12 of the best! Kodak announced the winners of the
Global Flexo Innovation Awards, which recognize and honor companies that,
through innovation, are driving the industry transformation of flexographic
standards worldwide. The winners showcase innovation in creative use of graphic
design, conversion from other printing processes, print production workflow
improvement and commitment to sustainable printing.
Almost 100 companies from 26 countries submitted
over 200 entries to the Awards, which were introduced to celebrate the 10th
anniversary of the launch of the Kodak Flexcel NX System and conceived as the
first flexo printing awards to “look beyond the package” and evaluate the
impact of submissions on the entire value chain. Pier Luigi Sassanelli,
chairman of the independent judging panel, assembled an expert international
team of flexo experts and global brands such as Procter & Gamble, Nestlé
and Kimberly-Clark.
With high quality considered a precondition, the
panel judged entries against four categories of innovation excellence:
creativity in graphic design; conversion from other print processes; workflow
efficiency; and commitment to sustainability. Awards were divided into three
classes: Silver (excellence in two categories), Gold (three categories) and
Platinum (all four categories). Collectively, the entries represent
game-changing packaging print production processes that embody that
transformation of flexo.
“I’m regularly asked, ‘What’s next on the agenda
for flexo?’” said Chris Payne, President Flexographic Packaging Division,
Kodak. “The future is clearly illustrated by the companies that have been
honoured with these awards and the great strides they have made in not only
demonstrating that flexo is capable of the very highest print quality but that,
more importantly they are driving efficient, consistent and sustainable
manufacturing processes. We are proud to be their technology partner.”
With an impressive overall standard for entries and
a judging process that set a high bar for excellence, the panel gave seven Gold
Awards and five Silver Awards, with four companies awarded the distinction of
highest honors based on a numerical scoring system. No Platinum Awards were
given on this occasion, clearly laying down the challenge and setting the goal
for future events. Europe, North and South America, and South Asia provided the
12 winners. Italy produced a particularly strong showing, with three Gold
Awards and one Silver Award. Winners will receive their awards at a special
Kodak celebration event in May.
