2025 winners
Supreme Award
Sponsored by Whitmar Publications
Next Luxury Skincare and Fashion by The Encore Group
(L-R) Host: Bianca Westwood, on behalf of The Encore Group, Richard Bunney and Lindsey Pearson, managing director at Whitmar Publications.
The judges said of the Supreme Winner:
“This gained a unanimous vote from the judges as best in class. The execution of the job is flawless – a photo quality finish on paper. This print demonstrates the pinnacle of flexo printing, and without question deserves the top spot.”
Labels – printed on paper substrates
Sponsored by Dantex Group
Aldi 2 Chunky Breaded Haddock Fillets by Reflex Labels Newcastle
(L-R) Host: Bianca Westwood, Jonathan Jennison, colour manager at Reflex Group and Emmanuel Mougenot, group manager, flexo division at Dantex Group.
The judges said: “Fantastic density on the blue, and superb image reproduction. Overall, the best example of solid colours and CMYK.”
Also nominated:
- The World Irish Ribeye by Coveris Spalding
- Menage a Trois Lavish Merlot by Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine & Spirits
Labels – printed on film substrates
Sponsored by tesa
AirWick Sweet Berry Spritz by Reflex Labels Boston
(L-R) Jonathan Jennison, colour manager at Reflex Group and Darren Courtier, sales manager from Reflex Labels Boston and Rob Humphries, senior account manager at tesa.
The judges said: “Consistently printed across the sheet, registration well held on the material. Vignettes soft and subtle and the illustrations look so real. Reversed-out fine type has been held open well and overall a lovely job.”
Also nominated:
- Vault City Brewery – Fruits of the Forest White Chocolate Banana Crumble by Bristol Labels
- Sainsbury’s Peach & Apple Cider by The Label Makers
Flexible packaging (narrow/medium web) on film
Sponsored by Bar Graphic Machinery
Segafredo Profezzionale Filter 1kg by Walki Westpak
(L-R) Mirva Koskinen, commercial director at Marvaco Oy, Ville Riitahaara, pre-press manager at Walki Westpak and Adam James, managing director at Bar Graphic Machinery.
The judges said: “The execution of this job was impressive. The depth of the black and feathering of this into the illustration stood out above the competition. For the ink set used it is vivid and the type is well-held.”
Also nominated:
- Hill Custard Creams 170 Years Baking Excellence by Coveris Burnley
- Village – Shallots and Family Porotta Frozen Foods by Flexure Print N Pack
Flexible packaging (wide web) on film
Sponsored by Flint Group
Festive Chicken & Stuffing Slice by Roberts Mart
(L-R) Tony Rymer, head of print technical and development and William Roberts, both from Roberts Mart and Lewis Taylor, senior commercial director UK, Ireland and Nordic at Flint Group.
The judges said: “Very good colour density and very well reproduced line and tone. Graphically complex, with all-round superb execution.”
Also nominated:
- Aldi Four Seasons Sweet Potato Fries by ProAmpac Lincoln
- Cookstown 10 Thin Pork Sausages by Reflex Flexibles Telford
Flexible packaging (narrow/medium) on paper
Sponsored by Cheshire Anilox Technology
Next Luxury Skincare and Fashion by The Encore Group
(L-R) Richard Bunney on behalf of The Encore Group and Sonia Arcos, managing director at Cheshire Anilox Technology.
The judges said: “This company has shown that, yet again, it is really pushing the envelope in flexo print. Absolute class.”
Also nominated:
- Tesco Beef Roast Dinner by Coveris Wisbech
UV flexo on paper or board
Sponsored by Dantex Group
Simon Howie Black Label Gastro Burgers by Bizerba Labels
(L-R) Shaun Boult, group factory operations manager at Bizerba Labels and Chris Kelly, head of R&D – analogue at Dantex Group.
The judges said: “Complex job brought to life with the imagery. A brioche bun never looked so delicious. Consistency across the web was impressive.”
Also nominated:
- Ejaazi by Emirates Printing Press
- Coastal Reserve by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
Corrugated post-print (A-D flute)
Sponsored by XSYS
Johnnie Walker Red Label by DS Smith Livingston
(L-R) Paul O’Connor, print manager at DS Smith Livingston and Paul Cambell, VP EMEA sales and service at XSYS.
The judges said: “Very good image quality, superb dot hold – a perfect blend of density and definition.”
Also nominated:
- Glen Turner Label 5 by Saica Packaging Livingston
- Trivento Shiraz by Smurfit Westrock Stalybridge
Corrugated post-print (E and F flute)
Sponsored by Nutshell Trade Services
Langham's Variety Pack by Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale
(L-R) Ian Milner, operations manager and Craig Handley, supply chain director both from Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale and Lucy Swanston, managing director at Nutshell Trade Services.
The judges said: “A solid entry which made us pause for a moment to admire the detail and registration achieved on E Flute. Good repro choices to achieve image definition.”
Also nominated:
- Flamigni I Magnifici Sette by Scatolificio
- Marco Boulangerie Beer Pack by Adara Pakkaus
Best use of hybrid printing
Sponsored by Fujifilm
The Glenlivet by Reflex Label Plus Keighley
(L-R) Shaun Hanson, site manager at Reflex Label Plus Keighley and Andy Webb, head of inkjet and packaging at Fujifilm.
The judges said: “An exceptional design, brought to life by exceptional printing. Beautifully executed – congratulations!”
- Kraken Salted Caramel Rum by The Label Makers
Process colours only
Sponsored by hubergroup
Aldi Giant Pretzels by Interflex Group Sunderland
(L-R) Jonathan Watson, production manager at Interflex Group Sunderland and Brian Kendall, technical sales and application manager at hubergroup.
The judges said: “Lovely work – flawless execution by the winner.”
Also nominated:
- Joy of Sesh by Bristol Labels
- Claude’s Bistro by Cepac Rawcliffe
Digitally printed labels and packaging
Sponsored by Xeikon
Tubby Tom's - Deya of the Dead by Bristol Labels
(L-R) Ben Stokes, managing director at Bristol Labels and Michael Summers, UK sales manager at Xeikon.
The judges said: “A complex, funky set of designs, well printed, well thought through and brought to life – congratulations!”
Also nominated:
- Hampton Furniture by The Labels Makers
- Aureus Vita Dry Gin by Amberley Labels
Best use of embellishments
Sponsored by Kocher+Beck
Surf Magnifi-Scent Wash by Reflex Label Plus Barwell
(L-R) Darren Courtier, sales manager at Reflex, Eleanor Masters, senior global marketing manager, Montse Donoso, global assistant brand manager and Marcin Widawski, production manager, all from Unilever and Rick Leivers, sales manager at Kocher+Beck.
The judges said: “Not just a great print but the embellishments really do give that extra touch. The high build and “bubbles” really made us smile, bringing the machine to life.”
Also nominated:
- Mashair – Khalelh Unit Box by Emirates Printing Press
- Copeland Gin by The Label Makers
Best environmentally improved job
Sponsored by Martin Automatic
Riverford Root Vegetable Recyclable Paper Flow Wrap by Parkside Flexibles
(L to R) Nick Worton, group finance director, Joe Strathearn, global sales director and Staci Bye, sales account manager, all from Parkside Flexibles and Bernd Shopferer, European sales manager at Martin Automatic.
The judges said: “Achieves a meaningful reduction in paper usage, with automation also helping to improve efficiency.”
Also nominated:
- Bottega Petalo by Cartimballo
- Biocolour by Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Promotional print
Sponsored by Heidelberg
Demonstration of flexo printing with AM/FM screening by Flexure Print N Pack
(L-R) Darsheel Shah, sales manager at Flexure Print N Pack and Ross Holloway, label specialist (Gallus) at Heidelberg.
The judges said: “Vibrant, juicy, great colour balance across the web. A lovely, faultless demonstration of this flexo printer’s capabilities – well done!”
Also nominated:
- Promotional Print by Cepac Rawcliffe
- Guzzini by Scatolificio
Environmentally sustainable company – Business
Sponsored by Nilpeter
Midland Regional Printers
(L-R) On behalf of Midland Regional Printers, Neil Lilly, and John Hammond, sales director at Nilpeter.
The judges said: “Clear evidence-based submission showing the company’s commitment to sustainable change within the organisation, and how it is making responsible decisions for both climate and business impact.”
Also nominated:
- Coveris
Innovation
Sponsored by Screen
National Pathology Imaging Co-operative, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust by Hibiscus
The judges said: “This is a true example of just how innovation can go beyond just print and into materials and conversion. It delivers real impact to lives, both in the UK and potentially on a global level. A privilege to learn about his achievement – very well done.”
Also nominated:
- Ben & Jerry’s “Peaces” Salted Caramel Brownie by Korozo Group
- Infinia by Hamilton-Schades Labels
Best reprographics
Sponsored by Esko
Hozelock by Contact Originators
The judges said: “An outstanding submission, demonstrating the skills and value repro brings to converters and brand owners. Clearly thought through, great assessment of challenges and decisions made to optimise the finished result. Superb!”
Also nominated:
- Claude’s Bistro by Reproflex3
- Bristol & Bath Distillery – Dead Man’s Fingers by Victory Graphics
Future flexo star
Sponsored by BPIF Labels
Archie Flatt from Edale
(L-R) Host; Bianca Westwood, Archie Flatt, flexographic printer apprentice at Edale and Simon Mitchell, general manager at BPIF Labels.
The judges said: “References from several colleagues, as well as a great supporting submission, showcase the value and talent this future star is already bringing. Congratulations, we hope you keep embracing the world of print!”
Also nominated:
- Matt Stevenson from Amberley Labels, Blandford Forum
- Lewis Minnis from Mark Andy Print Products
- Ben Granat from Edale