London-based design agency LFH believes that its patented colour rationalisation technology Chapter 1 could save brands as much as £5,500 per product.

The agency made the claims following a review of its customers that have used its Chapter 1 printing technique, which it reports can reduce the number of inks used by a brand to six, without affecting quality.

The company said that savings of between EUR 700 and EUR 6,000 were possible for each product and estimated that annual savings for a multinational could be between EUR 17.5m to EUR 150m.

LFH has used Chapter 1 for clients like Sarah Lee, for its Pretty Polly tights range, and Wenneker cocktails drinks. Unilever Foods also uses the technique.

"In the current economic climate, brands are having to work harder and smarter to maintain profitability," said LFH joint managing director Mano Manoharan.

"There are not many cost saving initiatives that can deliver this level of visible benefits."