The breakthrough could have significant benefits for the pharmaceutical industry by communicating warnings and dosage information via tactile printing to people with visual disabilities.

The Company's Managing Director, David Stevenson, said: "The majority take the printed word for granted but not everyone can read warnings or instructions. I hope this development will improve packaging safety and I am sure that responsible manufacturers will welcome the opportunity to better inform their customers.

"It has taken us over 18 months to perfect the process and the key to success has been achieving the correct of the characters which many printers producing simple warning triangles do not manage."

Ditone has adapted a rotary press to enable the consistent production of braille and Moon labels. The Company has also worked with its suppliers to develop a special formulation of ink that improves definition and curing.

Braille was invented by the Frenchman Louis Braille in 1829 and Moon was named after its inventor Dr William Moon who devised it in 1845. Letters are made of raised shapes based on the standard alphabet and it is considered easier to learn than Braille.

Based at Kimbolton in Cambridgeshire, Ditone Labels has invested £3m to ensure optimum service is provided. This major capital expenditure includes a purpose built factory, world class plate making technology by Dupont and its own Design Studio.

The Company is part of The Boxes Group which is owned by Clondalkin, the international printing and packaging products specialist.

For more information about The Boxes Group please contact Lucy Rose on 01480 862643

Further press information from Laura Crisp or Lesley Crosland at Crosland Communications

Tel: 01638 662188
Fax: 01638 665082
Email: croscomm@dial.pipex.com