ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
What is ChromaLife100+?

ChromaLife100 evolved into a new system.
With the development of new ink and new photo paper, the new system provides more beautiful photo print and enhanced longevity.
This new system is ChromaLife100+.

ChromaLife100

ChromaLife100 is an advanced system for preserving the beauty of photos that combines Canon genuine dye inks and genuine photo paper to produce photos with 100-year album life, 30-year lightfastness, and 10-year gas resistance.*

Since the inks used in Canon inkjet printers are instantaneously heated to temperatures of 300°C and higher, they must remain stable under high heat. Other requirements include the capacity to form spherical droplets without clogging nozzles, proper adherence to paper, and a chemical composition that complies with the strict regulations of countries worldwide concerning the use of hazardous substances. Canon's original dye inks feature high brightness and superb optical density (OD), achieving outstanding image quality even on plain paper. These inks also resist fading and realize high image permanence. To accurately evaluate image permanence over periods of time as long as 30 or even 100 years, Canon established a test method that simulates image degradation under accelerated environmental conditions.

Canon genuine paper comprises multiple layers, including a pulp layer that quickly absorbs ink and firmly fixes colors, an ink adsorption layer with a mirror surface finish containing a gas-resistance agent, and a back coating layer that shields colors from light and gasses.

Structure of Photo Paper Pro

*Permanence figures are projections based on tests conducted under accelerated environmental conditions and are not guaranteed. 100-year album life can be achieved with Canon inks and Photo Paper Pro, Photo Paper Plus Glossy, Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, Photo Paper Plus Semi-gloss, and Glossy Photo Paper when photos are kept in albums under an airtight plastic cover sleeve and stored in a dark place. Also, 30-year light fastness and 10-year gas resistance are achieved with Photo Paper Pro paper when photos are kept out of direct sunlight in normal indoor conditions.
Development of new dye ink and photo paper

Development of new dye ink and photo paper

Color fades gradually with the passage of time with both regular silver halide photos that are developed and printed from negatives and with photos that are printed with an inkjet printer. This is due to the impact of gases contained in the air and light. To minimize this impact and to keep beautiful photos as they are for many years, Canon developed ChromaLife100 in 2005. Then in 2008, Canon worked on improving the performance of genuine ink and genuine photo paper to enhance ChromaLife100 further. As a result, 2008 new genuine dye-based inks have been developed. And also new photo paper, "Photo Paper Plus Glossy ll PP-201", "Photo Paper Pro ll PR-201" and "Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101" have been developed.

With the introduction of "new genuine dye ink" and "genuine photo paper", ChromaLife100 evolved into ChromaLife100+.

ChromaLife100+ expanded color reproduction especially in red areas. Richer and brighter color reproduction is provided. Since the photo black ink became more neutral, the black is deeper and the vivid colors in the photograph stand out. It also improved the performance of longevity as well.

FINE print head, new genuine dye-based inks and genuine photo paper—the power of these three genuine products combine to bring further "long-lasting beauty".

The dye-based inks are designed to maximally exhibit high image quality and high weather-resistance when combined with PIXMA's high-performance print head FINE, and Canon genuine photo paper.

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Over 300 years album life

If photos are stored by pasting them in an album, they will retain their beauty over a long period of time. Memories can be brilliantly preserved exactly as they are.

It enhanced Canon's "album life" which preserves beautiful photos for a long time by just storing them in an album. "Over 300-year album life" is achieved with the combination of 2008 new dye ink and "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II PP-201". Also, "Over 100-year album life" is achieved with the other genuine photo paper. (When stored in an archival album with plastic cover sheet and kept in the dark)

<Criteria for estimation>
The permanence presented above is estimated by using an accelerated dark storage tests (ISO 18924). Samples are kept in a controlled environment of high temperature and 50% relative humidity. The test environment is designed to accelerate color fading. The rate of the decrease in the optical density and the rate of yellow discoloration of the paper are measured. Finally, the results are extrapolated to the length of time when a printed image is kept in an environment of 23°C 50% RH.

<Criteria for estimation of print longevity shown above>
Estimates for image permanence are made using the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. endpoint criteria "WIR Visually-Weighted Endpoint Criteria Set v3.0" as follows;
Samples are printed with an optical density of 1.0 and 0.6 (each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) by default printer driver setting of each media.
The point where monochromatic/ reflective optical density shows loss of 20-35% (figure set respectively for each color, starting density of 1.0 and 0.6). The point where the difference in color balance of yellow, magenta and cyan (each component in composite black) reaches 12-18%

<Note for printing and displaying photos>
The image permanence estimates presented above may vary depending on display/storage conditions. The expressd numbers of years estimates are the result of simulated, accelerated tests conducted by Canon Inc. and do not represent a product guarantee.

<Making your printed images last longer>
Light, environmental gases, high temperature and humidity can accelerate color fading. When displaying your photographs, avoid high intensity lighting and use glass-filtered frames. Photos stored in the dark, using archival quality albums or storage materials, will tend to last longer than photos that are exposed to light. Avoid high temperatures and high humidity to promote the image permanence of your photos.

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Light fastness approx. 30 years

Tough against light! Beauty will be long-lasting if the photos are displayed in picture frames.

The combination of Canon's 2008 new dye ink and "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II PP-201", "Photo Paper Pro II PR-201" and "Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101" resist fading for approx. 30-years when displayed in a glass frame in a typical indoor space (estimating 500lux/ 10hours per day) without direct sunlight. .

<Criteria for estimation>
Estimated light fastness is made under the following test conditions.
Light source: White fluorescent light 70,000lux; Temperature: 24°C; Humidity: 60% RH; A 2-mm thick glass is placed on the sample during accelerated testing.

<Criteria for estimation of print longevity shown above>
Estimates for image permanence are made using the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. endpoint criteria "WIR Visually-Weighted Endpoint Criteria Set v3.0" as follows;
Samples are printed with an optical density of 1.0 and 0.6 (each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) by default printer driver setting of each media.
The point where monochromatic/ reflective optical density shows loss of 20-35% (figure set respectively for each color, starting density of 1.0 and 0.6). The point where the difference in color balance of yellow, magenta and cyan (each component in composite black) reaches 12-18%.

 <Note for printing and displaying photos>
The image permanence estimates presented above may vary depending on display/storage conditions. The expressd numbers of years estimates are the result of simulated, accelerated tests conducted by Canon Inc. and do not represent a product guarantee.

<Making your printed images last longer>
Light, environmental gases, high temperature and humidity can accelerate color fading. When displaying your photographs, avoid high intensity lighting and use glass-filtered frames. Photos stored in the dark, using archival quality albums or storage materials, will tend to last longer than photos that are exposed to light. Avoid high temperatures and high humidity to promote the image permanence of your photos.

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Gas fastness approx. 20 years

Tough against three types of gases! Color will not fade over the long term even if the photos are displayed as they are.

The real-world atmosphere contains mixed gases to that cause color fading. Ozone (O3), nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulfur oxide (SOX) must all be considered, therefore, as factors that effect image permanence. Gas fastness has been improved with the combination of new dye ink and "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II PP-201", "Photo Paper Pro II PR-201" and "Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101". It achieved "gas fastness approx. 20 years" which is longer than previous "gas fastness approx. 10 years".

<Criteria for estimation>
Estimated gas fastness is made under the following test conditions:
Temperature (24°C) and humidity (60% RH) are controlled in an environment of mixed gases of O3, NOX and SOX. The ratio of the gases is typical to indoor air composition (O3: NOX: SOX = 3:19:1) with 100 times concentration in order to accelerate color fading.

<Criteria for estimation of print longevity shown above>
Estimates for image permanence are made using the Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. endpoint criteria "WIR Visually-Weighted Endpoint Criteria Set v3.0" as follows;
Samples are printed with an optical density of 1.0 and 0.6 (each black, cyan, magenta, yellow) by default printer driver setting of each media.
The point where monochromatic/ reflective optical density shows loss of 20-35% (figure set respectively for each color, starting density of 1.0 and 0.6). The point where the difference in color balance of yellow, magenta and cyan (each component in composite black) reaches 12-18%.

<Note for printing and displaying photos>
The image permanence estimates presented above may vary depending on display/storage conditions. The expressd numbers of years estimates are the result of simulated, accelerated tests conducted by Canon Inc. and do not represent a product guarantee.

<Making your printed images last longer>
Light, environmental gases, high temperature and humidity can accelerate color fading. When displaying your photographs, avoid high intensity lighting and use glass-filtered frames. Photos stored in the dark, using archival quality albums or storage materials, will tend to last longer than photos that are exposed to light. Avoid high temperatures and high humidity to promote the image permanence of your photos

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Migration resistance

Tough against humidity for long-lasting sharp, clear images.

With the combination of Canon's genuine 2008 new ink and "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II PP-201", "Photo Paper Pro II PR-201" and "Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101" provides long-lasting vivid photos without ink bleeding or migration even in high temperature/humidity environments

Print samples are kept under controlled conditions of high temperature (30°C) and high humidity (80% RH) for one week.

<Note for printing and displaying photos>
The image permanence estimates presented above may vary depending on display/storage conditions. The expressd numbers of years estimates are the result of simulated, accelerated tests conducted by Canon Inc. and do not represent a product guarantee.

<Making your printed images last longer>
Light, environmental gases, high temperature and humidity can accelerate color fading. When displaying your photographs, avoid high intensity lighting and use glass-filtered frames. Photos stored in the dark, using archival quality albums or storage materials, will tend to last longer than photos that are exposed to light. Avoid high temperatures and high humidity to promote the image permanence of your photos.

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Enhancement for color reproduction in red areas

Vivid color leaves impression.

The wider the color gamut is, the more colors that can be reproduced. With the combination of 2008 new dye ink and "Photo Paper Plus Glossy II PP-201", "Photo Paper Pro II PR-201" and "Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101" greatly expanded color reproduction especially in red areas (yellow ~ red ~ magenta) compared to the combination of previous dye ink and photo paper. Richer and brighter color reproduction is provided.  

ChromaLife100+ brings further "long-lasting beauty"
Photo black is more neutral

The black is deeper and the vivid colors in the photograph stand out.

Targeting Faithful Color Reproduction of Originals, Including Photographs