Wan-Ifra‘s International Color Quality Club (ICQC) announced 39 new members for 2024-2026, recognizing their exceptional and consistent color printing quality. This membership highlights the achievements of publications that have adhered to international printing standards over an extended period.
Since 1994, Wan-Ifra hosts a bi-annual print quality competition, allowing newspapers worldwide to demonstrate their colour printing excellence. The 26th edition of the ICQC, held from April to May 2024 by the World Printers Forum (WPF), included rigorous evaluations based on objective measurements using the Wan-Ifra ‘Cuboid’ print test element.
“The International Color Quality Club serves as a crucial benchmark for publications, especially those outsourcing their printing. It underscores their commitment to delivering high-quality products,” said Ingi Rafn Olafsson, director of the World Printers Forum.
Winners of the International Color Quality Club 2024-2026
Candidates for the International Color Quality Club have been assessed based on a General Print Quality (GPQ) evaluation focusing on submissions’ visual quality. Five expert jurors, consisting of industry professionals and technical experts, evaluated each entry for visual defects. This evaluation ensured that submissions met the highest standards of visual excellence, offering valuable feedback and setting international benchmarks for the industry.
Wan-Ifra acknowledges the significant efforts involved in achieving consistent print quality. This edition of the ICQC celebrates 39 new titles that have earned membership. For a complete list of ICQC 2024-2026 members, visit ICQC 2026 Members.
Prabhu Natrajan, ICQC project manager, stated, “The percentage of qualifying members is increasing year over year, alongside more stringent norms.”
ICQC members, Star and Millennium Clubs laureates will be celebrated in Vienna and Hyderabad.
The prestigious Star Club and Millennium Clubs recognize its members’ continued dedication and achievement in maintaining top-tier print quality. This year’s ICQC highlights notable additions to both Clubs, celebrating long-term excellence in print quality.
ABP, with its publication The Telegraph from Kolkata, India, joins the Millennium Club. This group acknowledges publications with 10 or more stars for color quality membership or ISO 12647-3 certification.
Expanding its roster, the Star Club welcomes three new Indian members – Bennett Coleman with The Times of India from Pune; Sakal Media with Sakal from Pune; The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing with Mathrubhumi Daily from Kochi.
New ICQC members will be honored at the World Printers Summit 2024 on 8 October 2024 in Vienna, Austria. New members will receive their certificates, and Star Club and Millennium Club members will be celebrated at the event. Additionally, companies from South and East Asia will receive their certificates at the Wan-Ifra India annual conference, the Indian Printers Summit 2024, on 23 September 2024 in Hyderabad, India.
