Tom DeBartolo, a technical director for Sun Chemical, received the 2013 National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) Printing Pioneer Award.

Considered one of the most prestigious awards in the ink manufacturing industry, the Pioneer Award honors those who have given at least 25 years of service to the printing ink industry through their work with one or several printing ink companies or suppliers as well as service work with ink associations, production clubs and other committees. NAPIM also considers technical contributions in the areas of laboratory, engineering, production or product development.

“Tom has demonstrated exemplary technical leadership and has made significant contributions to establish and maintain Sun Chemical as a technology leader in the markets that we serve,” says Russell Schwartz, chief technology officer, Sun Chemical. “He is more than worthy of this prestigious award.”

In a statement, Sun Chemical says: “With more than 30 years spent working with packaging ink technology, DeBartolo has made significant contributions to the science of printing ink formulation, manufacturing and application. He holds patents in non-woven ink development, and is credited with developing one of the first low GC laminating ink systems in the industry for retained solvents and bonds.

“He also developed the first high-opacity lamination white, which delivers exceptionally high bonds for metalized PET lamination structures – a product still used today. DeBartolo also developed high heat resistant print systems able to withstand 400 degree heat seals with exceptionally high gloss, as well as cold seal adhesive release inks and coatings used today in the candy bar packaging market.”

DeBartolo has worked with Clemson University on various advisory boards and is involved with the training program where he teaches students about different ink and manufacturing techniques. His work also includes recruiting full-time and intern students to support Clemson’s Graphics Program.

Now in its 57th year, NAPIM honored DeBartolo and other technical printing award winners at their Annual Convention on April 6-9, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, FL, USA.