ASSOCIATION NEWS FTA Mexico Launches FIRST 7.0 In Spanish
waste, increased plate longevity, and more efficient pro- duction processes, helping lower environmental impact while maintaining print quality. Technical Innovation Award Miraclon was the recipient of the 2026 Technical Inno- vation Award. The award honors innovations that advance flexog- raphic printing through measurable improvements in effi- ciency, quality, and overall performance. Miraclon’s FLEXCEL Prime Plate was selected for its ability to address common pressroom challenges while delivering consistent, high-quality results.
With the participation of key representatives from industry, academia, and the public sector, the offi- cial press conference for the launch of the technical book “FIRST 7.0 in Spanish” was held, positioning Mexico as a leading force in the standardization and technical development of the flexographic industry in Latin America.
The event took place at the State Public Library of Jalisco “Juan José Arreola”, bringing together specialized media and industry leaders interested in strengthening the quality and competitiveness of flexographic printing. The presentation featured the participation of José Trinidad Padilla López, Director of the Library; Eng. Rubén Masayi González Uyeda, representative of the industrial sector; Martin Maldonado, President FTA MEXICO; as well as members of FTA Mexico A.C. and Industry. “FIRST 7.0” (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances) is a technical standard worldwide in flexographic printing, establishing pre- cise guidelines to achieve quality, consistency, and control in image reproduction. This edition represents a milestone, as it is the first official version in Spanish. This achievement has been made possible within the framework of collaboration with the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) of the United States, which granted authorization for its translation, pro- motion, and commercialization across Latin Ameri- ca, with Mexico leading this effort. “The arrival of FIRST 7.0 in Spanish represents a fundamental step in elevating the technical level of our industry and aligning with international stan- dards that are now essential to compete globally,” stated a representative of FTA Mexico. “This effort not only impacts companies but also strengthens talent development and collaboration with academ- ic institutions, creating a more robust ecosystem for the growth of the sector,”
Designed for seamless integration with existing FLEX- CEL NX Systems, the technology allows printers to adopt the new plate without workflow disruptions, enabling mixed plate sets and eliminating the need for re-profiling or press modifications. This compatibility supports faster adoption while reducing cost and operational complexity. Key features, including Stay Clean surface properties and Lift Resist technology, help reduce ink buildup, min- imize plate lift and extend plate life, contributing to im- proved press uptime, reduced waste and greater consis- tency. Flexographic Printer of the Year Emerald Packaging was named the first recipient of its Flexographic Printer of the Year Award, recognizing excel- lence in print quality, innovation, sustainability and indus- try leadership. Emerald Packaging earned the inaugural honor for its strong commitment to advancing sustainable flexible packaging solutions while maintaining high levels of pro- duction performance. The company has been a leader in integrating post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into food-contact packaging, helping reduce reliance on virgin plastics without compromising quality or functionality. In addition to material innovation, Emerald continues to invest in process improvements and technologies that en- hance efficiency, reduce waste, and support environmen- tally responsible manufacturing. Its active involvement in industry collaboration and policy discussions further re- flects its leadership in shaping the future of sustainable packaging.
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