Trainee project 2025: ‘Black Paw’ – A label for animal welfare
- Category #teamkd, Training & Career, Materials, Finishing options
The 2025 trainee project at Krämer Druck was not only a creative challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen team spirit and allow trainees to look beyond their usual activities into other departments and areas of responsibility. The trainees had the freedom to design their own label, working completely independently not only on the design, but also on the concept and execution.
Why this project?
Such a project not only promotes the practical skills of the trainees, but also encourages cooperation between the various apprenticeship professions. They had to think outside the box, try out other activities and work together towards a common goal. This strengthens their understanding of other apprenticeship professions and, at the same time, promotes team spirit.
Another important aspect was that, after completing their first project, the trainees quickly had a clear goal in mind: they didn't just want to design a label, they also wanted to link it to a good cause. This gave rise to the idea of selling the non-alcoholic sparkling wine and donating the proceeds to charity. They chose to support animal welfare in the region.
The result: ‘Black Paw’
They decided on an alcohol-free sparkling wine from Dr. Loosen as the basis, in a strictly limited edition of only 150 bottles. The label bears the name ‘Black Paw’, which alludes to the black animals that are often particularly difficult to find homes for and tend to stay at the shelter longer. At the same time, the name pays homage to the ‘black artists’, the journeymen and women of the printing trade and related professions, such as media designers, which our trainees will soon become.
The label design is impressive: unique and modern. In graffiti style, a wall featuring various animals chosen by the trainees can be seen – each animal has been finished with relief varnish to make it stand out. The lettering ‘Black Paw’ is highlighted by multi-level 3D hot foil relief embossing, with additional paw details that give the design a special depth. Behind the lettering, a large paw is visible as a debossing. Another special feature is the unique die-cut shape of the label, which, together with the wall joints in opaque white, gives the label an additional tactile and visual dimension.
Wrap-up: A project with heart and creativity
We think the result is very successful and shows what our trainees are capable of. Not only have they demonstrated their skills in label design, they have also made a statement in support of animal welfare. The bottles of ‘Black Paw’ sparkling wine are now being sold within the company, with the proceeds going to the local animal welfare association ‘Förderverein Eifeltierheim’.
We are proud of the result and the excellent cooperation of our trainees, and look forward to many more projects of this kind that promote not only professional but also social responsibility.
‘I particularly liked the fact that we were given free hand and could plan all stages of the project ourselves. That worked really well within the group and we are extremely proud of the result.’
3D relief hot foil stamping with paw details & debossing
The lettering ‘BLACK PAW’ was finished with a multi-stage 3D hot foil stamping process. The special feature of this embossing is the small paws in the letters. For the foil, the trainees opted for a metallic shimmering hologram foil from KURZ . At this point, we would like to thank KURZ for providing the film for this special project.
Another real eye-catcher: the large paw behind the lettering was embossed into the paper using a debossing technique.
3D relief varnish and opaque white
Opaque white was applied behind the wall joints using a screen printing process. The animals were also finished with transparent 3D relief varnish. Each of the animals represents one of the participating trainees. The initials are displayed next to each animal. Thanks to Siebdruckbedarf Schmitz for the free glitter varnish, which was originally intended for finishing the animals.
The shape of the label echoes the wall. Small hot foil details in dark blue in the wall joints provide another eye-catching feature.
Hot foil flat and laser die cutting
In a second step, a third hot foil was applied. Here, holes were cut using a laser: KD 2025.
What steps were necessary to produce the label?
- Conceptual phase: In this initial phase, it was important for the trainees to clarify the objectives of the project. Initial sketches were made, ideas were exchanged, and a clear vision was developed of what the label should look like. The concept was to not only address the animal shelter theme, but also reflect the trainees' craftsmanship and creativity.
- Design phase: In this phase, the trainees turned their ideas into concrete designs. Various animals were selected, followed by voting and feedback rounds in which the trainees ensured that all details – from the paws in the design to the lettering – were perfectly coordinated.
- Preparing data in prepress: Once the design had been finalised, all the data had to be prepared for printing. Experienced colleagues assisted our future media designers in this step, as precise preparations are essential for a successful end product.
- Ordering and manufacturing tools: Customised tools were ordered during this phase for the finishing and special die-cutting of the label. These included screen printing and embossing tools, which were necessary for the opaque white, relief varnish and hot foil embossing. In addition, suitable dies had to be manufactured for the special shape of the label. During this phase, the trainees also gained an insight into screen production in our work preparation department.
- Printing production: The labels were finally produced during the printing phase. All of the prepared data and tools were used here. The trainees were able to watch live as their designs were turned into reality – from printing to the finely tuned finishing steps with opaque white, relief varnish and hot foil.
- Applying labels: Due to the small print run, our trainees applied the labels by hand. The size of the label meant that real dexterity was required!
- Selling wine for a good cause: The strictly limited bottles of ‘Black Paw’ sparkling wine are now being sold within the company. The proceeds go to animal welfare. We will report further on this!
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