Scodix MLE enables embellishment directly onto uncoated paper. Printers and brands can now add foils, textures, and tactile effects to premium stocks.
For years, printers and brands have faced the same frustrating limitation: digital embellishments don’t play well with uncoated paper. Foils lose their shine, tactile UV based effects sink into the fibers, and the beautiful natural look of uncoated stocks has always meant sacrificing special finishes.
Not anymore. With the unique innovative Scodix MLE (Multi-Layer Enhancement) technology, that barrier is gone. Printers can now offer their customers the creative impact of digital embellishment on uncoated paper – without compromise.
Why Scodix Uncoated Matters
Uncoated papers in premium brands
Uncoated papers are popular with premium brands because of their natural feel, sustainable image, and timeless aesthetic. Until now, adding digital enhancements to these papers was impossible due to the nature of the process, often producing dull or inconsistent results.
How Scodix MLE creates new opportunities
Scodix MLE changes the game. Printers can now say “yes” to designers and brands who want both the authenticity of uncoated stocks and the visual punch of embellishments. This means:
- Greater design freedom for agencies and brands.
- Printers across Europe, North America, and Asia can open new revenue opportunities with uncoated paper enhancements.
- More impactful packaging, publishing, and general commercial print applications.
How Scodix MLE Works on Uncoated Paper
Base layer application
MLE applies a digital base layer only where enhancements are needed. This prepares the surface of the uncoated paper without changing its natural appearance elsewhere.
Building the enhancement
Once the base is in place, additional Scodix polymer layers are added for depth, texture, and tactile definition.
Applying Scodix effects
With the surface prepared, Scodix Foil™, Scodix Sense™, Scodix VDE, and other digital embellishments transfer cleanly and precisely – delivering sharp edges, brilliant shine, and strong tactile results.
One-pass digital workflow
Everything happens in a single digital pass, with no plates, dies, or offline primers required.
The result: uncoated paper that keeps its natural look and feel, now enhanced with foils, textures, and tactile effects that elevate luxury packaging and premium print.
Proven at drupa, Hunkeler, and in Global Print Markets
Launch at drupa 2024
The first glimpse of this breakthrough came at drupa 2024, when Scodix unveiled the Ultra 2500 SHD and Ultra 6500 SHD presses with Scodix MLE technology. The reaction was immediate – printers and brands could finally see uncoated papers embellished reliably and beautifully.
Adoption in worldwide production environments
Today, Scodix presses with MLE are already running in production sites across multiple regions, bringing digital embellishment on uncoated papers to markets worldwide. Every week, more printers and brands are discovering the creative freedom this technology brings — transforming how uncoated papers are used in packaging, publishing, and general commercial print applications.
Partnerships Expanding Possibilities
Collaborations with Winter & Company, Gmund, and Fedrigoni
Scodix is proud to be partnering with industry paper manufacturing leaders including Winter & Company, Gmund, and Fedrigoni. These collaborations go beyond paper supply — they represent a proven validation of Scodix MLE on premium uncoated substrates.
Proven results on premium uncoated substrates
Together with these partners, Scodix has tested and demonstrated embellishment on their uncoated materials, ensuring consistent, high-quality results. From Winter & Company’s luxury coverings, to Gmund’s iconic uncoated and sustainable papers, and Fedrigoni’s world-renowned creative collections – Scodix technology has been field-proven across some of the most prestigious substrates in the industry.
This combination of trusted global brands and breakthrough Scodix technology empowers printers and brands to confidently design on uncoated papers, knowing the results have already been validated.
Why Scodix MLE Matters for Printers and Brands Worldwide
Benefits for printers
Scodix MLE isn’t just another enhancement option — it’s a redefinition of what’s possible in printing. Printers can now say “yes” to designers and brand managers who want uncoated papers with digital foils, textures, and tactile effects.
Benefits for brands
Brands gain the ability to combine the natural authenticity of uncoated papers with the high-impact of digital embellishment, strengthening their market presence.
Impact on packaging, publishing, and general commercial print applications
Consumers receive packaging and print that makes a lasting impression across multiple touchpoints — from luxury packaging to high-end publishing and direct marketing materials.
With Scodix MLE, uncoated no longer means unembellished.
FAQ: Scodix MLE and Uncoated Papers
Which Scodix presses are compatible with MLE?
MLE is available on the Scodix Ultra 2500 SHD and Scodix Ultra 6500 SHD presses, both introduced at drupa 2024. These presses combine Smart High Definition (SHD) technology with MLE, supporting up to 16 enhancement applications, including those designed specifically for uncoated substrates.
Can Scodix MLE embellish all uncoated paper types?
MLE has been tested and proven with leading substrate partners such as Winter & Company, Gmund, and Fedrigoni. While it works across a wide range of uncoated stocks, Scodix recommends validating new materials in production to ensure optimal results.
Is there an extra step required for uncoated substrates?
No. MLE applies its digital base layer inline in the same pass as the embellishment, with no need for offline priming, coating, or additional handling.
What Scodix embellishments work best on uncoated paper?
With MLE, uncoated papers can be enhanced with the full Scodix portfolio of applications, including Scodix Foil™, Scodix Sense™, Scodix VDE (Variable Data Enhancement), Scodix Crystals, Scodix Braille, and more.
