Label Industry Global Awards

Hosted by Labelexpo Global Series on the first night of Labelexpo Americas 2018, the event brought together more than 300 guests. 

Knott is a senior scientist at Dow Chemical and leader of a global team that has pioneered innovations in pressure-sensitive silicone release liner coating technology, including the introduction of Dow’s Flat Release Systems. 

The selection committee said that the technology has not only revolutionized high speed, low coating weight, high performance and labelstock release liner production, but has also been a key factor in helping to drive down silicone coating costs. For the label converter and end-user, this has contributed to superior waste stripping performance at ever-increasing press running speeds, as well as enabling much higher label application line speeds on the latest automated product decoration systems. This work has helped build Knott’s global reputation as a leading authority on silicone pressure-sensitive systems. 

‘It’s a real honor,’ Knott said of the award. ‘I’ve been in this industry a long time, and it is really special to win this award. To be recognized by your peers in the industry – that’s a good feeling. This industry really is at the cutting edge of science, which is why I’ve been so excited to stay in it all these years.’

The award, sponsored by Avery Dennison, honors the contribution an individual has made which has impacted the label and package printing sector. 

Innovation and sustainability
Also at the Label Industry Global Awards, three companies were honored for innovation and sustainability. 

The award for innovation for companies with more than 300 employees was presented to RotoMetrics for RotoRepel, a non-stick coating available on its solid and flexible cutting dies. Judges found that this technology minimizes adhesive pick-up and transfer and has resulted in significant benefits, including improved press efficiency, significant reduction in downtime and longer tool life.

The award for innovation for companies up to 300 employees was given to Hamillroad Software for Bellissima DMS, which has been developed specifically for flexo printing. Imaged at 4,000 DPI, Bellissima provides a high level of image reproduction (over 300 LPI equivalent), with no screen or content moiré, reduces printing press problems and waste, and increases press uptime.

Both the innovation awards were sponsored by Flint Group.

Avery Dennison won the award for sustainability, sponsored by Labels & Labeling. It partnered with EcoVadis to operate a dashboard providing sustainability ratings and performance improvement tools for Avery Dennison’s global supply chain. The platform delivers scorecards to monitor supplier best practices.