Diamond Packaging Debuts Its 2019 Corporate Calendar Featuring NFC Smart Tag Technology

Diamond Packaging announced the debut of its 2019 corporate calendar, a popular promotional item given to customers and suppliers. It’s also the company’s first to feature NFC smart tag technology, which enables brands to connect directly with consumers.
 
The “Making Waves” calendar, which was conceptualized, planned, and produced by the entire Diamond team, originates from a hand-drawn pencil drawing. The calendar features Extended Color Gamut (ECG) seven-color process printing, cold foiling, UV gloss spot coating, DiamondGlitter and DiamondReticulate specialty coatings, multi-level embossing, debossing, intricate die cutting and NFC tagging.
 
“The calendar demonstrates Diamond’s cutting-edge approach to package design,” said Dennis Bacchetta, director of marketing of Diamond Packaging. “We set out to create a colorful, beautifully-decorated structural and ornamental piece – one that users will want to interact with all year long. We also wanted to showcase the type of decorative effects that can cost-effectively elevate our customers’ brands, including cold foiling and smart tagging.”
 
The header and backers were converted utilizing Clearwater Candesce SBS paperboard, cold foiled, and offset printed with Extended Color Gamut (ECG) seven-color process and PMS 541 inks, DiamondGlitter and DiamondReticulate specialty coatings, aqueous satin coating, and UV gloss coating. The use of seven high-fidelity colors increased the color range and improved transitions between colors.
 
The header features multi-level embossed waves splashing against a tropical beach. The waves were enhanced with DiamondGlitter specialty coating, creating shimmering and tactile effects that promote user interaction. The sunset was cold foiled and embossed, including each of the geometric color patterns, within the yellow rays, and around the entire outline. The palm trees were multi-level embossed and enhanced with DiamondReticulate specialty coating, which added a subtle texture to the tree trunks.
 
The two middle backers feature multi-level embossed fish and seaweed, set against a debossed water pattern.
 
The bottom backer features several enhancements, including a multi-level embossed fish and seaweed, debossed water pattern, cold foiled and embossed “Diamond Packaging,” and an NFC smart tag located in the bottom center.
 
“Diamond has received a lot interest from brands regarding the digital transformation of operations, including connected packaging (Anti-Counterfeiting, Track and Trace) and interactive packaging solutions,” added Bacchetta. “Adding NFC tags to our calendar is proof-of-concept; it’s a way to show our customers that their brands can easily connect with consumers through smart packaging. And Diamond can help make that happen.”
 
Users can simply touch their smartphone at the bottom of the calendar for exclusive content, and touch again for additional content.
 
The first link takes users to “The Making of” video, where they can take a peek behind the scenes during the design and production of the calendar. Subsequent links take users to a landing page describing the decorative processes used in the production of the calendar (with an offer to receive a free sample kit), Diamond’s Instagram page, and website, respectively. On four different dates throughout 2019, tapping on the tag will display new content specific to that day (e.g., Earth Day).
 
The calendar pages were converted utilizing Domtar Cougar Opaque White Smooth 80# Text and offset printed with UV green ink.
 
The calendar’s recyclable shipper was converted utilizing Clearwater Candesce SBS paperboard laminated to E-Flute corrugated board, and offset printed with four color process inks, in-line with and aqueous gloss coating.