Interest in sustainability from every member of the flexographic workflow, all the way to Consumer Product Companies and end customers, continues to grow.
The number of entries vying for the 2024 FTA Sustainability Excellence Award—the largest in the competition’s 20+ years—is the latest data point to support that observation.
These innovations in sustainability and sustainability programs show flexographic printers and suppliers putting sustainability front and center in their business’ day-to-day operations, in the products they produce, in their go-to-market strategies and in how they approach solving problems.
The award winners and honorable mentions in this year’s record-breaking competition are:
- Asahi Kasei: Winner, Innovations in Sustainability
- Chespa: Winner, Sustainability Programs
- Miraclon: Winner, Innovations in Sustainability
- MacDermid Graphics Solutions: Honorable Mention, Innovations in Sustainability
- Sun Chemical: Honorable Mention, Innovations in Sustainability
- Tempo Flexible Packaging: Honorable Mention, Sustainability Programs
“This year’s FTA Sustainability Excellence Awards have seen an unprecedented number of entries, showcasing the industry’s dedication to sustainability like never before,” said FTA Sustainability Committee Chair Justin Green of Comexi. “The sheer volume is matched only by the outstanding quality of submissions, reflecting the commitment of companies towards environmentally conscious practices. It underscores the vital importance of sustainability in our industry, driving innovation and responsible stewardship for a better future.”
Repurposing Plates to Foams, Dies & Board
MacDermid Graphics Solutions’ PlateCycle Used Plate Recycling Program combines logistics, material treatment technology, and existing manufacturing methods to create repurposed products containing used flexographic printing plates. Examples include compressible foams, recycled board and printing dies. The process can be used on any flexible packaging plate, regardless of manufacturer.
“In North America, more than 20 million lbs. of printing plates enter the waste stream annually,” according to Ryan Vest, director of innovation, MGS. “This compelled us to develop our own technology to expedite a renewable and sustainable way to eliminate this waste by focusing on total reuse.”
With PlateCycle, a controlled grinding process allows for separation of particles by size/ grade, and identification of appropriate end use technologies that optimize the repurposing of the ground particles to a near 100 percent level. Lehigh Technologies is MGS’ plate grinding/ treatment solution partner, while Sustainable Solutionz is the end use application/technology provider.
StarPak is a beta site. “At StarPak, we believe that environmental responsibility, convenience for retailers and performance for our customers should go hand-in-hand,” said Luis Rivas, sales director, client engagement. “We are committed to innovation that delivers quality and sustainability. MGS is a long-term partner and we are excited to continue our efforts to reduce industrial waste.”
“MGS is committed to sustainability. Actively managing environmental issues is our responsibility as a good corporate citizen. We are protecting our planet by combating climate change, including contributing to a lower-carbon future, and being responsible water and waste stewards,” said Vest.
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