ARC celebrates 2026 award winners

The Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters (ARC) celebrated the 2026 honorees of its awards program during its R2R USA Conference & Expo from May 19–21 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Awards were given in Product, Technology, and Sustainability categories. Judges considered the innovation/uniqueness, degree of difficulty, and technical execution of the entries.
 
The Product of the Year Award recognized Inland Packaging for a label for AriZona Super LXR Hero Hydration Acai Blueberry beverage, a line extension from AriZona Beverages USA. Inland Packaging used its 7-color flexographic printing process to successfully reproduce five traditional spot colors and deliver a bold, colorful label with high-impact graphics. The process also improved production efficiency and enhanced the product’s sustainability profile. The ability to reproduce 90 percent of all spot colors reduces ink inventory requirements and shrinks downtime by shortening setup time and minimizing plate and color changes. It also cuts energy consumption, as well as ink and water waste, while offering improved repeatability and color consistency.

The judges were impressed by the label’s high level of execution and premium aesthetics. They also noted the efficiency of the 7-color process and its ability to streamline production, save time and conserve resources. One judge commented: 'This submission really stood apart from others in the category. The combination of operational excellence and great manufacturing techniques yielded a well-executed, visually striking label with sustainability advantages.'
 
For the Technology of the Year Award, the judges chose Bobst North America’s Expert K5 with Bobst iMA, the first automated metalizer for the flexible packaging industry. AI-powered Bobst iMA software automates and controls the deposition process and simplifies operation. Evaporator boat and wire position status are displayed on a screen, eliminating the need for the operator to perform visual checks through small metalizer windows, a challenging task on wide-web machines. The system detects boat flooding and pre-melting of the wire and maps and controls the size of the aluminum pool. A traffic light system provides another visual indicator of pool status. Enabling less-skilled operators to achieve high-quality output helps overcome skilled labor shortages and reduces training time, typically two years to proficiency on manual metalizing systems. The automated system produces a more consistent end product, increases output, lowers energy and consumables consumption and reduces waste.

The judges were impressed by this commercial use of AI and its improved process control and potential to overcome workforce challenges. They predicted it would have a huge impact on the industry, noting, 'This system achieves what every manufacturer is seeking: ease of use for the operator.'
 
Wallquest took home the Sustainability Award for its Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)-Free Nonwoven Peel-and-Stick Wallcovering Platform. Engineered barrier coatings impart PVC-equivalent performance in moisture barrier, adhesion, fire resistance and printability to the cellulose-based product while helping achieve compliance with VOC, LEED and REACH requirements. Microsphere pressure-sensitive adhesive imparts peel-and-stick capabilities to simplify installation because the material can be applied, removed, re-aligned and reapplied without damage. The structure contains no harmful additives like phthalates, halogens and plasticizers and reduces end-of-life landfill persistence, renovation waste, and reliance on fossil-based polymers. Water-based barrier coatings and adhesives ensure low VOC emissions for healthier indoor air quality.

The judging panel was impressed by the durability, barrier properties and peel-and-stick nature of the PVC-free substrate as well as its ability to offer a wide range of decorating options. One judge noted, 'This is a win-win-win-win with a positive impact on the environment, the manufacturer, the retailer and the consumer, who gains an easier path to do-it-yourself home décor updates.'  
 
The judging panel consisted of independent consultants with expertise in diverse fields. Members included Steve Lange of ProcessDev, William (Bill) Pope and Malcolm Keif from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and Patrick Morse of Arizona Thin Film Research.
 
The awards ceremony also recognized several individuals, including recipients of the ARC Service Award, the President’s Award, and the 2026 WISE (Women in Industry Scholarship for Excellence).
 
The ARC Service Award honored former past president Andrew Jack of E+R Group, who was honored for his long-time support of the association and service as an officer, director, Vacuum Web Coating Committee member and co-chair, and presenter at ARC conferences.

'Devoted volunteers like Andy are the backbone of the association and make it possible for us to provide members with an expansive range of benefits,' said ARC past president Bob Pasquale of New Era Machinery.
 
The President's Award recognized Jeff Peterson of Peterson Media Group, founding publisher of Converting Quarterly, who helped build the print magazine and digital platform into the industry-leading presence it is today.

'ARC extends its heartfelt thanks to Jeff and his highly competent organization. Now in its 15th year, Converting Quarterly would not be where it is today without his efforts,' said Chris Kerscher, executive director of ARC.
 
Two recipients were chosen for this year’s WISE: Gwyneth Spence of Bobst Manchester in the UK and Pratiksha Chotalia of Henkel. The annual scholarship recognizes women who are making an impact in the roll-to-roll industry and invests in their career growth by providing funds to pay down student loan debt.