From science’s whitest white to the blackest black, these extremes reveal the power of contrast, and why it’s essential in design and digital printing.
Scientists have pushed the limits of colour to extremes. Super White, developed by researchers at Purdue University, reflects up to 98.1% of sunlight. This extraordinary reflectivity makes surfaces cooler and has the potential to lower energy use in buildings. At the other end of the spectrum is Vantablack, created by Surrey NanoSystems in 2014. Made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, it absorbs 99.96% of visible light, making coated objects appear completely flat, with no visible texture or shape.
While Super White was designed to combat heat and energy demand, Vantablack found its purpose in aerospace and scientific instruments, where eliminating stray light improves the accuracy of telescopes and sensors. Both are remarkable examples of how pushing colour to its extremes can solve real-world problems, and they remind us how powerful contrast is in shaping what we see and experience. In printing, the same principle of contrast is what makes black and white so powerful.
The Power of Black and White in Design
Black and white may seem simple, but together they are some of the most powerful tools in design. Research shows that high contrast improves readability, which is why most books, newspapers, and business documents are still printed in black ink on white paper. The sharp separation of dark and light creates clarity, making text easier to process quickly and reducing eye strain.
Beyond readability, black and white are critical for visual hierarchy. Designers use black for emphasis and weight, drawing the eye to headlines or key details, while white space gives balance and breathing room. This balance of dark and light helps direct attention, highlight important information, and create impact without relying on colour.
Black and white are also deeply tied to emotional response. Studies in visual psychology suggest that monochrome design is often perceived as more professional, authoritative, and timeless. In branding, businesses often rely on black and white for a clean, modern look that conveys trust and sophistication. In printing, this isn’t just theoretical. High-speed digital presses like Bond’s ensure crisp blacks, clean whites, and sharp contrast – the foundation of effective design, whether for reports, business cards, or marketing collateral.
Black and White and Accessibility
Black and white are not only impactful design choices, they are also essential for accessibility. High-contrast combinations, like black text on a white background, are the most legible for people with low vision or colour vision deficiencies. According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), maintaining a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended to ensure text is readable for the widest audience. Black on white naturally exceeds this standard, making it one of the most accessible pairings available.
In print design, black and white are especially effective for materials that need to reach broad audiences, such as manuals, training guides, and public documents. Strong contrast ensures information can be understood quickly, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
For businesses, this accessibility translates into inclusivity. Whether it’s internal communication or customer-facing print, using black and white effectively means your message is not just seen but understood. At Bond, our digital printing process guarantees sharp detail and consistent contrast, ensuring every project is accessible, professional, and polished.
Sharper, Faster, Smarter: Bond’s B&W Digital Printing
When it comes to balance, efficiency, and clarity, nothing beats black-and-white digital printing. Bond leverages high-speed Ricoh and Xerox digital presses designed specifically for crisp, reliable B&W output.
Here’s why our clients choose Bond for their B&W printing needs:
High-Speed Efficiency
Our digital presses run at remarkable speed, making B&W printing the ideal choice for short-run jobs, urgent requests, and everyday business essentials like memos, price lists, minutes, and legal forms.
Consistent Quality, Page After Page
Whether you need a few dozen copies or a large batch, our B&W output remains sharp and clean—no fading, blotching, or inconsistencies.
Cost-Effective Printing
By cutting out colour-only where it’s not needed, Bond delivers a professional look while saving on ink costs—perfect for businesses needing polished materials without the premium price tag.
Versatile Application
From internal communications to event handouts, stationery, and more, B&W printing is more than a fallback—it’s a smart, practical choice across many business formats.
At Bond, we know precision matters. With our digital B&W printing, you get the speed, quality, and value your business demands.
We make black and white printing look its best: crisp detail, consistent quality, and the speed your projects demand.
Contact us today to get started.