solution underscores Esko’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation and delivering tools that empower printers to be more efficient, more sustainable, and more competitive.
With Print Clone now officially available worldwide, Esko is offering packaging and label converters a next-generation solution to one of the most critical aspects of digital production—ensuring consistent, high-quality color reproduction every single time.
As the demands of the industry continue to evolve, Esko’s Print Clone stands out as a powerful new ally in the pursuit of speed, accuracy, and operational excellence.