FlexoTech Awards -

Watch the 2025 highlights

The Finalists 2026

Take a look below at the finalists and join us for the FlexoTech Awards 2026 and celebrate the very best in flexographic printing, get your tickets today and don’t miss out on the industry’s biggest night!

Labels – printed on paper substrates
Sponsored by: Dantex Group

Company name: Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
Entry name: Wheelstone – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Printing press: Nilpeter FA4
Number of colours: Five
Sleeves: Flint
Anilox: Harper
Inks: Siegwerk UV flexo
Decoration: Kurz
Substrate: 60# Uncoated Litho W/S
Plate: DuPont EFX
Platemaking equipment: DuPont Cyrel Fast
Backing tape: 3M 115E
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: All inline

Company name: Paranova Print and Packaging Spalding
Entry name: Waitrose Kefalonian Fresh Sea Bass Fillets
Printing press: MPS EFS 580
Number of colours: Six
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex GTT 2.0
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: UPM Fingloss
Plate: Macdermid ITP60 Solvent
Platemaking equipment: Esko XPS
Backing tape: Lohmann 4.2
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: Ravenwood Comac

Company name: Reflex Label Plus Keighley
Entry name: Encirc – 1000 Stories
Printing press: Nilpeter FA Line
Number of colours: Eleven
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Apex
Inks: Pulse UV flexo, ss Tactile
Decoration: Kurz 349, emboss
Substrate: Avery Matt Wine
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal
Backing tape: Lohmann
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house (The GreenHouse Studio)
Finishing equipment: None given

Labels – printed on paper substrates
Sponsored by: tesa

Company name: Bristol Labels
Entry name: Wonderland
Printing press: Edale FL1 Prime
Number of colours: Four
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: ALT
Inks: Pulse
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Avery Dennison White Gloss PP
Plate: Fujifilm
Platemaking equipment: Creation Repro
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: Creation Repro
Pre-press: Creation Repro
Finishing equipment: Bar Graphic

Company name: Hamilton Schades
Entry name: Mars Hi Protein
Printing press: MPS EFA
Number of colours: Nine
Sleeves: MPS E-Sleeve
Anilox: Sandon Global 1200×3
Inks: Pulse Dual Cure
Decoration: K&B Screen
Substrate: Raflatac White PP
Plate: Fujifilm Flenex
Platemaking equipment: None given
Backing tape: 3M Medium
MIS/Workflow: Label Traxx
Pre-press: Creation Repro
Finishing equipment: ABG rewinder

Company name: Reflex Label Plus Barwell
Entry name: Unilever Wonder Wash Coccoline Washing Gel
Printing press: MPS EF430
Number of colours: Ten
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex
Inks: Pulse UV flexo; Siegwerk High Build
Decoration: XU Matt AL foil
Substrate: PP60 Top Clear
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal
Backing tape: Lohmann
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house (The GreenHouse Studio)
Finishing equipment: None given

Flexible packaging (narrow/medium web) on film
Sponsored by: Bar Graphic Machinery

Company name: Clifton Packaging
Entry name: M&S Breaded Buttermilk Chicken Tender 750g
Printing press: Soma 1
Number of colours: Seven
Sleeves: Sandon
Anilox: Sandon
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: 20 OPP Matt / 60PE White
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Novus Quartz
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: YRG Group
Finishing equipment: Clifton Packaging

Company name: Flexure Print N Pack
Entry name: Maharaja – Diamond Biscuit & Navadhanya Mixture
Printing press: Echaar Equipments Flexosmart HR300
Number of colours: Six
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Apex Asia Pacific (White – C9; CMYK – C5; Green – 800LPI)
Inks: DIC India
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Vacmet, Matte BOPP 18 microns
Plate: DuPont ESXR (150LPI)
Platemaking equipment: CDI Quartz – XPS
Backing tape: tesa India 72222 & 72226
MIS/Workflow: Esko Automation Engine
Pre-press: Numex Blocks India
Finishing equipment: DuPont

Company name: ProAmpac Grimsby
Entry name: Birds Eye 30 Chicken Dippers
Printing press: Bobst Expert CI
Number of colours: Four
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Sandon 1200/3.6
Inks: Sun Chemical
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Superfilm PN 12 micron
Plate: Kodak NX
Platemaking equipment: Flexcel NX
Backing tape: 3M High and Medium Density
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: Pulse
Finishing equipment: None given

Flexible packaging (wide web) on film

Company name: Clifton Packaging
Entry name: Taylors Festive Popcorn Toasted Marshmallow Flavour
Printing press: Soma 1
Number of colours: Seven
Sleeves: Sandon
Anilox: Sandon
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: 20 OPP Matt / 30 OPP Met
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Novus Quartz
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: YRG Group
Finishing equipment: Clifton Packaging

Company name: Interflex Group Sunderland
Entry name: Mars Dentastix
Printing press: W&H Miraflex
Number of colours: Six
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Sandon
Inks: hubergroup
Decoration: None given
Substrate: TPL OPP (50 micron)
Plate: Kodak
Platemaking equipment: Reproflex 3 Vortex
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: Reproflex 3
Finishing equipment: Comexi/Nordmeccanica

Company name: Saicaflex Buxton
Entry name: Fox’s Chocolatey Double Choc Rounds
Printing press: W&H Miraflex AM
Number of colours: Five + Matt LAC
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Sandon XPro 1000×3.6
Inks: Sun Chemical Soliflex PXL
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Superfilm 35 Wht 2111MP
Plate: MacDermid ITP60
Platemaking equipment: Esko
Backing tape: Lohmann 5.2
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house SGX Connect
Finishing equipment: Cason slitter

Flexible packaging on paper
Sponsored by: Cheshire Anilox Technology

Company name: DS Smith Belper
Entry name: Slimming World – Peanut Butter
Printing press: Uteco Diamond
Number of colours: Seven + varnish
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Sandon Global
Inks: Flint water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Metsa, KCC, 135
Plate: None given
Platemaking equipment: None given
Backing tape: None given
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: None given

Company name: East Riding Sacks
Entry name: PAVO SpeediBeet 15kg
Printing press: Allstein Hydro
Number of colours: Six
Sleeves: Rossini
Anilox: Sandon – 550×4.5(IPRO) / 600×9.0(HVP)
Inks: Sun Chemical water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Billeruud paper 80gsm fully bleach FSC
Plate: Asahi NSF
Platemaking equipment: At Rivendell / Esko Crystal screening
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: In-house (Rivendell)
Finishing equipment: None given

Company name: Optipack AB
Entry name: Zoegas Västkust
Printing press: Soma Optima
Number of colours: Five
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Supplier not given 460l (4.5g)
Inks: Siegwerk water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: UPM Unique coated
Plate: MCO14 (1.14D)
Platemaking equipment: Esko Spark 5080
Backing tape: None given
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: Marvaco
Finishing equipment: None given

UV flexo on paper or board
Sponsored by: RotoMetrics

Company name: Label Power PTY
Entry name: Pepe Saya
Printing press: Bobst M5 X
Number of colours: Seven
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex GTT 120
Inks: Prismatic UV
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Ball & Dogget Zenith Board 215gsm/305 micron
Plate: Kodak SX KNX 2400 Res
Platemaking equipment: Kodak Flexcel NX
Backing tape: tesa 52116 Medium
MIS/Workflow: Print IQ
Pre-press: Kirk Group
Finishing equipment: Inline die-cut

Company name: Reflex APAC (Asia Pacific) Melbourne
Entry name: Gourmet Sausage Company – Grassfed Beef Burgers
Printing press: Nilpeter
Number of colours: Seven
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex
Inks: Pulse UV flexo
Decoration: None given
Substrate: None given
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal
Backing tape: Lohmann
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house (The GreenHouse Studio)
Finishing equipment: None given

Company name: Reflex Labels Newcastle
Entry name: Asda Exceptional Rump Steak
Printing press: Nilpeter
Number of colours: Eight
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex
Inks: Pulse UV flexo
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Linerless Board
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal
Backing tape: Lohmann
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house (The GreenHouse Studio)
Finishing equipment: None given

Corrugated post-print A-D flute
Sponsored by: XSYS

Company name: DS Smith Livingston
Entry name: Youngs Seafood Alaska Pollock Fillets in Batter
Printing press: Bobst HD Masterline
Number of colours: Five + varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Sandon 850 4.5vol
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Coated 160gsm
Plate: XSYS FTC 112thou + 40thou foam
Platemaking equipment: Esko Advance
Backing tape: BiesSse 10thou
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: SGX Manchester (Schawk)
Finishing equipment: Vianord Evo 5 BP-I

Company name: Saica Packaging Livingston
Entry name: Diageo – Buchanan’s Pineapple 2026 World Cup
Printing press: Bobst 924 NT
Number of colours: Five + varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: ALT 650 LPI x 6.5
Inks: Antonine water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Saica Coated B Flute 165 gsm
Plate: 112 thou DPC
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal XPS
Backing tape: ProShim low density
MIS/Workflow: Esko Webcentre
Pre-press: Contact Originators
Finishing equipment: None given

Company name: Scatolificio TS
Entry name: Flora Lisa
Printing press: Bobst 160 Vision
Number of colours: Five + gloss varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Simec (3×440 DC; 1×280 DC; 1×160 DC)
Inks: Sun Chemical WBLux HQ
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Coated Corrugated Board 46462/EB
Plate: Kodak Miraclon NXC
Platemaking equipment: Kodak
Backing tape: BiesSse
MIS/Workflow: Kiosk Hybrid
Pre-press: InciFlex
Finishing equipment: Gloss varnish

Corrugated post-print E and F flute
Sponsored by: Anilox Laser Technology (ALT)

Company name: Adara Pakkaus
Entry name: Marco Boulangerie cake box
Printing press: Goepfert Ovation 13/21
Number of colours: Four + OPV
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex
Inks: Siegwerk water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Coated 160gsm
Plate: 2.84mm MCO20 full HD
Platemaking equipment: Esko
Backing tape: BiesSse
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: Marvaco
Finishing equipment: Vianord EVO, Kongsberg

Company name: Antonio Sada & Figli
Entry name: La Molisana Palbox
Printing press: Göpfert RDC 16/28 Evolution HBL
Number of colours: Five
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Simec 140/13G; Simec 220L/7.5G
Inks: Water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Uncoated paper, corrugated EB flute 125 gsm
Plate: Kodak Flexcel NXC with Vortex applied
Platemaking equipment: None given
Backing tape: BiesSse
MIS/Workflow: Hybrid
Pre-press: Z Due
Finishing equipment: None given

Company name: Saica Packaging Livingston
Entry name: Diageo Guinness Draft Stout
Printing press: Bobst DRO 1628
Number of colours: Five plus varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: ALT 650×6.5
Inks: Antonine water-based
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Saica Coated F flute 165 gsm
Plate: 112 thou DPC
Platemaking equipment: Esko Crystal XPS
Backing tape: Proshim low density
MIS/Workflow: Esko Webcentre
Pre-press: Contact Originators
Finishing equipment: None given

Best use of hybrid printing

Company name: Label Tec Scotland
Entry name: Greysons
Printing press: Mark Andy P3 Flexo press
Number of colours: Seven (inc 2xwhite, pink and overnight black)
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Cheshire
Inks: UV inks – Sericol, Paragon, Flint, Marabu
Decoration: Silver cold foil, high build screen varnish
Substrate: Gloss clear PP 46gsm
Plate: 80 thou polymer
Platemaking equipment: York Repro
Backing tape: 3M Cushion
MIS/Workflow: Label Traxx
Pre-press: York Repro
Finishing equipment: GM 350 silk screen

Company name: Midland Regional Printers
Entry name: Pureety Gourmet Flavours – Hillbillies Amarillo Hot Honey Sauce
Printing press: Mark Andy Digital Pro 3
Number of colours: Four
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Cheshire Anilox 133LPI
Inks: Flint UV LED Matt Varnish, Mark Andy Digital Toner
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Herma White PP 62gsm
Plate: None given
Platemaking equipment: None given
Backing tape: 3M
MIS/Workflow: Hybrid Cloudflow / Kodak Prinergy
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: Bar Graphic Elite eDSR

Company name: Mirmar
Entry name: Colonia – Agrado
Printing press: Mark Andy Digital Series HD
Number of colours: Eight
Sleeves: Flexografico/Diflex
Anilox: P200C, Stamping (6) and Matt Varnish and gloss (4)
Inks: Sun Chemical (UV), Mark Andy (inkjet)
Decoration: Stamping and varnishes
Substrate: Raflatac PP White FTC 60RP37 HD70WH
Plate: Flexible photopolymer
Platemaking equipment: Flexografico/Diflex
Backing tape: None given
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: In-house

Best use of hybrid printing

Digitally printed labels and packaging
Sponsored by: Xeikon

Company name: Harkwell
Entry name: Full Power Pouch
Printing press: HP 25K
Number of colours: Five
Inks: HP
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Metallic OPP
MIS/Workflow: Cerm/Esko
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: Karlville laminator, slitter & pouch line

Company name: Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
Entry name: Memento Mori – Beckstoffer
Printing press: HP Indigo
Number of colours: Six
Inks: HP
Decoration: None given
Substrate: 80# Estate 8
MIS/Workflow: HP
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: ABG Digicon

Company name: Reflex Label Plus Barwell Digital
Entry name: Lighthouse Celtic Warrior
Printing press: HP Indigo 6900
Number of colours: Five
Inks: HP / Paragon Tactile / Paragon Matt
Decoration: Kurz foil
Substrate: Fasson – cotton touch
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house (The GreenHouse Studio)
Finishing equipment: Grafotronic DCL2

Best use of embellishments
Sponsored by: Edale

Company name: Amberley Labels Boston
Entry name: Irn Bru 1901
Printing press: MPS EF430
Number of colours: One
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Apex GTT 2.0
Inks: Flint
Decoration: Kurz hot foil 391 & 404
Substrate: Raflatac Fleur De Cotton 150gsm
Plate: MacDermid ITP60 Solvent
Platemaking equipment: Esko XPS
Backing tape: Lohmann 4.2
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: Flexor

Company name: Label Tec Scotland
Entry name: Rey Del Istmo
Printing press: Mark Andy P3
Number of colours: Five + varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Cheshire (various)
Inks: Paragon
Decoration: Fluted foils: Kurz 307, 427, Api 2268
Substrate: Tintoretto Gesso Plus 95gsm
Plate: 80 thou polymer
Platemaking equipment: York Repro
Backing tape: 3M cushion
MIS/Workflow: Label Traxx
Pre-press: York Repro
Finishing equipment: GM HF350 foiling unit + Nano

Company name: LemuGroup
Entry name: Plankton Tea
Printing press: Mida LemuGroup MA 350 and LI 220
Number of colours: One (screen printing white)
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: None given
Inks: Marabu
Decoration: Hot stamping, white screen printing
Substrate: Fedrigoni Sirio Pearl Shiny Blue and Avery Dennison Cotton white
Plate: None given
Platemaking equipment: None given
Backing tape: None given
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: Repro studio
Finishing equipment: Mida LemuGroup MA 350 and LI 220

Promotional print
Sponsored by: MPS

Company name: Clifton Packaging
Entry name: Clifton Fingerprint Quartz 2026
Printing press: UTECO ONYX GO
Number of colours: Six
Sleeves: Sandon
Anilox: Sandon
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: 12 PET / 100 White PE
Plate: DuPont
Platemaking equipment: Novus Quartz
Backing tape: tesa
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: YRG Group
Finishing equipment: Clifton Packaging

Company name: SaicaPack South West
Entry name: Cogs and Promotion Layout
Printing press: Bobst Masterflex 2100
Number of colours: Four
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: ALT
Inks: Flint
Decoration: None given
Substrate: SaicaPack Innova 160g
Plate: DuPont DPC
Platemaking equipment: XSYS
Backing tape: BiesSse
MIS/Workflow: Esko
Pre-press: Contact Originators
Finishing equipment: AV Flexologic

Company name: PTI Box (Central Group)
Entry name: Line Screen vs Substrate Comparison
Printing press: Uteco
Number of colours: Five + varnish
Sleeves: None given
Anilox: Pamarco 660lpi
Inks: Sun Chemical
Decoration: None given
Substrate: Smurfit Westrock
Plate: Kodak NX
Platemaking equipment: Autumn Graphic, Kodak
Backing tape: 3M
MIS/Workflow: None given
Pre-press: In-house
Finishing equipment: None given

Environmentally sustainable company
Sponsored by: Apex International

Company name: Desmedt Labels

The Belgian company says it has embedded sustainability into the way it is managed, measured and improved. It adds that it has gone “beyond compliance” by building a structured sustainability approach based on data, clear targets, operational reduction and transparent reporting. A central element is Desmedt’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative, with an ambitious pathway for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction by 2030 being surpassed by a wide margin with five years to spare. Further achievements include a 50% electricity intensity reduction, and 99.9% refrigerant climate impact reduction. In 2025, the company completed its first full Scope 3 emissions calculation, giving it a more complete view of its value-chain impact.

Company name: Midland Regional Printers

The company says sustainability drives everything it does, and that it is committed to reducing environmental impact, supporting biodiversity and advancing a circular economy. It is a Certified Carbon Balanced Printer in partnership with the World Land Trust and has been operationally carbon balanced for three years now. Among measurable results is an 18.52% reduction in emissions in 2025-2026, contributing to a 28.58% reduction over the last two years. Activity has included installing 326 solar panels, voltage optimisation across Midland’s two factories (saving 8.44 tonnes of CO2 annually), and planting so far more than 22,000 trees, with another 6000 additional trees planned this year. Fifteen acres of threatened habitat have been protected through the World Land Trust.

Company name: Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits

MCC in Napa, California, has been developing a PET liner recycling initiative that it says is a powerful example of how collaboration and innovation can create lasting environmental benefits. The Raf-Cycle program gives wineries in the Napa Valley a convenient and reliable way of recycling PET liners, encouraging businesses to embrace circular practices. The program required MCC to develop a standardised process that integrates qualifying PET liner transportation into existing delivery routes. In 2025, more than ten tonnes of PET liner were recycled through an alternative initiative – in 2026, Raf-Cycle has already recycled more than 26 tonnes.

Innovation – printers/converters
Sponsored by: Heidelberg

Company name: DS Smith Livingston
Entry name: Unilever Persil Capsules Non-Bio Pack

Working with its plate supplier, DS Smith Livingston developed a bespoke LED hybrid micro screen and utilised advanced plate mounting technology to overcome common corrugated printing challenges. Applying the screen to a blue background enabled it to replace a heavy anilox roll with a finer specification, maintaining, and in many areas improving, background density. It is claimed a remarkable improvement in print performance has resulted – sharper highlights, cleaner mid-tones and outstanding dot definition, while reducing flute shadowing across the sheet. Beyond print quality, the approach has also enabled faster machine setup, reduced makeready waste, and improved press stability throughout the run.

Company name: Flexure Print N Pack
Entry name: BOPP Laminated Flexo Printed Woven Sack Revolution

BOPP laminated woven sacks have traditionally been gravure printed, with reverse-printing onto a BOPP film to protect the ink and provide a high-gloss premium finish. Flexure set out to make this a flexo application, needing to achieve a successful bond between ink layer and substrate at production speed. The solution was a specially designed anchor coating unit on the extrusion/coating lamination machine, which applies a special chemical layer to the reverse-printed BOPP. In passing through a hot air-drying tunnel, the necessary bond is created. The result completely changes the economics of the application, making flexo a viable process with substantial savings and greater potential for shorter run lengths.

Company name: Multi-Color Corporation Americas Wine & Spirits
Entry name: Sterling Vineyards – Reserve 2023

This label job featured a luxurious soft touch finish developed by MCC, without using soft-touch lamination. The company experimented by combining silver cold foil with a precisely applied flexo gloss varnish to create a unique tactile effect that it says closely replicates the velvety feel of a traditional soft-touch laminate. Printed on a 70# Premium High Gloss paper, a precision emboss further elevates the design, enhancing both the visual and tactile experience. MCC says the innovation “shows how creativity, technical expertise, and precise process control can unlock new possibilities”, delivering a high-end label that challenges conventional finishing methods.

Innovation – suppliers

Company name: Esko
Entry name: CDI Quartz Ecosystem

Esko’s CDI Quartz XPS ecosystem represents “the most significant advancement in flexographic plate imaging in more than a decade”, the company claims, enabling converters to “achieve print quality that rivals gravure” while maintaining the productivity, flexibility and cost advantages of flexo printing. The Quartz ecosystem introduces next-generation optics, ultra-high-resolution imaging and proprietary Q-Cell surface technology alongside the “proven” Esko CDI and Crystal XPS platform. The optical system can image at 4000 ppi – almost double the industry standard, says Esko. Ink transfer is optimised at a microscopic level, it adds, producing smoother solids, cleaner highlights, improved tonal transitions and sharper fine detail than previously possible in flexo.

Company name: XSYS
Entry name: Thermoflex Edge 80

Labelled a “3^rd generation flexo laser imager”, the Thermoflex Edge 80 sets a new benchmark in flexo plate production, according to XSYS. It is the market’s fastest imager, the company says, reaching speeds of up to 15sqm/h, and even with Woodpecker Nano 2000 surface screening can reach speeds of 10sqm/h. Nano 2000 was the first true lossless surface screening, says XSYS, and the Thermoflex Edge 80 system has a new optic system supporting Nano 2400, setting a new benchmark with the highest output frequency of 2400 ppi. This delivers finer detail, smoother solids and enhanced ink transfer, the company says. Internal sensors, predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics help reduce the underestimated cost of prepress downtime.

Future flexo star
Sponsored by: BPIF Labels

Name: Alex Clark
Company name: Edale

Alex joined Edale in 2022 with no experience in print but with some experience in engineering. Starting with commissioning machines for customers, he moved into project management, becoming the main contact after point of sale. He has since become Head of Service, responsible for customer service, field service and project teams. One of his most significant achievements has been his role in improving Edale’s customer service function over the last 18 months – moving to a more structured system but also going beyond systems to change the way support is approached, with the impact on the customer made more of a focus.

Name: Beth Raven
Company name: Paranova Print and Packaging

Supply Chain Compliance Manager Beth joined Paranova in 2020 and has demonstrated “exceptional progression, commitment and leadership”, making a significant contribution to the company’s operational excellence and future resilience. Beginning as a Production Administrator, she moved onto the procurement and supply chain team in 2022. Leading the supply chain operation for the company’s Board business, she introduced process improvements that increased operational efficiency and strengthened supply chain performance. Beth has also played a pivotal role in embedding responsible and sustainable procurement practices throughout the business. Praised as a “quick learner” and a “huge asset” to her team, Beth won the 2024 Printing Charity Rising Star Award.

Name: Connor Lonsdale
Company name: Paranova Print and Packaging

A highly valued employee who displays dedication and a positive attitude, Connor is Senior Estimator and Commercial Analyst at Paranova, acting as commercial lead on several major customer accounts. He joined the business in 2021 and immediately distinguished himself through his commitment, professionalism and willingness to learn. He also shows a natural aptitude for problem solving and continuous improvement, with a proactive approach to solving complex commercial challenges. A 2025 Printing Charity Rising Star Award winner, Connor has also demonstrated a passion for attracting the next generation into print, taking part in FuturePrint’s PodFEST podcast, becoming a positive advocate for the industry’s future.

Name: Connor Phelps
Company name: James Hall

Despite having no concept of printing when he joined James Hall in 2023, Connor took to the industry like a duck to water, becoming a valued member of the team. The business operates aging KDO flexo presses and he carried out a Lean Manufacturing activity aimed at reducing the amount of time taken to search for cutters for the flexo machines. After collecting data, he followed a 5S process to produce a more efficient workplace, with better sorting and storage of cutters, maintained daily. He then analysed the results to demonstrate improved productivity, clearly proving the time saving enabled by his system.

Name: Michael Barnes
Company name: James Hall

Michael is working towards the end of his Level 3 Apprenticeship in machine printing and is printing full colour up to seven colours confidently on his own. He has shown a good understanding of flexographic printing, and beyond this has also carried out a problem-solving assignment for the company, based on quality issues, downtime and waste produced. After researching types of web inspection camera that can be installed on the two flexo presses to help operators maintain optimum quality, Michael presented his findings to the board, and authorisation was given to purchase new cameras. Michael then analysed the results to find significant improvements for the business.

Watch the 2025 highlights