FPPA Announces 2011 Award Winners

Bel Air, MD — The Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) recently presented its annual awards during the February 21-23 meeting held in Tucson, Arizona.

The recipient of the 2011 Technological Innovator of the Year awards is MacDermid Printing Solutions for the LUXTM Platemaking Process: The Next Step in Flexo Printing. This process allows printers to print better by changing the profile of the dot in the printing plate. This simple and quick process is accomplished by laminating a thin membrane layer to the surface of a printing plate after ablation, which prevents oxygen from interacting with the photopolymer during UV exposure, thus creating flat-topped dots. The flat-topped dots created by applying the LUX Process result in print performance that is as good as or better than offset and gravure.

MacDermid introduced the LUX Process on May 2, 2010. Since then, more than 20 installations have taken place around the world. The rapid adoption of LUX is due not only to its ability to create incredible print, but also because of its simplicity and affordability.

The aim of the Technological Innovator of the Year award is to recognize achievement within any production or administrative area of the pre-press process. The word Innovation is defined as the introduction of something new, whether a method or a product. The concept of innovation includes enhancement of profitability, improved productivity, operating efficiency and product quality. Eligibility for this award is open to the full membership of FPPA.

In addition to the annual Innovator award, FPPA honored Rubberlite Inc. with it Sustainability Achievement Award. Rubberlite provides cushioned mounting materials, incorporating recycled rubber to reduce landfill waste and reduce health hazards. They continue development using renewable and recyclable materials. There is no additional cost for their recycled product, which is available exclusively for US distribution through The Pitman Company. Their goal is to help fulfill large corporations’ supply chain program requirements for sustainable products at no additional cost.

The purpose of the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association is to foster, promote, improve and enhance high standards of efficiency and cooperation within the flexographic pre-press platemaking industry.

For More Information on the FPPA, Please Contact:
Diane Schafer, FPPA Executive Director
Diane@ksgroup.org
(443) 640-1045

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