Virtual FORUM 2020 wrapped up May 6 with FQC: Exploring Technology & Defining Value in Packaging, chaired by Jean Engelke, FQC Executive Committee chair, and Dr. Sam Ingram of Clemson University.
The session began with Anissa Mollett, a graduate student at Clemson University and the 2019 second-place recipient of the FFTA Rossini North America Flexographic Research Scholarship. Mollett shared her research on color accuracy in biodegradable paperboard packaging with eco-friendly inks. “Eco-friendly ink alternatives are comparable to petrochemical-based inks in regards to color matching,” she concluded. She also noted that a large part of implementing greener packaging solutions is to educate the consumer on how to properly dispose of them.
Next, Dovie Jeffcoat, a senior graphic communications student at Clemson University and the 2019 Gary Hilliard FQC Scholarship recipient, shared her research on Clemson orange brand color consistency. In her research, Jeffcoat explored how much Clemson orange is being maintained across different products, substrates and processes. “When it comes to brand image, color is one of the most important aspects,” she noted.
California Polytechnic State University‘s Phoenix Challenge team, this year’s winner of the college competition, presented its work and research in rebranding Tails Pet Boutique, a high-end pet store in San Luis Obispo, CA. The team researched the current state of the pet industry and looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the store’s current branding, as well as other factors, to develop a new design for the store’s labels and packaging.
Jinkai Qian of Techkon USA gave an update on the FQC project Opacity Measurement: Test Method and Instrumentation. A goal of the project is to identify common white/black point specifications for backing materials and create a best practice for Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances (FIRST ). Qian explained that a sample kit has been sent to team members individually for taking measurements, and once returned, the group will compare data for further analysis.
Ann Warzecha of AWT Labels and Packaging and Mark Portelli of Saint Clair Systems ended the session with an update on the FQC project titled Ink Temperature and Production Factors Impact on Flexographic Print. The project is seeking to identify the impact that temperature and humidity have on graphic quality and printability. Future test dates are to be determined.
Following the updates, speakers participated in a question and answer session.