Miraclon names judges for its innovation awards

Launched in 2018, the Global Flexo Innovation Awards were introduced to recognize companies at the forefront of the transformation of the flexographic printing industry. Entrants are challenged to demonstrate how flexo printing and Kodak Flexcel NX technology has been used throughout the whole production process, from design, to production efficiency and commitment to sustainability.

Joining this year’s independent judging panel are: Laurel Brunner (UK), consultant and journalist for Digital Dots, Verdigris & Spindrift; Matthew Daniels (UK), artwork excellence innovation manager at Unilever; Stefano d’Andrea (Italy), industrial graphic expert; Kai Lankinen (Finland), executive partner and co-owner of Marvaco; Sebastian Longo (Argentina), president and managing director of Fotograbados Longo; Ken McGuire (US), research fellow at Procter & Gamble; Jason Goode (Australia), packaging manager at Reece Group; and Dr Chip Tonkin (US), chairman of department of graphic communications at Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. Chairing the judging panel, after being a judge for the first awards in 2018, will be Christopher Horton, former senior vice president of Southern Graphics Systems (SGS).

‘Across the flexo printing marketplace, there is a host of innovative companies who are driving technological enhancements throughout the production process, even in unprecedented times like these,’ said Emma Schlotthauer, chief marketing officer at Miraclon. ‘At Miraclon, we want more than ever to honor the talent and innovation in the industry that is driving flexo forward. That’s why we’re returning this year with the second Global Flexo Innovation Awards to place a spotlight on companies using flexo to expand their business horizons.

‘Through the awards, we’re not only celebrating these companies and sharing their inspirational stories, but we’re also connecting like-minded individuals to create a valuable global network. We’re excited to be strengthening that network with this year’s awards program.

‘Without our independent judging panel, our Global Flexo Innovation Awards are not possible. We are thrilled to be welcoming nine judges to our panel this year, who have a vast experience and unique perspective of the flexo print industry. Collectively, they are ideally qualified to recognize the entries that have made the most significant impact across the packaging value chain and we look forward to hearing their choices and revealing the winners.’

The Global Flexo Innovation Awards will be open for entries in September 2020. For more information on the Global Flexo Innovation Awards program, 2020 judging panel and 2018 winners visit www.transformingflexo.com.