FTA opens 2027 awards with new digital, multiprocess categories

The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has officially opened entries for its 2027 awards program, inviting printers, converters, suppliers and innovators from across the package printing industry to showcase excellence in print quality, innovation and sustainability.

Entries are now being accepted for the Excellence in Flexography Awards, Technical Innovation Award and Sustainability Excellence Award. Together, these programs recognize outstanding achievements that continue to advance the flexographic and package printing industries.

This year’s awards program introduces two significant additions designed to better reflect today’s evolving print landscape.

For the first time, the Excellence in Flexography Awards will include a dedicated Digital category. Digital entries will be evaluated using a separate set of judging criteria developed specifically for digital print applications while maintaining the rigorous evaluation process and expert judging standards that have made the Excellence in Flexography Awards the industry’s benchmark for print quality.

FTA is also launching a new multiprocess pilot program recognizing packaging produced using flexography in combination with another printing process. Traditional Excellence in Flexography entries require at least 90 percent of the printed piece to be produced using flexography, and any additional printing processes are not considered during judging. The new multiprocess pilot expands that approach by evaluating the quality of both flexography and the complementary printing process, as well as how effectively they work together to create an exceptional finished package.

“The awards program continues to evolve alongside our industry,” says Nathan Ridnouer, president, Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association. “By introducing new opportunities that recognize digital printing and multiprocess production, we are ensuring the program reflects how packaging is produced today while continuing to celebrate the highest levels of quality, innovation and craftsmanship.”

To make participation more accessible, FTA has also introduced a simplified pricing structure. All award categories are now available to FTA members for a flat entry fee of $95, making it easier than ever to submit work across multiple award programs.

For more than six decades, the FTA Awards have recognized the companies and individuals pushing the boundaries of package printing through technical excellence, innovative thinking and sustainable practices. Winning entries are judged by industry experts and serve as benchmarks for quality across the flexographic printing community.

Entries are now open. Award recipients will be recognized during the FTA Awards Banquet at 2027 FORUM INFOFLEX, where the industry’s top achievements in print quality, innovation and sustainability will be celebrated.

Complete program details, eligibility requirements and submission information are available at www.flexography.org/honors-awards.