Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), producer of the annual Technical Innovation Awards, has announced the 2017 competition is open for entries. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and can submit entries through February 10, 2017.

The annual competition serves as the global stage for innovation to honor outstanding new advancements in technologies, products and processes that optimize and advance the flexographic printing process.

Throughout its rich history, the competition has inducted nearly 30 companies into its elite roster of innovators. Winning technology has spanned everything from both narrow web and wide 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:
Description of Technology
Technical Achievement
Technical Impact on the Industry’s Future
Supporting Material
User Testimonials
Presentation of Submission

Any organization, group of organizations or individuals within the flexographic supply chain, (printers/converters, print buyers, suppliers, prepress providers, designers and students) are encouraged to submit their innovations. Winners will be announced Sunday, April 30 in Phoenix, AZ, USA, during FTA’s annual Awards Banquet.