Flexographers now have until December 31, 2018 to enter the inaugural Kodak Global Flexo Innovation Awards, as Kodak has extended the deadline for submissions.

Pier Luigi Sassanelli, chairman of the judging panel, says the extension is in response to requests by users of the Kodak Flexcel NX System for additional time to prepare their submissions. “The program is designed to recognize the all-round impact of flexo-printed packaging on the value chain, and while the print quality of an entry is important, it’s only the start of the evaluation process,” says Sassanelli. “These awards look beyond the technical specification alone to reward entries that demonstrate genuine innovation in four categories: use of creative design; conversion to flexo from other processes; production workflow efficiencies; and sustainability.”

“This revolutionary approach will identify and reward genuine innovations that have real strategic substance. However, entries naturally involve more than just a print sample, and putting together the supporting documentation needs more time,” adds Sassanelli. “As the original mid-October deadline has gotten closer, we’ve received a considerable number of requests for extra time, which we’re happy to agree to.”

Established to mark the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the Kodak Flexcel NX System, the Kodak Global Flexo Innovation Awards recognize companies using Kodak technology to drive the industry transformation of flexo standards worldwide. Entries are considered side by side, not divided into separate classes for different print or packaging formats.

After an initial screening based on the degree of difficulty and execution, entries are judged on their excellence in the four innovation categories. There are three award levels: silver (for entries demonstrating excellence in two categories); gold (three categories); and platinum (all four categories). All winning entries will be publicized in a special Transforming Flexo magazine, distributed and promoted globally by Kodak, and those with highest honors will also attend an exclusive gala celebration.