ASSOCIATION NEWS FGCE Launches New Website, Reinforces New Name The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE) has launched its new website at TheFGCE. org , marking the next step in the organization’s transi- tion from the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) and reinforcing its broadened mission across the graphic communications industry. While its roots are in print and graphics, the Foun- dation’s work now spans packaging, industrial inkjet, engineering, chemistry, and other emerging areas shaping modern graphic communications. The new website gives students, educators, do- nors, and industry partners a clearer view of The Foun- dation’s work through four focus areas: Students, Ed- ucators, Community, and Advocacy. Programs include scholarships, educational grants for classroom equip- ment, and support for student and educator participa- tion in academic and industry events. The Foundation also invests in entry-level graph- ic communications programs at technical schools and high schools and supports the educational initiatives of the Graphic Communication Education Association. In addition, The Foundation stewards Introduction to
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going research into non-European imports of self-adhesive label materials, with a particular focus on China. Early in- dications point to a significant increase in Chinese import volumes since 2020, especially in selected material cate- gories. The research underlines the need for closer mar- ket monitoring and a balanced assessment of how global capacity, pricing and supply-chain dynamics may affect the competitiveness of the European label value chain. Further preliminary market insights from FINAT RADAR and AWA highlighted a cautious business environment. Converter revenues in Q1 2026 were mostly static or slightly down compared with the same period last year. Finishing equipment was the most frequently mentioned capital investment priority, at 31 percent, while flexible packaging remained the most attractive adjacent growth market for converters, cited by 32 percent of respondents. Digitalization and automation were identified by 40 per- cent of converters as the most critical success factor for the next three years. Brand owners, meanwhile, are facing continued pressure from material and energy costs, with 42 percent reporting increases. Changing Expectations The program also underlined that brand-owner expec- tations are changing. Labels are no longer judged only on price, reliability and technical execution. They are in- creasingly part of a wider conversation about sustainabili- ty, recyclability, data, compliance, consumer engagement and design trade-offs. For converters and suppliers, this creates an opportunity to move upstream in the customer conversation and act as consultative partners rather than transactional suppliers. Sustainability was addressed not as a separate topic, but as a business condition increasingly linked to mar- ket access, regulation and competitiveness. Discussions around PPWR, recyclability, circularity and carbon impact showed that brand owners expect practical support from the label value chain in balancing compliance, material choices, design impact and commercial feasibility. Artificial Intelligence was another defining theme. The debate moved beyond general awareness to practical im- plementation, with examples of AI agents and workflow applications in estimating, customer service, prepress, document handling, production support and marketing. The message was clear: AI will not replace business judg- ment, but companies that embed it into core processes, with proper governance and human supervision, will gain speed, consistency and operational insight. The final part of the program focused on the capabilities needed to remain competitive toward 2030. The pre-con- ference Industry Roundtables identified AI and automation as the strongest forces reshaping the industry, followed by sustainability and regulation. The discussions made clear that the industry is moving from AI experimentation to op-
Graphic Communication, a widely used introductory textbook utilized by programs around the world. This launch marks the latest evolution in the organi- zation’s history. Originally established as the National Trust Scholarship Foundation (NTSF), the organization adopted the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation name in 1999. Today, as The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education, it continues to expand its support for learners and learning environments across the graphic communications field. Each year the foundation grants more than $700,000 in scholarships and educational grants.
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