Marly, Switzerland, October 11th, 2010 – ILFORD, long recognised as the Choice of Professionals, is pleased to reveal new media and accreditation for the dynamic GALERIE range. Designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s professional inkjet marketplace, the recent Wilhelm test results, as well as the innovative new papers, underline the ILFORD commitment to creating cutting-edge, contemporary media.

Wilhelm Research Imaging print permanence results

Image quality and permanence are both indicators of quality in the imaging industry. Professional photographers and artists committed to top-of-the-line results carefully select their media based upon both immediate and sustainable long-term print results.

Dedicated to researching and publishing brand name specific permanence data, Wilhelm Imaging Research, the most pertinent standard in the professional imaging industry, conducts rigorous tests to measure the print permanence of the most competitive media on the market. The effect of light and high humidity during display, the stability of prints in long-term dark storage and the resistance to ozone and water contact are all measured in the extensive five-factor Wilhelm Imaging Research testing process.

Confident that their media would perform well in the benchmark tests, ILFORD submitted GALERIE Smooth Gloss, GALERIE Smooth Pearl, and GALERIE Gold Fibre Silk papers to Wilhelm Imaging Research. Printed with HP Vivera pigment inks, the comprehensive testing process is still underway, with initial results proving very promising.

Framed under glass, or protected with a UV filter, the GALERIE Smooth Gloss and Pearl papers are expected to offer WIR Display Permanence Ratings of over 200 years. Unframed, this media is expected to offer over 100 years of image permanence. These results reinforce the ILFORD reputation for consistently producing eminent, quality media.

Also in conjunction with Wilhelm and marking their commitment to the professional market, ILFORD is included in the ARTtrust initiative. Designed to verify originality and control print production, this simple self-certification allows photographers and artists to use bubble tags to authenticate prints and verify print identity. Thanks to the ARTtrust initiative, photographers will be able to guarantee exclusivity while customers will be able to purchase with confidence. ILFORD media is officially compatible with this process, facilitating quality and control processes for professionals around the world.

NEW GALERIE media

Joining the already dynamic GALERIE range, ILFORD has just introduced a new and improved Smooth Heavyweight Matt paper. At 200 gsm, the renowned ILFORD Research and Development Team confirms the media offers inspiring high density and an impressive colour gamut. The enhanced Smooth Heavyweight Matt paper gives a whiter tint and increased light stability for breathtaking prints that will capture the attention of the most attuned audiences.

Further expanding professional photographic possibilities, ILFORD is developing a new GALERIE Fine Art paper. Restricted previews of initial prototypes of the paper are underway as ILFORD performs customer acceptance tests, by canvassing opinion from journalists, customers and dealers on the paper at the most important international photo events. Feedback will be implemented in the final production stages of the GALERIE Fine Art paper, to guarantee the new media meets the needs of the professional marketplace.

Success of the recently released double-sided Smooth Lustre Duo, perfect for creating tailor-made wedding albums, portfolios or premium quality invitations, proves the new ILFORD media resonate well with the photo industry. The instant dry porous surface means Smooth Lustre Duo is easy to work with, while superb photographic image quality and consistency as well as excellent compatibility with all good quality pigment and dye based inkjet printers, make the media a valued choice.

“The GALERIE range has always been an integral part of the ILFORD brand,” shares Jane Dixon, Head of Global Marketing, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “At ILFORD, we are pleased to continue creating and enhancing our media, to ensure GALERIE remains the choice of professionals in the inkjet marketplace. The ILFORD Research and Development Team invest in the latest technology and techniques to guarantee our media remains cutting-edge. And the latest Wilhelm permanence tests prove we are doing just that.”

About ILFORD

Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and colour photographic businesses, which include the R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP.

The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today it continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.

For more information on ILFORD, please visit www.ilford.com

Perfect for point-of-sale and luxury products, the patented system facilitates unique, attractive 3D photographic displays

Marly, Switzerland, October 11th, 2010 – ILFORD, long recognised for combining quality and tradition with the latest imaging techniques, has just launched the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, creating the first 3D photographic displays.

Thanks to the cutting-edge ILFOSEAL 3D, combined with standard ILFOVINYL product processed through RA4 equipment, which is then vacuum formed, an innovative and unique high end photo quality point of sale display is possible for the first time.

Production houses wishing to create and offer outstanding platforms for their customers now have an alluring, new display option: ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System. With point-of-sale recognised as one of the strongest factors influencing customer decisions, retail displays are an essential investment. The new ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, created in conjunction with Photoplast, the owner of the system patents, offers production houses a unique way to remain competitive, with vibrant 3D displays.

The smooth satin finish, the traditional photographic look, and the robustness of the premium quality ILFOVINYL makes it an attractive media for short term outdoor or long-term indoor displays. ILFOVINYL is a cost effective choice, allowing labs to utilise existing RA4, digital or analogue enlarger systems. Processed at paper speed, ILFOVINYL offers an efficient production route enabling labs to meet demanding timescales.

ILFOSEAL, is a breakthrough new coating developed exclusively for ILFOVINYL. When ILFOSEAL is applied to the media, moulding and forming is possible without any detriment to the image. The ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is a four step process:

• The first step in the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is to transform a 2D picture into a 3D image. Using commercially available software dedicated to this process, the image is quickly converted and ready for print.
• The second step of the process is printing the 3D image. Thanks to the versatility of ILFOVINYL, printing is fast and straightforward using digital or analogue enlargers and standard RA4 processing equipment. The vinyl base shows off images beautifully, while the media conceals fingerprints and prevents tears or rips, making it easy to work with. Recognised as offering a broad colour gamut, ILFOVINYL images are both bold and breathtaking.
• Once the image is printed, the unique ILFOSEAL is added. This exclusive coating differentiates the 3D Colour System from anything available on the market today. Easy to work with, ILFOSEAL is heated to bond the coating to the media using a standard hot laminator.
• The final step in the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System is to vacuum form the ILFOVINYL 3D image. Foam or resin moulds are used in this process, depending on the number of impressions called for. Deformations of up to four centimetres are easily possible. The photograph is aligned over the mould in the vacuum forming equipment, heated and deformed, creating the first 3D photographic display.

“We are always looking for cutting-edge retail solutions that attract and retain customer attention,” begins Tony Dennington, Managing Director of Colouration. “With the new ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, we are able to combine superb print results with a brand new display technique, and that is something we are excited about. We have selected the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System for the Davidoff retail displays as an outstanding way to showcase and build brand awareness for Champion. And we have already received enthusiastic customer feedback on our unique, customised approach.”

“Combining the high-end look and feel of ILFOVINYL with the new ILFOSEAL, the media is magically transformed into an entirely unique product, which can be moulded and formed into the first ever 3D photographic point of sale displays,” shares Jane Dixon, Head of Global Marketing, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “Fashion, beauty and perfume brands will appreciate the high-end look and feel the ILFOVINYL gives, while ILFOSEAL creates an entirely new offering allowing these brands to stand out and attract customer attention.”

ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System samples will be available from October 2010.

About Photoplast

Photoplast, founded in 2003, is a U.K. based technology company specialising in the development of innovative products and applications for photographic materials. In particular it is currently supporting the launch of products using its patented process for mouldable colour photo materials for use in both advertising and commercial product design.

About Colouration

As a UK creative agency and manufacturer of point of sale material we are uniquely positioned in the marketplace to produce high impact displays that create stand out in store by combining various materials, finishes and printing methods.

Now in our 10th year of business and still expanding, in 2009 Colouration launched Flaunt Creative a division that specialises in bespoke and batch production POS with the use of 3D visualisation, product design and CAD. At the beginning of 2010 we added to our in-house services CNC machining/tool making, router flat bed cutting, vacuum forming, acrylic fabrication, laser cutting and direct to media print. Colouration’s existing print facilities include litho, digital, large format, photographic and direct to media all under one roof, which ensures colour consistency through mixed media and print. Our post-production services include finishing, fulfilment, delivery and installation.

About ILFORD

Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and colour photographic businesses, which include the R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP.

The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today it continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, and to its research and development, its technical know-how and its manufacturing capabilities.

For more information on ILFORD, please visit www.ilford.com

photokina 2010 – September 21-29 – Hall 6.1, Stand C011

Marly, Switzerland. September 2010 – ILFORD is set to reveal their latest cutting edge products and processes at photokina 2010. Under the theme Choice of Professionals, ILFORD will showcase for traditional photographers, production houses and graphic art professionals at this international photo event.

photokina, as one of the largest and most influential photo exhibitions in the world, is a strategic event for the entire photo industry. ILFORD will make the most of this, displaying three strategic initiatives that create photographic quality. Designed by the exceptional ILFORD Research and Development team, the new ILFORD products and processes promise to meet the creative and competitive needs of the professional photographic and commercial printing markets, by offering breathtaking colour possibilities with the latest imaging techniques.

ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System

Production houses can now offer an innovative and unique point-of-sale display option, thanks to the new ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System co-developed with Photoplast. The true 3D photographic point-of-sale material is guaranteed to capture the imagination and create impact for luxury brand displays.

The straightforward four step process begins by manipulating a traditional 2D photo into a 3D image. Then, the standard ILFOVINYL media is developed and exposed through regular RA4 equipment. Once printed, the exclusive ILFOSEAL coating is applied to the media. This seal is the differentiating ingredient which enables the entire 3D process; with ILFOSEAL moulding is possible without detriment, cracking or otherwise damaging the photographic image. Finally, the sealed ILFOVINYL is formed on the 3D mould, and an attractive, robust, cutting-edge 3D photographic display is made.

ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System samples will be available for preview at photokina, and the product will be available from October.

GALERIE

ILFORD GALERIE is designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s professional inkjet marketplace. The latest GALERIE wide format fine art range, as well as the recently released Smooth Lustre Duo, a true double-sided media, will be on display at the ILFORD stand.

At photokina, ILFORD will be canvassing opinion from journalists, customers and dealers on the fine art media, as part of their rigorous customer acceptance tests, which are an integral part of the ILFORD development process. Underlining their commitment to quality, ILFORD will also present the latest print permanence test results from Wilhelm Imaging

Research for GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss papers. These comprehensive permanence tests include the effects of light during display, the stability of the prints in long-term dark storage, resistance to ozone, the effects of high humidity, and resistance to contact with water.

As an active member of photokina, ILFORD will be participating in the Fine Art exhibition, “See Me, Feel Me, Print Me,” providing photographers and end customers with an opportunity to experience the ILFORD GALERIE fine art media, first hand.

OMNIJET

The OMNIJET commercial range of display products will also be showcased at photokina 2010. Back-lit, pop-up and display films designed to give attractive, rich colour for point-of-sale, trade show, and other commercial applications are compatible with the latest wide format printers, including an HP Latex approved range. The OMNIJET line continues to be the media of choice for commercial print professionals wanting to achieve impressive results.

“As the photo event in all of Europe, we have chosen photokina as the launch-pad for our most innovative products and processes this year,” shares Jane Dixon, Head of Global Marketing, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “From the ILFOVINYL 3D Photo System, to the GALERIE and OMNIJET possibilities, we are pleased to showcase our cutting-edge offerings at this event. And while our photographic media continues to diversify, our commitment to colour and quality remain the same. We look forward to receiving invaluable feedback from the professionals at this event, and continuing to adapt our developments to match the professional photo and graphic art market demands.”

About Photoplast:

Photoplast, founded in 2003, is a U.K. based technology company specialising in the development of innovative products and applications for photographic materials. In particular it is currently supporting the launch of products using its patented process for mouldable colour photo materials for use in both advertising and commercial product design.

About ILFORD:

Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media and other consumables for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes. The worldwide digital imaging and colour photographic businesses, which include the R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP.

The ILFORD name is well established in the history of imaging and today it continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.

For more information on ILFORD, please visit www.ilford.com

New and improved ILFORD GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Gloss now available in sheets from 4 x 6 to A3+

Marly, Switzerland, 1st June, 2009 – ILFORD is pleased to announce the launch of the new and improved GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss sheets. Created by the ILFORD research and development team to include a new optically controlled nanoporous layer and redesigned base, GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Gloss sheets set a benchmark standard in imaging performance.

The media provides a full tonal scale from deep blacks through to crisp whites yielding an impressive HDR (High Dynamic Range). Professional photographers will appreciate the complete range of colours they can express with this new paper, providing the creative latitude needed to achieve breathtaking artistic results.

GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Gloss media is designed to make the most of the latest dye and pigment photo inkjet printers, and is fully compatible with even the newest machines on the market. Photographers will naturally gravitate to the new vibrant packaging created to reflect the clean and crisp images attained with the new GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Gloss.

Using the latest in digital imaging technology, the sheets feature several new characteristics including:

Optically controlled, nanoporous technology coating

As a result of ILFORD exploring the imaging possibilities of nanoporous particles and re-optimising the coated layer, photographers can now get the best possible results from the latest desktop inkjet printers. The new, virtually transparent layer reduces light scatter giving cleaner highlights, deeper shadows, more open mid-tones and improved sharpness. When used with dye inks the performance is staggering – the ubiquitous black cat becomes truly black!

Exhibition quality

The new paper creates prints which, when well lit, exhibit a rich tonality and an apparent three dimensional quality, that draws the viewer in to experience the depth of each photograph.

Innovative base, optimising weight, flexibility and opacity

Thanks to new, more compacted fibres, the 290gsm paper weight features greater opacity and flexibility which will transport easily through all current inkjet printer capabilities. The base also has a cleaner, more natural white tint, presenting a superb canvas for the image whilst retaining the feel of true photographic paper.

Full printer compatibility

ILFORD GALERIE Smooth Pearl and Gloss has a colour gamut that will fully exploit the benefits of the latest desktop, dye and pigment inkjet printers while remaining compatible with future technological developments.

Optimised ICC profiles, available at www.ilford.com

“Superb quality and universal appeal are the cornerstones of product development at ILFORD,” shares Jane Dixon, Head of Global Marketing, ILFORD Imaging Switzerland GmbH. “We’re delighted with the dynamic images and rich colour palette emphasized by the natural white base of the new GALERIE paper. We have surprised professional photographers with images that have blacks that are truly black and colours that have real vibrancy. And designing media which allows these photographers to meet their creative aspirations is as important to us as it is to them,” finishes Dixon.

Product availability:

ILFORD GALERIE Smooth Gloss and Pearl will be available in sheets from 4 x 6 up to A3+ through JP Distribution, from June 2009.

JP Distribution:

JP Distribution is a successful division of Johnsons Photopia Ltd., an independent, privately owned company that can trace its roots back to 1743. JP Distribution is committed to providing an exclusive complimentary portfolio of leading brands for the professional and enthusiast photographer via a dedicated network of retail partners.
Mamiya, Sekonic, Lastolite, Gepe, Geimuplast, Billingham, PocketWizard, Peli, Trek-Tech, CamGrip, Magix and Schneider are all part of the JP Distribution brand portfolio.
JP Distribution is located in the heart of England at the company headquarters in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, where the company employs a wealth of experienced personnel with an unrivalled level of imaging knowledge, expertise and experience.

For more information on JP Distribution, please visit www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk

About ILFORD:

Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading player in the development and manufacture of photo quality media for both inkjet printing and colour photographic processes. The ILFORD worldwide Digital Imaging and Colour Photo businesses, including the R&D and manufacturing operations in Switzerland, are owned by Oji Paper, Japan.
The ILFORD name is well established in the history of Imaging and today it continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, R&D, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities.

For more information on ILFORD, please visit www.ilford.com