Curated Solutions for
Digital Photo Lamination

Offer premium digital photos with a
protective laminate finish.

Create Digital Photos With the
Quality of Silver Halide

Photo labs across the globe are looking to the future as the industry continues to change. Rising material costs, supply chain shortages, extended lead times, and environmental concerns over the waste produced in the photo finishing process have led many photo labs to seek out more modern solutions that can still provide customers with beautiful photo prints of their cherished memories. One of the most sustainable answers, both economically and environmentally, is silver halide replacement (SHR™).

What is SHR?

SHR is a modern photo production method that utilises digital printing technology, thermal lamination, and post-laminate processing to overcome the challenges of conventional silver halide. This three-step process enables photo labs to produce high-quality photographs that emulate the look, weight, and feel of conventional photos while minimising lead times and reducing material costs.

Digital Printing

Photos labs use a digital print engine to produce high-quality printed photographs.

Thermal Lamination

Photos are given a protective layer that preserves image quality and replicates the familiar appeal of a silver halide lustre.

Post-Laminate Processing

Photos are cut, sorted, and processed according to the photo lab’s needs using specialised machinery.

Accessibility

Unlike silver halide, which requires specialised photo paper, SHR can be performed with the photo lab’s paper of choice. Labs can also replicate the look and feel of photo paper in-house using matt laminates.

Affordability

SHR materials are not subject to the same speciality pricing as silver halide materials. Photo labs can use these savings to increase margins and expand product offerings to draw in new business.

Image Quality

Photo labs that have made the swap to SHR report high customer satisfaction, with digital photos even outperforming conventional photos when it comes to fine details and text.

Sustainability

SHR does not employ harmful chemicals or impact water systems with waste materials. Plastic laminates can be cleaned up quickly and reduce a photo lab’s impact on the environment.

What Are the Benefits of SHR?

For many years, Nobelus has partnered with photo labs that report switching to SHR has benefited their business in numerous ways.

Equipment

All SHR thermal laminating systems include an embossing roller with a pattern that perfectly replicates the look and feel of a conventional silver halide photo.

Laminates

These thermal laminates enable photo labs to emboss a silver halide lustre into each digital photograph and create durable photo paper in-house to prevent damage from dirt and moisture.

Get Personalised Guidance
From Our In-House Experts

Nobelus understands that moving to digital processes is no small adjustment. Our team has years of experience partnering with photo labs to integrate SHR into their regular processes, making the swap more gradual and manageable while allowing our customers to compare the quality of their SHR photos to silver halide in trial runs. Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

Rely on Our Unmatched
Service and Support

Nobelus offers more than premium products and equipment. We are lamination partners invested in the long-term success of our customers. From the initial phone conversation to order fulfilment and professional equipment installations, our team is prepared to support your business at every step. Each day, we strive to delight our customers with…

  • Innovative solutions
  • Knowledgeable experts
  • Robust operational capabilities
  • And much more

Learn More About
SHR and Digital
Photographs

Nobelus University is a learning centre that covers a variety of topics, including silver halide replacement.

Silver Halide Replacement: The Future of Photofinishing

HR Imaging™ Partners: A Case Study in SHR™