FTA Plans To Expand Into Broader Packaging Industry BY GREG KISHBAUGH The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), a professional organiza- tion representing the flexographic industry for more than 65 years, has announced a strategic evolution to expand its scope: the association will now embrace the broader package printing community, including hybrid, digital, offset, and corrugated technologies. “Flexo has been our foundation, and it always will be,” said FTA President Nathan Ridnouer. “But as our family grows, we need more space—not by replacing what we have–but by adding to it. This isn’t about choosing between flexo and new technologies; it’s about em- bracing both.”
Easyfairs UK Launches Packaging Council
Easyfairs UK has formed the Easyfairs Pack- aging Council (EPC), a strategic advisory board, which will play a key role in shaping the future of two of the packaging industry’s events: London Packaging Week and Pack- aging Innovations & Empack. The newly es- tablished council brings together a group of industry leaders who will offer expert insights and guidance to ensure these events remain at the forefront of packaging innovation, sus- tainability, and technology.
The Easyfairs Packaging Council will ad- vise on event content, address emerging trends, and provide valuable perspectives on industry challenges. The council compris- es an group of professionals from across the packaging industry. Current members include Cory Connors, Di- rector of Sustainable Packaging at Orora Pack- aging Solutions; Szymon Klos, Senior Pack- aging Design Manager - Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever; Boma Krijgsman, Brand & Talent Manager at JDO Global; Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystems at SHARPEND; Martin Settle, Se- nior Manager of Polymer Science Sustainability & Packaging at Reckitt; Thomas Stone, Packag- ing Development Manager at Bakkavor; Joan- na Kut, Central Purchasing Manager at Liberty; Paul Jenkins, Managing Director at The Pack- Hub; Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights & Innovation at WRAP; Victoria Whyley, Plastics & Packaging Manager at ALDI; Ian Rothney, Prin- cipal Packaging Scientist at Haleon; and Adam Ryan, Head of Pentawards.
The expansion comes at a time when flexography continues to dominate the package printing landscape, representing 52.6 percent of output according to recent Smithers research. However, the orga- nization recognizes the growing influence of digital and other printing technologies in the $500 billion global packaging and label market. This new direction follows extensive engagement with the FTA mem- bership base through direct conversations, a membership satisfaction sur- vey, and a training impact assessment, said the association. The Board of Directors leadership solidified this vision during a strategic planning re- treat in January, setting goals for the next one, five, and 10 years. “Our current strategic direction is backed by deep engagement with members,” FTA Board Chair, Laura Wright, explained. “The mes- sage has been clear: evolve, adapt, and grow while continuing to hon- or our rich flexo heritage.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
37
www.boardconvertingnews.com
March 31, 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online