TECHNOLOGY NEWS Bourbon Company Introduces NFC Labels
FTA (CONT’D FROM PAGE 37)
and efficiency, the program balanced innovation with prac- tical application. Sessions also emphasized the critical role of workforce development, with discussions on training, mentorship, and retention, alongside inspiring student-led presentations that highlighted the next generation of flex- ographic talent. Throughout the program, a recurring theme emerged: the importance of integrating flexographic, hybrid, and digital technologies to build more agile, efficient, and fu- ture-ready print operations. Executive Leadership Summit A key addition to this year’s event was the Executive Leadership Summit, which brought together senior lead- ers from printer/converter members for focused discus- sions on business strategy, industry challenges, and op- portunities for growth. New experiential elements were also introduced on the show floor, including a Flexo Heritage area, highlighting the history and evolution of flexographic printing, and the FTA Community Hub, designed to foster connection and en- gagement. The Community Hub featured programming led by Women of Flexo and Leaders Inspiring Flexo’s Tomorrow (LIFT), supporting mentorship, collaboration, and the devel- opment of the next generation of industry professionals. As the 2026 event concluded, FTA announced that FO- RUM INFOFLEX will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, May 2-5, 2027. Emerging Sub-Segments Transforming Flexo Landscape The flexographic printing technology market is positioned for significant growth in the coming years, driven by evolv- ing demands across packaging and industrial sectors, ac- cording to a new report from Business Research Compa- ny. With sustainability and efficiency taking center stage, this market is set to undergo considerable expansion as new technologies and applications emerge. The flexographic printing technology market is antici- pated to achieve strong growth, reaching a valuation of $3.82 billion by 2030. This expansion corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 percent over the forecast period. Factors propelling this growth include rising demand for sustainable packaging options, increased adoption of flexographic printing in corrugated packaging, the boom in private label products, a need for faster production turn- around, and broader use of industrial printing applications. Key trends expected to influence the market include the expansion of high-speed volume printing, enhancements in ink transfer efficiency, compatibility with multiple sub- strates, improvements in print consistency and quality, and advancements in flexible plate technology.
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s new program al- lows consumers to apply an NFC label to any bottle and attach a custom message, photo or video. A hand applies a label that says ‘Tap - It’s person- al’ to a bottle of bourbon
Bardstown Bourbon Company has introduced Bourbon Gifting Reimagined, a program using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that transforms how consumers personalize and share a bottle.
The program allows consumers to apply an NFC label to any bottle and attach a custom message, photo or video that lives directly with the gift. With the tap of a smartphone, the recipient unlocks a per- sonal experience created by the giver. While spirits brands have historically used con- nected packaging to ensure authenticity or deliv- er brand storytelling, Bourbon Gifting Reimagined shifts the focus to the consumer, giving them a sim- ple, intuitive way to create and share their own story directly on the bottle. The technology behind the program was devel- oped in partnership with Eurostampa and io.tt, com- bining premium label craftsmanship with a digital experience.
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