How KURZ, ISIMAT and KURZ SCRIBOS bring individualized packaging to life
Digital printing makes every tube unique
At the heart of the kyoto garden concept is digital printing on tubes. ISIMAT’s technology enables digital printing and finishing directly on cylindrical packaging such as tubes, bottles and cans, making it possible to vary the artwork from one tube to the next. In addition, ISIMAT offers the possibility to apply or realize all technologies in a single machine pass.
For the project, this capability was used to create a collection of individually designed hand cream tubes. Photos of real people were used as the basis for anime-inspired characters created automatically through an AI-supported workflow. Their clothing, accessories and sticker-style graphics reflected their personal style, favorite hobbies and interests. This made each character distinct while keeping the collection visually connected. A dedicated character design workflow was developed to keep the characters and accessories consistent.
These individual designs were then printed directly onto the tubes using ISIMAT’s digital printing technology. Each tube therefore features an individual character design, with the artwork varying from one product to the next while remaining part of the kyoto garden collection. ISIMAT’s digital printing technology makes this level of product-by-product variation possible directly on the tube.
Premium embellishment adds a distinctive finish
Once the individual designs were established, KURZ added premium embellishment. Selected areas were embellished with silver transfer product, highlighting details in the characters and graphics. The metallic effects create contrast with the digital print and add shine, depth and visual impact. This is particularly relevant at the point of purchase, as consumer studies indicate that embellished packaging can increase purchase intent.
Every tube has its own digital identity
The individual product identity continues into the digital layer. Each tube carries a serialized UniQR® code on the reverse, with a unique ID assigned to that product. This unique digital identity enables KURZ SCRIBOS to protect the product against counterfeiting and verify its authenticity. If the same ID is scanned from different locations in a way that indicates duplication, the anomaly can be detected and the ID blacklisted. Consumers can check whether a product is genuine simply by scanning the code, without an app.
From brand protection to consumer interaction
The same scan can also become a gateway to further digital interaction with the consumer. Once the product has been verified, GET MORE INFO can connect consumers to a broader digital experience, including the product data sheet, ingredients, usage instructions, sustainability and recycling information, the brand website, social media, web shop, shop finder, bonus points and competitions.
The physical tube thus becomes a digital touchpoint that combines brand protection with direct consumer interaction.
Sustainability is part of the concept
Sustainability has already been integrated into the tube design. The tube is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. In addition, the tube wall thickness has been reduced from 500 µm to 350 µm, resulting in a 30% reduction in material usage. Furthermore, the mono-material design—with both the tube and cap made from the same material—ensures easy recyclability, as the components do not need to be separated before recycling.
Three companies, one shared concept
KURZ, ISIMAT and KURZ SCRIBOS each contribute a distinct capability to the concept: ISIMAT brings digital printing, KURZ contributes design and embellishment, and the KURZ SCRIBOS brand adds brand protection and digital interaction.
By combining these capabilities, the three companies demonstrate how packaging can move beyond a standardized product format. Digital printing enables individual designs, embellishment adds a premium physical finish, and the digital identity connects each product to authentication and consumer interaction.
Add Interested in creating your own individualized product range?
Discover how KURZ, ISIMAT and KURZ SCRIBOS can help bring your packaging concept to life: hello@kurz-scribos.com
