Extra categories in WAN-Ifra’s International Newspaper Color Quality Club mean the 2014-2016 competition will be open to all web processes including inkjet.

The ‘something for everyone’ approach broadens the print quality contest and organisers say participation can now be easily integrated into normal production. Participants download a small ad-like test element and incorporate it into a page.

There are now four categories:

- coldset offset printing on newsprint;

- semicommercial heatset or UV-cured offset printing on newsprint;

- semicommercial heatset or UV-cured offset printing on SC or LWC paper; and


- an extra category for newspaper printing on tinted paper or for printing processes other than offset, such as flexo or inkjet.

Apart from the extra categories, new measuring technology is being introduced to take advantage of new standards and technical advances.

Registrations for the 20th anniversary competition need to be in by December, but a preliminary test evaluation is offered to those who do so by October 2.

Object of the competition is to improve the quality of reproduction and printing in production, while also increasing competitiveness and training and motivating all personnel.

It has been held every two years since 1994. Successful participating newspapers are awarded membership for a two-year period. Organisers say membership in the club – a “short list of the world’s best-printed colour newspapers” – can increase prestige among readers, pride among staff members, and bring benefits when it comes to selling ad space to fussy customers.


Multiple winners and participants in the certification project can be awarded membership of a ‘Star Club’. Last year, Singapore Press Holdings was among recipients.

Full details can be found at http://www.wan-ifra.org/colorqualityclub