The Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 is a 610mm wide (24in) printer which uses the first water-based white ink.

"We looked at what applications weren't being addressed by inkjet, and packaging proofing was identified as one area," said Epson Europe director of pro graphics Duncan Ferguson. "The WT7900 will be cheap relative to current white-capable proofing technologies such as Cromalin or Kodak Approval."

"Finally [we have] a product that can start replacing all Cromalin installations in the packaging market as well as at brand owners for sample production and remote proofing," said Epson Europe large format product manager Claes Jeppsson.

To print white, Epson has had to extensively modify the printer firmware and develop a white ink with small enough particles capable of being jetted by its micro-piezo heads. The ink is claimed to be dense enough to produce a strong white in a single printing pass.

The machine, which will go on sale at the beginning of 2010 is likely to be around 2.5 times the price of the 7900.

Although designed for packaging proofing, and debuted at Label Expo Brussels, Ferguson added that it was also suitable for other applications, such as point of sale.

"It's a nice creative thing to have," he said. "It could be suitable for a lot of other applications; we'll be interested in the feedback we receive over the next six months."

Like the 7900, the WT version can be fitted with Epson's optional SpectroProofer for inline proof verification and calibration. It can print onto film, paper and metallic media.