The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) is now accepting entries into its 2016 Technical Innovation Awards competition. Now in its 20th year, this awards competition strives to recognize and reward those creative and innovative pioneers that bring new advancements, products, services and optimized processes to the flexographic printing industry.

Throughout its history, the competition has inducted 27 companies into its roster of innovators. Winning technology has spanned everything from narrow web printing presses to automatic platemaking devices to RFID tags to proofing and color analysis software.

Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts well versed in current best practices, tools and methodologies. Each entry is placed into one of three categories: Prepress-Graphics, Prepress-Pressroom and Heavy Converting Equipment. From there the entries are judged and scored in six specific areas:
• Technical Achievement
• Technical Impact on the Industry’s Future
• Description of Technology
• Supporting Material
• User Testimonials
• Presentation of Submission

The entry deadline is January 8, 2016. Any organization, group of organizations or individuals within the flexographic supply chain, (printers/converters, print buyers, suppliers, designers and students) are encouraged to submit their innovations.

Winners will be announced in February 2016. The winning technology will then be honored at FTA’s annual Awards Banquet in March 2016.