The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has announced the launch of two new annual industry honors: the FTA Printer of the Year Award and the FTA Supplier of the Year Award. These awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across the flexographic printing industry and its supply chain. 

The FTA Printer of the Year and FTA Supplier of the Year Awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance and meaningful contributions to the association and broader flexographic community during the most recent calendar year (January 1–December 31). Through these awards, FTA aims to spotlight organizations that exemplify technical excellence, collaboration, sustainability, give-back, and commitment to advancing the industry. 

FTA Printer of the Year Award 

The FTA Printer of the Year Award recognizes a member printing company that has demonstrated excellence in print quality, technical mastery, innovation, sustainability, and customer impact. Eligible printers are evaluated based on their leadership within the industry, participation in association programs, and measurable contributions that elevate flexographic printing standards. 

FTA Supplier of the Year Award 

The FTA Supplier of the Year Award honors a member supplier that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting printers and advancing the flexographic industry. This award recognizes leadership in innovation, customer experience and reliability, sustainability initiatives, and strong partnerships that create measurable value for customers, the association, and the broader flexographic community. 

“These awards reflect FTA’s commitment to recognizing excellence across the entire flexographic ecosystem,” says Nathan Ridnouer, FTA president. “Printers and suppliers play equally critical roles in driving innovation, collaboration, and progress, and these awards highlight the companies that are setting the standard for our industry.” 

Both awards are open only to FTA member companies in good standing, with applications evaluated by independent task forces comprised of industry professionals representing a cross-section of the flexographic community. Candidates are assessed using a weighted evaluation process aligned with the association’s award criteria, ensuring a fair, rigorous, and transparent selection process. 

Applications for the FTA Printer of the Year and FTA Supplier of the Year awards are now open. Eligible companies are invited to submit an application detailing their achievements, innovations, and contributions from the most recent calendar year. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. 

Award recipients will be announced and honored at the FTA Awards Banquet held during FTA’s Award Banquet on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the 2026 FORUM INFOFLEX in Milwaukee, WI.