Following 'a strong response' to a recent study by the Flemish Innovation Centre for Graphic Communication (VIGC) which found that total area coverage (TAC) of as low as 220 percent is sufficient, the organisation has introduced Max TAC ICC profiles and a Max TAC Evaluation Kit to help businesses reduce TAC.

VIGC states that TAC of 260 to 220 percent can be achieved if the conversion is carried out using the correct profiles, and has launched the Max TAC ICC profiles for this reason.

"Our test clearly showed that a lower TAC can deliver more than adequate results and enable print service providers to make huge cost savings on inks," says Eddy Hagen, VIGC director.

"However, the conversion to lower TAC must be done using the appropriate ICC profiles. This is why we have invested time in optimising the ICC profiles during tests.

"We believe strongly in helping graphic art companies operate more cost-effectively, and will be distributing the VIGC Max TAC ICC profiles free of charge in four different maximum TAC values, and in ICC version 2 and 4 profiles. This will allow print companies to choose the option that best suits their needs."