Thirty-nine new members have been admitted to WAN-Ifra’s International Color Quality Club, a scheme which encourages and recognises exceptional and consistent colour printing quality.

The biannual competition has been hosted since 1994, providing an opportunity for newspapers worldwide to demonstrate their colour printing excellence. The 26th edition was held from April to May this year.

World Printers Forum director Ingi Rafn Olafsson said the club served as a crucial benchmark for publications, “especially those outsourcing their printing”, and underscored commitment to delivering high-quality products.

India’s ABP Private, which publishes the Telegraph in Kolkata, joins the Millennium Club for those with ten or more stars for colour quality membership or ISO 12647-3 certification.

The Star Club welcomes three new Indian members – Bennett Coleman & Co for the Times of India (Pune); Sakal Media with Sakal from Pune; and Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing with Mathrubhumi Daily from Kochi.

ICQC project manager Prabhu Natrajan said the percentage of qualifying members was increasing year over year, alongside more stringent norms.

New ICQC members will be honoured at the World Printers Summit in October, with new members receiving their certificates, and Star and Millennium Club members also being celebrated at the event. Additionally, companies from South and East Asia will receive their certificates at WAN-Ifra’s Indian Printers Summit on September 23, 2024 in Hyderabad.

More information from Olafsson, email ingi.olafsson@wan-ifra.org, or Natrajan, email prabhu.n@wan-ifra.org, or visit cqc.wan-ifra.org.