ROCHESTER, NY—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.
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. 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 honored 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.
See the full list of winners.
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