Board Converting News, January 22, 2024

FINAT Leads Way On LCA, PCF Standardization BY GREG KISHBAUGH

Flexo Platemakers Celebrate 25th Annual Conference The Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) will host its 25th Annual Conference, February 25–27, 2024, at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California. For a quarter of a cen-

In the realm of sustainability, FINAT, the European label association, has reached a second milestone toward harmonizing CO2 account- ing in the label sector. With a commitment to fostering environmental practices, FINAT has launched a document that explains the methods, standards, and tools available for the calculation of PCF and LCA cal- culation in more detail. The first phase involved addressing the fundamental differences between LCA and PCF. A video and brochure were published accord- ingly. Extensive surveys and desk research were conducted to discern the particulars, which prompted the creation of a document untangling the complexity of impact measurements and the diverse approaches available.

tury, leaders in the flexographic platemaking industry have convened to address challeng- es, share insights, and explore opportunities. 2024’s conference will be no exception. To honor the history and legacy of the as- sociation and industry, the conference will feature an Industry Stalwart Panel, including Dan Fry (MacDermid), Sam Merenda (Graph- ics 2 Press), and Laura Wright (CSW). Colleen Twomey, professor of graphic communication at Cal Poly, will moderate the panel. In addition to a keynote presentation from Brian Foley, National Sales Manager - Corru- gated Board at BOBST North America, the conference will feature technical sessions from industry suppliers, including MacDermid, DuPont, and XSYS. Attendees can participate in one-on-one sessions between platemakers and suppliers, fostering collaboration and deepening busi- ness relationships. For more information or to register, visit www.flexoplatemakers.com/events .

This new document serves as a guide, explaining the distinctions between standards, methodologies, software tools, and databases that are crucial when impact measurements are implemented effec- tively. It emphasizes that selecting a methodology and initiating an im- pact assessment isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Instead, it requires a thoughtful consideration of which standards, tools, and databases should be selected. As a next milestone, FINAT’s working group wants to play a pivot- al role in establishing the FINAT guideline and recommendations and explore offering a harmonized and accessible way for implementing a PCF or LCA in the label industry. The guideline will adhere to specific

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