A Year to Remember: 2020 in Review

In the beginning of the year—before COVID-19, masks and quarantines were a normal part of life—many in the flexographic industry had an optimistic outlook for 2020. Forecasts pointed to a strong economy and emerging innovations as indicators the year was going to be a positive one.

Now, at the end of that year, it’s difficult to sum up what actually happened. The start of the new decade was full of events no one expected—for flexographers, the rapidly spreading virus meant that annual conferences and trade shows needed to be delayed, turned into online experiences for the first time ever, or cancelled altogether.

While it did not turn out like anyone imagined, the flexographic industry adjusted where needed, and stayed strong. We all learned how to conduct business in a virtual environment, and we got creative in how we stayed connected. Many are inclined to complain about 2020—and while it’s true the year brought innumerable unexpected challenges, it also showed that no matter the circumstances, innovations in package printing are here to stay, and our industry is one that can adapt and still come out on top.

On that note, FLEXO Magazine is taking a look back at the positive parts of 2020—for FTA and the industry as a whole. And we begin on a most important note. Printers report pressrooms are busy, order activity is brisk, presses are continuously running and print outcome is on the rise.

Association & Industry Happenings

Over the course of 2020, many new companies found value in a FTA membership, as almost 100 companies joined the Association during the year.

New members were added to FTA Board of Directors and FFTA Board of Trustees and some individuals completed their terms. Dan Blackburn of Kimberly-Clark Corp and Keith Nagle of Phoseon Technology joined the boards. Sean Teufler of Harper Corporation of America became FTA Vice Chair, Education. Jean Engelke began her term as FFTA’s Board of Trustee Chair.

The full roster of officers on the FTA Board of Directors includes:

The full roster of officers on the FFTA Board of Trustees includes:

  • Jean Engelke, Chair
  • Laura Wright, CSW Inc, Chair-Elect
  • Mark Cisternino, President
  • Geoff Roznak, Further North LLC, Vice Chair, Project Evaluations
  • JP Delage, Master Packaging Inc, Vice Chair, Scholarships
  • Ron Premo, Printpack Inc, Vice Chair, Solicitations
  • Dale Walbert, G3 Enterprises, FFTA Treasurer

And Members at Large of both bodies are:

Ten FTA Membernars covered topics such as virtual reality training, Delta E measurement, ink’s impact on inefficient print, screening and modern prepress technologies, and more.

Nine FLEXO Tech Talks were held, enabling magazine authors to expand on their writings. They ranged in topics, including sustainability, innovations in flexible packaging, and ink and anilox technologies.

FIRST Press Operator Certification, FIRST Prepress Operator Certification or FIRST Implementation Specialist Certification was achieved by more than 200 people.

Many mergers and acquisitions continued to take place this year: