The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has recognized the highest level of print excellence with Best of Show honors at the 2026 Excellence in Flexography Awards, presented at FTA’s FORUM INFOFLEX during the Awards Banquet on Sunday, April 26, 2026. 

Entries topped more than 250 submissions in this year’s competition, with a total of 43 awards presented across multiple print segments. Leading the field, wide web captured 16 honors, followed by narrow web with 11, envelope with 5, preprint linerboard with 4, mid web with 4, corrugated with 3, and special achievements with 3, reflecting strong participation across both flexible packaging and paper-based applications. 

Meanwhile, Appvion, an M2S Group Company and innovator in direct thermal and specialty coating solutions, has announced that Linnea Keen has been named president, succeeding Kevin Clunie.

Keen joined Appvion in November 2025 as strategic sales director, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the pressure sensitive labels and specialty papers industry. Since joining the company, she has played a key role in advancing Appvion’s commercial strategy, strengthening customer relationships, and reinforcing the company’s competitive position in the market.

Here are the top viewed stories from the week ending on May 1, 2026:

1. FTA announces winners of 2026 Excellence in Flexography Awards
2. Appvion names Linnea Keen new president
3. Nilpeter focuses on trends in North American flexible packaging market
4. Emerald Packaging named FTA’s inaugural Flexographic Printer of the Year
5. Labelink acquires Litho Québec to build folding carton business