Case Study
Kammann required a digital decoration process capable of delivering premium, high-impact customisation on glass bottles at scale. Using its K15 decorative print machine powered by Xaar printhead technology and Marabu high-viscosity UV inks, Kammann produced 5,000 uniquely printed Johnnie Walker whisky bottles for Diageo. The project demonstrated how digital inkjet can enable luxury personalisation, vibrant tactile finishes and efficient small-batch production for premium packaging.
The client profile
Koenig & Bauer Kammann specialises in decorative printing machines for glass, plastic and metal containers. The company has partnered with Xaar for more than a decade, using its inkjet technology to drive innovation across high-quality container decoration systems.
The project
The Johnnie Walker project required every bottle to be individually designed while maintaining the premium quality expected from a luxury drinks brand. The limited-edition collection featured 50 original artworks by pop artist Andy Gellenberg, enhanced using generative AI to create a one-of-a-kind visual identity.
Kammann needed to digitally decorate all four sides of each glass bottle with a 180 mm high image in just three passes, balancing visual impact, production efficiency and reliable inkjet performance.
The solution
Xaar’s High Laydown and Ultra High Viscosity Technology enabled Marabu’s high-viscosity UV inks to be jetted reliably at high temperatures. The technology supports fluids up to 1000 centipoise at ambient temperature, approximately 100 cP at jetting temperature.
This capability allowed smooth application, strong pigment load and a luxurious high-impact finish. The collaboration between Kammann, Xaar and Marabu combined machine expertise, printhead capability and ink development to create vibrant, tactile designs at scale.
The implementation
Kammann’s K15 decorative print machine was used to print directly onto all four sides of each bottle in three passes. The process delivered the quality and efficiency needed for an exclusive limited-edition production run of 5,000 unique bottles.
The project won the Supreme category at the Digital Labels and Packaging Awards, highlighting the creative and commercial potential of digital print in premium packaging.
The impact
Outcome 1
Produced 5,000 uniquely printed Johnnie Walker bottles with premium, tactile decoration
Outcome 2
Enabled vibrant high-impact finishes using Marabu high-viscosity UV inks
Outcome 3
Supported more sustainable production by reducing material use and energy required for curing
“We’re delighted that our printhead technology played such a key role in bringing this impressive collection to life. This project shows the creative and commercial potential of digital print, and the result is a powerful demonstration of how brands can harness customisation to elevate consumer experience.”
Justin Noble
Justin Noble, Director of Product and Applications, Xaar
Technical highlights
Key capabilities
Ultra High Viscosity Technology
High Laydown Technology
Reliable jetting of high-viscosity UV inks
Compatibility points
Direct-to-glass bottle decoration
Premium container customisation
Short-run, high-variation digital production
Deployment notes
Used on Kammann’s K15 decorative print machine to produce 5,000 limited-edition Johnnie Walker bottles for Diageo.
The future
As consumer expectations around personalisation continue to grow, digital inkjet provides the quality, speed and flexibility brands need to create high-value limited editions and customised packaging.
Speak to Xaar about high-viscosity inkjet for premium container decoration and packaging customisation.