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Consumers relation with labelling is a unique interaction, the first impression of a product is the easiest way to evaluate the printed quality and as a result the product itself (Debra Riley et. al., 2015). Metal substrates have management limitations, compared to paper-cardboard printing. Some of these limitations are, the difficult sheet control in the export of the tin sheet printing machine, due to the weight and the difficulty of transport and control in the printed table. At this stage, a special feature is the prevention of the printing problem. In order to predict a printed problem, the easiest way is the naked eye. Through this first quality control the profit is a few wasted sheets. But an electronic file management, as well as electronic print tint monitoring, is an easiest way to control the continuous quality printing, and be sure that every batch has the expected result. This can be achieved through electronic color management (ICC Profile) (Pre-Press), (Nomikos S. 2019) but also through the optical control systems of four-color printing and shades. The art of printing has been transformed from the old skills of visual control, to electronic digital control through (electronic eyes) type video camera & software, for quality control of the metal substrate (Drupa, 2020), (Pérez Juárez Carlos Alberto et al. 2021). Throughout the production process, the constant quality of the printed substrate, declares and supports over time, the branding in the market (Ampuero, Vila Natalia, 2006). One of the basic tools for consistent quality is the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards & HAASP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System) certificate, which a lot of food and beverage production factory follows in order to be ensure of the quality (European Union, online available).

Research objectives: The management system in the printing industry and the evaluation of printing in quality production are some of the research objectives. The control and adaptation of new quality control systems at old printing systems, help to evaluate the results and the viability of the production. The use of new electronic quality control systems in print production, can identify and control energy consumption and footprint reduction.

Research methodology: The research proposal is mainly based on field research and case study, in areas (pre-printing, printing and termination) with additional bibliographic support. The systems of quality control that were used in the company Lefkosisdirourgia Kavalas S.A. in Greece are “Coat Star” and “Deco Star”. The results have shown reduce of print waste in metal packaging, and increase of production by 100% providing defect-free coated sheets for the following print run. The fast and easy job setup led this company to reduce the waste of raw materials to a minimum. It was possible to find any deviation in decoration processing in the earliest possible stage and 100% inline inspection for every single sheet at the highest coating machine speed. The quality control systems provided intuitive setup procedure for new projects or the use of existing project files, as well as constant monitoring of coating quality, sheet margins, and welding areas at a glance. The detection of defective sheets at the earliest possible stage of your metal decoration process was possible. Coating inspection assured best conditions for the later print run and inline check of coating area uniformity.

The applications of the specific quality control system “Coat Star” is in:

• Highlights, coating for every metal decorated packaging product.

• Specialty packaging with complex finishing. Beverage seal components, lids and caps.

• Aerosol cans and tins. Canisters for paints or oil. Defect sheet marker signal: for mechanical marking of defect coated sheets.

• Automatic masking function. Adjustable region sensitivity: Individual sensitivity settings.

The quality control system “Deco Star” consists of a recording video and software program for the inside metal substrate. It has improved the procedure of optical quality control and the features are the following:

1. 100 % Print Inspection for Metal Decoration and printing excellence.

2. Right the first time, every time. Improved Efficiency in Metal Sheet Decoration:

3. Reduce Metal Sheet Print Waste, 100% assurance in delivery of defect-free sheets. Fast and easy job setup to speed up make ready time

4. Reduce print waste to a minimum 100% inline inspection for every single sheet at the highest production speed

5. Intuitive setup procedure for new jobs or use of repeating job files

6. Constant feedback on print run, notification of serial defects, adjustable quality parameters

7. It can be used for tin plate or aluminum, 2, 4 or 6 colors, high-gloss or matte motives

8. The applications are as follows:

a) Consumer products such as milk powder, sweets or tobacco

b) Specialty packaging in any possible blank shape

c) Beverage seal components, lids and caps aerosol cans and tins

d) Most advanced hardware at low maintenance level

e) Detection of color deviations in the earliest possible stage

f) Edge monitoring assures best quality for the finishing process

g) Easy setup and handling of software reduce make ready time and enhance process survey

h) Flexible use of defect criteria for sheet management.

Results: Whilst initially the quality control was carried out manually, the print quality was improved after the installation and operation of a new system (ISRA). Thereafter, the specimens are inspected and studied using data from an inline system in order color deviations and material defects to be identified. Thus, using such automated systems, time, energy and wastage are reduced, the print quality is improved, the satisfaction of clients and new possibilities show to arise. The inline inspection system for the coatings improves also the decoration and provides defect-free coated sheets for the following print run. In conclusion, by improving the quality of coating and printing also improves the sustainability of tinplate food packaging, increases the print quality, reduces sources and saves energy.