2025 winners

 

Supreme Award

Sponsored by Whitmar Publications

Next Luxury Skincare and Fashion by The Encore Group

Supreme Award

(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

Labels - printed on paper substrates

(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

Labels - printed on film substrates

(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

Flexible packaging (narrow/medium web) on film

(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

Flexible packaging (wide web) on film

(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

Flexible packaging (narrow/medium) on paper

(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

UV flexo on paper or board

(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

Corrugated post-print (A-D flute)

(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

Corrugated post-print (E and F flute)

(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

Best use of hybrid printing

(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

Process colours only

(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

Digitally printed labels and packaging

(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

Best use of embellishments

(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

Best environmentally improved job

(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

Promotional print

(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

Environmentally sustainable company - Business

(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

Innovation

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

Best reprographics

 

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

Future flexo star

(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
FlexoTech Awards