Gallus Unveils MatteJet: A Game-Changing Matte Finishing Technology for Premium Digital Labels
On March 25, 2025 St. Gallen, Switzerland – Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), has officially launched Gallus MatteJet, a groundbreaking matte finishing technology designed to revolutionize digital label printing. The new technology, now available globally, enables converters to produce high-end, matte-finished digital labels inline at the touch of a button—a development expected to accelerate digital adoption in the booming premium wine and spirits label segment.
First introduced as a research innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2024, Gallus MatteJet quickly gained traction, prompting the company to fast-track its commercial availability. The technology eliminates the need for traditional gloss varnishes, a long-standing barrier to digital label adoption, making it a game-changer for brands seeking a premium matte look.
With the global wine label market valued at over $3.5 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $5.8 billion by 2033, the introduction of MatteJet presents a lucrative opportunity for converters to tap into high-value markets.
A Breakthrough in Digital Label Printing
Traditionally, achieving a matte finish on digital labels required additional flexo units or post-processing varnish applications—adding complexity, cost, and production time. Gallus MatteJet eliminates these steps, providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative while maintaining the natural texture of the substrate.
"Until now, the inability to produce a high-quality matte finish inline has held back the growth of digital labels in premium markets," says Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group. "With MatteJet, we are bridging that gap—offering converters an accessible and profitable way to meet the growing demand for premium digital labels."
By reducing production steps, MatteJet not only enhances efficiency but also eliminates the need for varnish-related tooling and cleaning, further streamlining the label-making process.
Seamless Integration & Future-Proof Flexibility
Designed to integrate effortlessly with the Gallus One digital label press, MatteJet is available for both 340mm and the newly expanded 430mm web width configurations. This enhancement aligns with Gallus' ‘System to Compose’ concept, which provides modular technology solutions that enable converters to adapt flexibly to market demands.
The launch also supports the industry's transition toward ‘smart, connected printing’, reinforcing Gallus and HEIDELBERG’s commitment to driving technological innovation in the packaging and label industry.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Developed at the Gallus Experience Center, an industry hub dedicated to collaborative innovation and training, MatteJet is the result of extensive research and industry partnerships. One of Gallus’ longest-standing partners, GEW, played a key role in the development of this cutting-edge technology.
"The response from our customers has been incredible," says Urbinati. "MatteJet is the perfect example of how innovation, expertise, and collaboration can solve real-world industry challenges. We are excited to see the impact it will have on the market."
HEIDELBERG’s Vision for the Future of Printing
The launch of Gallus MatteJet underscores HEIDELBERG’s position as a total solution provider for modern printing. Offering a full spectrum of technologies—from toner and inkjet to offset and flexo printing—all controlled through a common Prinect workflow, HEIDELBERG continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the label and packaging industry.
With Gallus MatteJet now available worldwide, the company is paving the way for a new era of premium digital labels, helping converters unlock new revenue streams and redefine the possibilities of digital printing.