ICQC introduces new Cuboid and updated contest rules
By Aultrin Vijay and Prabhu Natrajan
The International Color Quality Club (ICQC) 2026–2028, organised by the World Printers Forum, introduces changes to the contest format. The competition is open to publishers and printers worldwide and continues its focus on print quality, standardisation, and performance.
A key update is the redesigned Cuboid test patch. The new layout uses a geometric structure with defined measurement fields. The aim is to support consistent measurement and alignment with current print requirements.
Before finalising the design, WAN-IFRA shared early versions with publishers and printers to gather input. Based on this feedback, the layout and measurement areas were revised. The final version reflects inputs from users who apply the patch in production.
The updated Cuboid has three rows instead of four. The overall size remains similar, but the square patches are larger. The second row runs continuously, which reduces the need to reposition measurement devices. This supports faster and more consistent measurement.
Changes in the Cuboid layout
- Three rows instead of four
- Larger square patches for measurement
- Continuous middle row for easier scanning
- Measurement fields suitable for spectrophotometer apertures of 3 mm and above
These changes aim to simplify measurement and reduce handling during press checks.
Updates to contest evaluation
General print quality metrics have been revised. Registration has been removed from scoring, as current press systems can maintain consistent registration. The focus shifts to other parameters that affect print output.
Participation updates
- There is no minimum grammage for the Newsprint category
- European samples can be sent to the Frankfurt address for this edition
These updates aim to simplify participation and logistics for printers.
Printer testimonials
“We join ICQC because we believe it helps align our printing” – Paul Huybrechts, Mediahuis
“We will be taking part in ICQC again this year” – Jost Kampmann, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH
About ICQC
ICQC has been held every two years since 1994. It continues to support the use of ISO and WAN-IFRA standards in print production and provides a framework for measuring and comparing print quality.
More details are available at the ICQC website.
