Cyngient, the full-service, technology-driven provider of coatings, inks, adhesives, and primers for the flexographic, digital, and commercial printing industries, is showing its support for the future health of flexographic label and package printing industry with donations to Illinois State University (ISU). The donations of both materials and expertise comes as ISU participates in The Phoenix Challenge, the annual competition that challenges graphic arts students to develop and present real-world flexo-based packaging solutions. 

ISU’s graphic arts program has been given a significant boost as students and faculty are utilizing a full set of printing materials aimed at elevating the overall curriculum as well as its Phoenix Challenge entry. Cyngient is providing ISU its premium UV flexo ink set, as well as specialty embellishments and print effect coatings such as functional coatings, Invisi-Glow, glow-in-dark technology, and more.

In addition to inks and coatings, Cyngient is also donating its insight and expertise. Company experts are delivering educational presentations covering flexographic printing challenges related to inks, adhesives, coatings, and primers. Students are then taking the content and techniques they are learning and putting them to the test on-press. The ISU program has installed a Mark Andy Digital Pro 3 hybrid press, among other equipment.

Adam Burke, program coordinator at ISU, says, “Graphic communication programs in this country are becoming rare, even though the need for young talent in the industry is in high demand. Support from industry is critical to keep our programs relevant while allowing the students to experiment with the newest trends and technologies.”

Going forward, Cyngient plans to continue its support for the educating the industry’s future workforce, offering internships and extended guidance outside the classroom.

Andrew Wasserman, Cyngient’s managing partner, comments, “At Cyngient, we are deeply committed to advancing flexographic printing by investing in education and inspiring the next generation of talent. Our support for young adults reflects our belief that the future of our industry depends on knowledge, innovation, and continuous reinvestment.”