FTA Announces 2026 Award Winners at FORUM INFOFLEX

By Kalie VanDewater

At the annual FORUM INFOFLEX in Milwaukee, the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) honored the recipients of its 2026 awards — including in some new categories. The awards were presented during the awards banquet on April 26.

2026 FTA Hall of Fame Induction and President’s Award

FTA’s highest honor went to Catherine “Cat” Haynes, who was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. Haynes’ induction recognizes her “decades of leadership, service, and lasting impact on the flexographic printing industry,” according to a press release from FTA.

Cat Haynes celebrates her FTA Hall of Fame induction at FORUM INFOFLEX. | Credit: FTA

Over the course of her career — spanning more than 30 years — Haynes has contributed greatly to improvements to process control, color management, and education. She has also been heavily involved with FTA over the years, giving technical presentations, offering mentorship, and serving on the organization’s board.

“The FTA could use a few more like Cat,” FTA President Nathan Ridnouer said in a statement. “She’s not only often the smartest person in the room, but also one of the most generous with her time, insight, and leadership. Cat Haynes exemplifies the dedication, professionalism, and impact that define the FTA Hall of Fame.”

Garrett Taylor celebrates his President's Award win. | Credit: FTA

Also recognized at the awards banquet was Garrett Taylor, sales director at SOMA North America. Taylor was the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award, highlighting his “strong support of industry education, collaboration, and innovation, as well as his ongoing contributions to FTA programs and initiatives,” according to an FTA press release. This has included fostering partnerships between FTA and the Flexo Xperience Center, as well as contributing to FTA’s FIRST training.

“Garrett is a tremendous partner and advocate for the FTA,” Ridnouer said in the release. “His commitment to supporting both the association and the broader flexographic community is evident in everything he does.”

Inaugural Printer and Supplier of the Year Awards

FTA also launched two new awards this year: the FTA Printer of the Year and the FTA Supplier of the Year. The honorees of this year’s awards were Emerald Packaging and SOMA, respectively.

Emerald Packaging was the inaugural FTA Printer of the Year recipient. | Credit: FTA

Emerald Packaging, a flexible packaging converter based in Union City, California, was named Printer of the Year for its commitment to advancing sustainability while maintaining high production performance, according to an FTA press release. This commitment has involved using post-consumer recycled materials in food-contact packaging; investing in process improvements and technologies that support efficiency and environmental responsibility; and participating in industry collaborations and policy discussions surrounding the future of sustainable packaging.

“Emerald Packaging exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking leadership that is driving flexography into the future,” Ridnouer said in a statement. “Their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and performance sets a powerful standard for what’s possible in our industry.”

SOMA was the inaugural FTA Supplier of the Year recipient. | Credit: FTA

SOMA was recognized as Supplier of the Year not only for developing technologies that increase press efficiency, automation, and print quality, but also for its efforts to build strong ties within the flexo community and to drive the industry forward through education, research, and hands-on collaboration.

“What sets SOMA apart is their role in strengthening the entire flexographic ecosystem,” Ridnouer said in a press release. “They’re not just developing equipment — they’re actively enabling collaboration, education, and shared progress across the industry.”

2026 FTA Technical Innovation Award

The recipient of this year’s Technical Innovation Award was Miraclon in recognition of the company’s FLEXCEL Prime Plate with Seamless Fit Technology.

The plate integrates with existing FLEXCEL NX Systems and can be incorporated without disrupting the current workflow, according to an FTA press release. This allows printers to use mixed plate sets and avoid re-profiling and making press modifications.

2026 Sustainability Excellence Awards

Also awarded at FORUM INFOFLEX was the Sustainability Excellence Award. This year, two recipients — C-P Flexible Packaging and DuPont Cyrel Solutions — were recognized for innovations that support environmental responsibility within the flexo industry, according to a press release from FTA.

C-P Flexible Packaging earned recognition for its die-cut rollstock made from compostable materials, improving packaging end-of-life outcomes without compromising package performance.

Meanwhile, DuPont Cyrel Solutions was recognized for its ReNew platemaking technology, which is designed to reduce material waste, increase plate longevity, and improve production efficiency.

2026 Excellence in Flexography Awards

The Excellence in Flexography Awards competition received more than 250 submissions this year, according to an FTA press release. In total, 43 awards were presented — 12 gold medals, 13 silver, and 18 bronze — to recognize the degree of difficulty, level of execution, and overall print quality.

The winning submissions spanned multiple print segments, including wide web, narrow web, envelope, preprint linerboard, mid web, corrugated, and special achievements, “reflecting strong participation across both flexible packaging and paper-based applications, according to the release.

The judges also awarded Best of Show designations to six submissions. The honorees included ProAmpac, Walki Westpak & Marvaco Oy, McDowell Label, Adara Pakkas Oy & Marvaco Oy, Smurfit Westrock, and MackayMitchell Envelope Co.