Packaging

Mainly due to the complex nature of the packaging ecosystem, the introduction of PDF has been slower than in other sectors. New ISO standards and improvements in software are changing this quickly. The GWG has supported the use of PDF in packaging through its work on ISO 19593-1, the standard known as Processing Steps, and through the development of a specification specifically targeted at packaging.

Mission

Mainly due to the complex nature of the packaging ecosystem, the introduction of PDF has been slower than in other sectors. New ISO standards and improvements in software are changing this quickly.
The Ghent Workgroup supported the use of PDF in packaging with its work on ISO 19593-1, the standard known as Processing Steps, and by the development of a specification specifically targeted at packaging.

Who we are Our impact

Current activities

Updates to the existing GWG 2022 specifications.

Making preflight information more accessible to end users.

Preparation work for a future version of the specifications based on PDF/X-6 and PDF 2.0.

Discussions and specification work around “Intent preflight” –using job metadata (such as number of pages, dimensions, expected separations, etc.) to preflight the PDF on top of any technical preflight.

Chair

Frank Vyncke

Member + Chair Packaging subcommittee

Frank studied at KU Leuven and immediately started as a developer for Barco Graphics (now Esko) in 1989. There he learned the needs of Packaging indus...

Frank Vyncke

at GWG

Member + Chair Packaging subcommittee - Ghent Workgroup

In 2016, he joined the GWG, becoming highly active in the Packaging Subcommittee. We like to call him “Patch Man” for his knack for finding practical solutions and improving specifications. His hands-on approach and technical expertise have made him a valued contributor to the group’s work on packaging workflows and standards.

outside GWG

CLOUDFLOW Development Manager - HYBRID software

Frank studied at KU Leuven and immediately started as a developer for Barco Graphics (now Esko) in 1989. There he learned the needs of the packaging industry, and grew into the position of technical product manager. After moving to Artwork Systems in 2001, he took the lead in developing a PDF-based workflow solution, and PDF editing tools. Currently at Hybrid Software (since 2011), he is responsible for the workflow engine in Cloudflow, the most versatile and robust workflow system for the packaging industry. Over the years, he has also contributed to the development of Adobe Illustrator plugins – some integrating high-end functionality into the software operators use in their day-to-day work, others bringing packaging features to Adobe Illustrator. His long experience has taught him all the specific details of the tools, file formats and protocols used in modern prepress for the packaging industry. In 2016 he joined the GWG, becoming most active in the Packaging subcommittee. We like to call him “Patch Man”.

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Participation

Join the GWG and help shape the future of print and packaging workflows. Collaborate with industry experts, contribute to internationally recognized specifications, and make a lasting impact on the industry.