All Printing Resources (APR) has become the fifth industry sponsor to support STRIPE, a new virtual online educational tool for the package printing industry developed by the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University.

APR’s commitment as a leading sponsor of the platform will impact the development and dissemination of this tool to graphic communications educators across the nation. Other STRIPE sponsors include the Flexographic Technical Association.

“APR is very proud to be a sponsor of the Sonoco Institute’s STRIPE virtual online press,” says David Neimen, president and CEO of APR. “We have had a long history of supporting educational technologies and innovations in the flexo industry. STRIPE brings new capabilities in flexo printing simulation that will prove to further address both existing and new challenges for workforce training in our market.”

Catherine Haynes, director of digital solutions and training at APR, notes, “The STRIPE virtual press will be an amazing resource for our industry. I can envision a variety of ways to use this tool to enhance training for students, new employees, and veteran operators. A non-intrusive method to help individuals put theory into practice and build problem-solving skills. We are very excited to be working with Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute.”

STRIPE was initially developed as a virtual reality tool for print training and recruitment in 2018. Shortly thereafter, Sonoco Institute staff began showcasing it live at trade shows across the country to gauge interest. It quickly gained momentum and in 2019, FTA became the inaugural sponsor of STRIPE VR.

Slated to launch early in 2021, the STRIPE development team is also working to implement a wide-web, central impression press alongside the current inline, narrow-web press for expanded flexographic training.