By Darrel, Quadient – Guest writer to the Duplo Blog
In 2024, Quadient launched a white paper to spark real conversations in the market about the importance and accessibility of embellishment. Below, Darrel shares with us insights from the white paper, diving into why finishes like Spot UV, foiling, and embossing aren’t just visually engaging—they’re powerful business tools. (You can access the white paper here: https://smartmail.quadient.com/LP=3255?elqTrackId=268E7AF6B323345CCEAEA46440FB1B75#gotoform).
About Embellishment: Why it matters
Embellishment goes beyond simple decoration. Enhancements like Spot UV, foiling, and embossing have become critical tools in a printer’s arsenal — enhancing customer engagement, boosting perceived value, and setting brands apart in crowded markets.
From our work in the Irish market, we’ve seen that printers who offer tactile, standout print are the ones gaining new clients and building long-term loyalty. The data backs this up: 79% of European printers who prioritise embellishment say they do so for customer acquisition, and 45% for improved profit margins.
These aren’t just aesthetic flourishes—they’re strategic tools that add value to every page.
Spot UV: A Simple Innovation with Major Impact
Among the many embellishment options available, Spot UV stands out for its accessibility and impact. This clear, glossy coating applied to select areas creates contrast, visual interest, and—most importantly—a tactile experience.
Offering Spot UV can help a printer instantly differentiate from the crowd. As Joe O’Callaghan from the Design, Print and Packaging Skillnet put it, print is how you cut through today’s digital noise. Spot UV delivers that cut-through with elegance and ease.
Why Tactile Matters: The Psychology of Embellishment
There’s a powerful, human response to texture and gloss. Embossing and Spot UV provide a multisensory experience that doesn’t just attract attention—it improves memory retention.
According to studies we reviewed, 46% of consumers perceive embellished packaging as higher quality, and 52% are drawn to unusual or eye-catching designs.
It’s not just visual—it’s emotional. We’re wired to notice texture. Glossy surfaces, for instance, echo the reflective qualities of water—something our brains associate with value and survival. This psychological reaction makes embellished print more memorable, more desirable, and more effective.
Embellishment in the Irish Print Landscape
Ireland has a long and proud tradition of print embellishment—from ancient, illuminated manuscripts to modern luxury print. In our white paper, we referenced the Book of Kells as a symbol of how print can transcend utility and become art.
Today, that legacy continues in new ways. One standout example is Anglo Printers’ award-winning sleeve for Róisín Murphy’s vinyl album, combining metallic boards, foils, and layered design. The result? ‘Irish Printer of the Year’—and new international business. It’s a perfect case study for how finishing elevates both product and perception.
Navigating the Challenges: Cost & Skills
It’s true—some printers still hesitate when it comes to embellishment. Cost, complexity, or perceived skill barriers can hold businesses back. But modern digital systems are changing that.
With compact footprints, intuitive controls, and minimal setup, machines like the Duplo DuSense make it possible for small to mid-sized operations to offer premium finishing without requiring specialist staff or major investment. It’s about bringing creativity and commercial impact within reach.
And Lastly…
Finishing is no longer an afterthought—it’s where value is created and margins are made. For today’s printers, embellishment is a gateway to premium service, deeper customer relationships, and a more differentiated brand.
Whether it’s Spot UV or a fully integrated finishing line, the key is making your print feel as good as it looks. And with solutions designed for simplicity, achieving standout results has never been more achievable.
(You can access the white paper here: https://smartmail.quadient.com/LP=3255?elqTrackId=268E7AF6B323345CCEAEA46440FB1B75#gotoform).
