Print is no longer just about ink on paper, it is an experience, an impact. From luxury packaging and photo books to wedding albums and labels, print buyers are seeking tactile, memorable experiences that connect emotionally. Enter digital embellishment — the technology that brings brilliance, texture, and dimension to print.
Print embellishment is no longer confined to luxury packaging; it’s also finding a place in short-run jobs, photobooks, invitations, and even commercial print applications.
Once considered an add-on, embellishment has evolved into a key differentiator, giving printers a competitive edge and brands a sensory storytelling medium. As digital print continues to surge, the demand for automated, cost-efficient embellishment systems has followed suit, with several global and Indian companies leading the charge.
Digital embellishment: the new language of luxury.
Digital embellishment technologies enable spot UV, 3D textures, metallic foils, holographic patterns, and raised varnishes. What once took hours or days to set up can now be achieved in minutes, with variable data capabilities allowing every printed piece to be unique.
The shift is being powered by automation, digital integration, and versatility. Print embellishment is no longer confined to luxury packaging; it’s also finding a place in short-run jobs, photobooks, invitations, and even commercial print applications.
Global innovators driving the revolution
Scodix (Israel)
A pioneer in digital enhancement, Scodix offers presses that deliver 3D UV, foil, embossing, glitter, and holographic effects—all in one pass. Popular models like the Scodix Ultra 6000 and Scodix Ultra Digital Enhancement Press have found success among Indian printers. These are high-end digital enhancement presses capable of applying 3D UV, foil, emboss, glitter, etc. They are typically inline or semi-inline systems integrated with print lines or finishint lines. They offer micrometer-level registration, often sub-0.2 mm precision, and can produce variable height effects (multi-height textures). They can often work in a “digital enhancement press” mode: the printed sheet is fed through the enhancement unit in line or near-line, with synchronized registration.
The Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD Digital Enhancement press fits seamlessly into mainstream production environments. It offers the highest quality embellishment in B1 format and supports the widest range of media, producing perfect value on uncoated paper. This press is an all-in-one platform with Scodix SHD and Scodix MLE technologies.
While, the Scodix Ultra 2500 SHD Digital Enhancement press fuses flexibility, quality and productivity generating unprecedented digital value. Compatible up to B2 paper sizes, it includes all of Scodix’s latest technologies for detail quality, tactility and media variety.
With 16 different Scodix applications, Print Service Providers (PSPs) can deliver highly differentiated premium products, in-house – without the costs of traditional embellishments. Every Scodix application has become a powerful, high-quality and cost-effective replacement for the traditional analog machine.Never before seen designs can now be easily produced using different combinations of applications, such as Scodix Sense, Scodix Foil, and many other variations.
More recently, Scodix has announced a significant software update that will transform digital print production workflows for its global customers. The update which features the new Adobe PDF Print Engine, Adobe’s flagship print raster image processor (RIP), delivers outstanding performance, stability, and compatibility, reinforcing Scodix’s commitment to innovation and customer success.
Scodix’s strategic partnership with Adobe integrates its latest RIP technology to seamlessly convert graphics, text, and images into high-quality rasters, specifically for Scodix’s Ultra 6500 SHD and Scodix Ultra 2500 SHD Digital Enhancement presses. The update will enhance the Ultra series’ already impressive capabilities, including Scodix’s Smart High-Definition (SHD) technology, which gives brands the freedom to embellish any design with fine lines, intricate details and patterns, tiny text and large surface flat foiling; and Scodix Multi-Layer Embellishment (MLE), which enables printers to add multiple, highly tactile layers to their designs.
“We are incredibly excited about our new PDF Print Engine software and ongoing collaboration with Adobe,” said Eli Grinberg, CEO of Scodix. “Our RIP update isn’t just about speed; it’s about providing our customers with the most robust, reliable, and future-proof digital enhancement solution on the market. The integration of Adobe’s cutting-edge PDF Print Engine technology underscores our dedication to delivering industry-leading performance and exceptional print quality. Although PDF Print Engine is a powerful addition to the Scodix solution, integration was straightforward and fast, enabling rapid roll-out to customers.”
“Scodix pioneered digital embellishment technologies that enhance a wide variety of print vehicles with attention-getting effects, both visual and tactile,” said Mike Scrutton, Director of Print Technologies and Strategy at Adobe. “Scodix embellishment increases engagement levels with the intended audience and amplifies margins for commercial printers.”
Scodix is distributed in India by Monotech Systems and Insight Communications.
MGI (France, a Konica Minolta Company)
MGI Digital Technology offers a complete range of 100% digital solutions for printing and finishing. Their equipment embellishes their printed material with hot foil and UV selective varnish. MGI’s JETvarnish 3D and iFoil systems are among the most recognized in the market for creating raised spot UV, textures, and hot foiling—digitally and seamlessly.
AlphaJET is a single pass for printing, varnishing and gilding in B1+ (72x110cm) or B2 (52x74cm).This 5.0 printing solution integrates one pass: offers full color printing aqueous inkjet 1600 dpi, UV selective varnish 100% digital, flat or embossed, protective varnish OPV and hot foiling 100% digital flat or embossed. Developed with eco-responsibility in mind, it uses de-inkable inks and varnishes on certain substrates, and uses recyclable hot foil stamping!
The JETvarnish 3D Web 400 is the latest generation of reel-to-reel digital finishing presses from MGI Digital Technology. It enables single-pass UV selective varnishing and hot foil stamping, using a 100% digital process, on open or closed substrates, and for offset, flexo, toner or inkjet printing. Dedicated to the self-adhesive label and flexible cardboard markets, the JETvarnish 3D Web 400 is the best response to brands’ need for ever greater reactivity, quality and high added value. It enables converters and printers to reduce their customers’ Time to Market, while transforming the impact of their labels and packaging on the shelf, in full compliance with their environmental strategies.
The JETvarnish 3D Evo is designed for offset and digital printers who want a digital finishing solution for demanding production environments. It allows 2D/3D UV selective varnishing, embossing up to 200 µm and 100% digital gilding.It is mainly used to ennoble book covers, invitation and business cards, brochures, packaging, leaflets and wrappers.
The JETvarnish 3D Web allows printers of labels, sleeves, flexible packaging or flexible cartons to apply a 100% digital finishing on rolls ranging from 100mm width to 420mm, on media previously printed in offset, flexo, digital, etc.This equipment applies selective UV varnish and hot foil stamping, in 2D/3D, on all types of labels or light cardboard, using MGI inkjet technology.
The JETvarnish 3D Onewhich is marketed by Konica Minolta under the name AccurioShine 3600 is the ideal solution for any printer wishing to start digital embellishment. With its small footprint, it allows you to have an in-house UV digital coater, capable of high value-added production, from prototyping to mass production, without screens, chemical solvents, plates or tooling. It uses only one type of coating to produce 2D or 3D tactile coatings, in fixed or variable data. Its automatic cleaning system of the inkjet heads allows to optimize its uptime with ease.
In India, Konica Minolta and Insight Print Communications jointly drive MGI installations, helping print houses elevate their offerings for luxury brands and premium print buyers.
Duplo International (UK)
Duplo’s DDC-8000 and DDC-810 provide scalable, dynamic solutions that make adding value through embellishment an ideal solution for PSPs. Whether it’s highlighting logos, mimicking textures like leather or water, or adding a luxurious raised contrast, Duplo DuSense delivers eye-catching results that elevate brands and boost engagement. With the strong features that Duplo is known for, such as automation, ease of use, and flexibility, Duplo leads the way in dynamic print finishing.
DuSense Sensory Coater handles sheets up to 14.33″ × 29.13″ (approx. 364 × 740 mm), upto 450 gsm substrate, with the capability of coating (or varnish) thickness: ~ 20–80 microns in defined spot areas. DuSense DDC-8000 (B2 spot UV coater) supports large sheets up to 585 × 1,068 mm and up to 600 gsm. It integrates cold foil in-line (holographic, metallic foils) without needing a separate lamination step. DuSense DDC-810 PRO can apply raised spot UV textures, gloss, etc.
More recently, Duplo has acquired Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM), a leading UK-based manufacturer of high-performance finishing equipment for the labels and packaging industry.This strategic move marks Duplo’s entry into the fast-growing labels sector, further expanding its global capabilities across adjacent print markets. Importantly, Duplo and BGM will continue to operate as separate, independent businesses. Duplo remains fully committed to its core focus: delivering world-class digital print finishing solutions for the office and graphic arts sectors.
TechNova Imaging Systems is the distributor for Duplo in India.
Heidelberg (Germany)
At the high end of the packaging spectrum, Heidelberg continues to deliver precision embellishment solutions—be it foil stamping, embossing, or advanced inline coatings. Their technology remains the backbone of luxury packaging, labels, and folding cartons. With an output of 7,700 sheets per hour and short set-up times, the Easymatrix 106 C/CS die-cutting system and embossing system from Heidelberg stands for productivity and cost-effectiveness up to the 106 format. It processes materials from 90 to 2,000 g/m². Even corrugated board up to 4 mm thickness can be processed. While, the Promatrix 106 CS die-cutting and embossing system captivates with precision in folding carton production. With an output of 8,000 sheets per hour and short set-up times, it stands for productivity and cost-effectiveness up to the 106 format. It processes materials from 90 to 2,000 gsm. Even corrugated board up to 4 mm thickness can be processed.
Professional die-cutting and embossing with blanking machine Promatrix 106 CSB is fully equipped to consistently perform in demanding folding box production plants. It is particularly suited for companies looking to reduce their manufacturing costs and shorten production time by eliminating manual operations — as well as for established packaging printers already producing on an industrial scale who need to increase capacity or replace obsolete equipment.
The Mastermatrix 106 CSB die-cutting and embossing machine redefines performance: With a top speed of up to 9,000 sheets per hour, reduced makeready times, and full integration into the Prinect Workflow, it is the ideal choice for folding carton manufacturers with the highest demands. From the efficient production of everyday packagings to postpress for unusual carton designs – this sheetfed die-cutter delivers precision and efficiency on every job – this sheetfed die-cutter delivers precision and efficiency on every job.
Bobst (Switzerland)
The company offers high-end embellishment lines for packaging, labels, foil stamping, embossing, which include Bobst Masterfoil and NOVAfoil. Bobst Masterfoil sets completely newstandards for the precision and quality of hot foil application, and also offers unparalleled ease of use and superb levels of productivity. Alongside its host of completely new innovations, the MASTERFOIL also benefits from some of the advances recently developed for other BOBST presses. These include Power Autoplaten Register II, which here gives perfect foil-to-print register, and the Smart Feeder which ensures the ultra-consistent feeding of virtually any material.
Equipped with up to 10 dedicated modules, the NOVAFOIL 106 Hologram version has been designed flexible and highly efficient hologram applications. Even complex designs can be applied in one single pass and with extreme precision to prevent forgeries, protecting brands and customers alike.
Kurz (Germany)
KURZ develops and manufactures decorative and functional coatings that are applied to carrier foils and employed for a wide variety of products: for automotive components, cell phones, TVs, washing machines, furniture, packaging, books, textiles, bottle labels, bank cards and lots more. KURZ coatings decorate products, enhance brands, label goods, protect surfaces and prevent counterfeiting. Moreover, KURZ inserts optical elements with digital functions, linking the visual to the virtual world.
Their DM-JETLINER inline enhancement module lets you refine your packaging and personalize your jobbing work to fit the customer‘s specifications. There‘s no need to compromise on flexibility even as you offer attractive decorative options using metal foils. DM-JETLINER can transfer the desired metallization onto paper or a broad range of label materials as part of the digital printing process, while also harnessing the full benefits of their economical digital all- in-one approach. It blends machine, appropriate transfer foil solutions and ink together into efficient and brilliant real metal enhancements. DIGITAL METAL gives the option of creating digitally printed products and packaging with real metal effects. Customized transfer systems for brilliant, high-gloss finishing give your products that special eye-catching gleam at the Point of Sale.
HP Indigo (USA)
HP Indigo presses integrate with multiple embellishment partners like Scodix, Kurz, Tresu, and ABG, offering a complete digital ecosystem. Their Indigo 7K, 100K, and 12000 HD presses enable printers to move from print to embellished output with variable data and brand personalization capabilities—a key advantage in today’s on-demand market.
Indian players making it accessible
India’s homegrown engineering sector has made embellishment technology more attainable for regional printers and converters.
Autoprint (Coimbatore) offers affordable offline UV coaters, spot UV, and thermal lamination systems.Autoprint Mini UV Coater is a compact device designed for applying a UV coating to printed materials. UV coating is a finishing technique that involves applying a clear liquid coating to a surface and then curing it with ultraviolet light.
While, the Autoprint Fine Coat 80 Drip Off is an offline 2-tower automatic UV coating and aqueous coating machine, featuring Drip Off UV coating technology. The Drip Off UV coating machine is particularly notable for its precision and versatility in handling various coating applications.
The Dextra Series can handle Die Cutting, Creasing, Embossing, Perforation, and Half-Cut on various substrates such as Maplitho, Sticker-Sheet, Art Board, and Duplex Board up to 600 gsm, depending on the model. Autoprint’s die punching machines and automatic die punching machines offer ideal solutions for industries such as Pharma, Health Care, and FMCG. These automatic die punching machines are particularly efficient for replacing manual die-cutting machines.The AutoprintDextra 67 die punching machine stands out as a versatile model that performs die punching, die cutting, creasing, embossing, braille, sticker half-cut, and envelope operations.
UV Graphic Technologies (Faridabad) offers ot foil stamping used in the printing and packaging industry to create stunning, high-quality designs by applying metallic or pigmented foils to a variety of surfaces. This process, known as foil stamping or foil printing, involves the application of heat and pressure to transfer the foil onto the substrate, resulting in eye-catching decorative finishes. Common substrates include paper, cardboard, leather, and plastics. Widely used in industries like publishing, cosmetics, and packaging, hot foil stamping adds a touch of elegance and professionalism to products.
APL Machinery (Faridabad) specialize in UV curing, flexo embellishments, and coating units, serving the fast-growing label and packaging segments.The company offers APL-UV 2030 fully automatic UV coating & curing machine for spot and full. It can do full and spot U.V. varnish on thick & thin paper at the speed of 6000 or 10,000 sheets per hour.Conventional varnish or water-based varnish can also be run on this machine.
APL-UV 2030 fully automatic LED UV coating & curing machine (spot & full) for gripper model is capable of Full & Spot coating with UV dryer and IR dryer with hot air for UV and Aqueous curing, respectively, comes with the following features: Precise registration at high speed using precision adjustable side and micro adjustable front lay.
Vinsak (Gurugram) partners with ABG and Lombardi to offer advanced label finishing and foiling systems tailored for narrow-web converters.Lombardi Toro is the in-line flat bed foil embossing and hologram in-setting system. The ideal solutions for labels, wine, spirits, security and much more. Its turnable head allows the processing of several foils in a single pass. High stroke frequency.
It’s the most Innovative hot Stamping unit in line Able to reach High speeds.Equipped with foil saver for saving foil consumption, it is also the ideal solution for creasing and quality label embossing.
While, the ABG Omega B5010 is a modular system which can process up to 36,000 booklet labels per hour. Equipped with a booklet label feeding system, it can handle booklets ranging in length from 30mm to 80mm, and in width from 280mm to 320mm, and switches effortlessly between them. Booklets can contain up to 56 sheets – 112 pages – and be secured by hot or cold glue as well as by lamination, depending on your need. Designed for web widths of 330mm or 430mm, the Omega B5010’s modular design allows for rotary or flat bed die cutting, together with options for printing, lamination, inspection or flagging. Everything is monitored and controlled by a sliding touch screen console.
Monotech Systems Ltd. (Chennai) offers Scodix Ultra andJetsci digital embellishment solutions. The JETSCI Global Digital Embellishment Presses redefines the standards of efficiency, quality, and versatility in label embellishment. Engineered to meet the evolving demands of the modern label industry and brands alike, this press is a game-changer in the world of printing and converting. The company also offers PixelGlowVertex, India’s 1st B2 size fully-automatic Digital UV and Foiling System. Designed to revolutionize the printing industry, the PixelGlow Vertex combines cutting-edge technology with precision engineering, offering seamless integration of UV coating and foiling capabilities in a single, efficient system. Perfect for a variety of applications, from high-end packaging to premium marketing materials, the PixelGlow Vertex delivers exceptional quality, vibrant finishes, and unmatched reliability—setting a new benchmark in digital embellishment solutions.
NBG Printographic Machinery (Faridabad) offers Cold foil, emboss, flexo add-on machines while Printools Corporation (Mumbai) offers manual and semi-automatic hot foil stamping machines.
The India advantage: integration and innovation
Distributors like Insight Print Communications, Monotech Systems, TechNova Imaging Systems, and Vinsak are ensuring that digital embellishment solutions are within reach for Indian printers—from metros to tier-two cities. Their partnerships with global leaders like Scodix, MGI, and Duplo are creating new opportunities for short-run, high-value print work that was once uneconomical through analog means.
A future defined by touch and technology
As brands compete for consumer attention in a digital world, embellishment is becoming a bridge between physical and emotional engagement. It gives print an edge that screens can’t replicate thorugh texture, reflection, and tactility. Whether through raised UV, holographic foils, or variable data effects, digital embellishment is redefining how print communicates.The next era of print will not just be seen—it will be felt.