Honoring Excellence: The Flexographic Technical Association Opens Nominations for the 2027 Hall of Fame

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has officially opened the nomination period for its 2027 Hall of Fame, a prestigious induction ceremony that serves as the pinnacle of recognition within the global flexographic printing community. By inviting industry professionals to submit their nominations, the FTA is once again setting the stage to honor those visionaries whose life’s work has fundamentally shaped the landscape of package printing and converting.

Induction into the FTA Hall of Fame is not merely an award; it is a permanent mark of distinction, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated a multi-decade commitment to technical innovation, industry-wide education, and the sustained growth of the association itself. As the industry faces a new era of digital integration, sustainability mandates, and heightened supply chain complexity, the role of these industry giants—both past and future—becomes increasingly vital to understanding the trajectory of the printing world.

Main Facts: The Path to the 2027 Hall of Fame

The FTA Hall of Fame serves as the highest accolade bestowed by the association. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only those with a truly transformative impact on the flexographic industry are considered. The criteria for nomination are stringent, requiring evidence of significant contributions to flexographic technology, active participation in the advancement of training and education programs, and a record of dedicated service to the FTA and its membership base.

For those interested in participating in the nomination process, the deadline is firmly set for December 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The selection process is managed by a committee of current Hall of Fame members, who evaluate candidates based on their ethics, professional achievements, and their enduring influence on the flexographic craft.

The association emphasizes that this is an opportunity for peers to recognize peers. Whether a candidate has pioneered a new printing plate technology, revolutionized workflow automation, or spent decades mentoring the next generation of technicians, the Hall of Fame seeks to codify their legacy into the permanent history of the printing arts.

A Chronology of Industry Advancement

To understand the weight of an FTA Hall of Fame induction, one must look at the evolution of the industry the association serves. Flexography, once considered a "second-class" printing method in the mid-20th century, has risen to become the dominant process for packaging production globally.

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the FTA has been the heartbeat of this transformation. In the 1970s and 80s, the focus was on standardizing the flexographic process, moving from "black magic" craftsmanship to a science-based production environment. During this era, Hall of Fame members were often the engineers and plant managers who championed the implementation of color management and precise anilox specifications.

Moving into the 1990s and 2000s, the focus shifted toward environmental sustainability and the transition to digital prepress workflows. The individuals inducted during this period were instrumental in bridging the gap between analog printing and the digital revolution.

Now, as we approach the 2027 cycle, the industry is entering its most complex phase yet: the era of the "smart factory." Modern inductees are expected to be leaders who are navigating the complexities of high-speed automation, the circular economy, and the transition toward water-based or energy-curable inks that meet rigorous global compliance standards. The Hall of Fame acts as a living record of this progression, documenting the shift from mechanical printing to sophisticated, data-driven manufacturing.

Supporting Data: The Impact of Leadership and Education

The importance of the Hall of Fame lies in its ability to highlight the "human infrastructure" of the industry. While industry reports often focus on hardware sales, ink formulations, or substrate advancements, the success of these technologies is entirely dependent on the knowledge transfer facilitated by industry leaders.

The FTA’s commitment to education is a central pillar of the Hall of Fame criteria. Data from the FTA’s own training initiatives consistently shows that companies with strong internal training programs—often championed by industry veterans—experience significantly lower waste, faster makeready times, and higher employee retention.

Furthermore, the influence of Hall of Fame members extends into the technical committees that draft the industry’s "Gold Standard" specifications. These standards provide the benchmark for converters worldwide, ensuring that a label printed in Europe matches the quality of one produced in the United States. By honoring those who contribute to these standards, the FTA ensures that the industry’s collective knowledge base is not lost but rather institutionalized for the benefit of all members.

Official Responses: The Philosophy of Recognition

Jean Engelke, the chair of the Hall of Fame committee, offered profound insight into what it truly means to receive this honor. Her perspective emphasizes that the award is the culmination of a "lifetime commitment" rather than a singular achievement.

"Being inducted into the FTA Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor," Engelke stated. "It means you have contributed to and dedicated a professional career advancing flexo technology, education and the FTA’s goals and mission."

Engelke further highlighted the human element of the process: "This recognition does not come without commitment, personal perseverance and very hard work. Nominations for this award are the first step toward attainment. Current HOF members evaluate nominees and based on all of these values, ethics and achievements, select the next inductee."

Her comments underscore that the committee is not looking for a "flash in the pan" success. Instead, they are seeking individuals whose professional ethics and technical contributions have helped the industry navigate periods of economic volatility and technological disruption. For the committee, the Hall of Fame is a reflection of the industry’s moral and technical compass.

Implications for the Industry: Why Recognition Matters

The opening of nominations for the 2027 Hall of Fame carries significant implications for the future of the flexographic community.

1. Mentorship and Talent Attraction

In an industry currently facing a "skills gap," where seasoned professionals are retiring at an accelerated rate, the Hall of Fame serves as a beacon for the next generation. By highlighting the careers of successful leaders, the FTA provides a narrative of career growth and professional satisfaction that can attract young talent to the printing and packaging sectors.

2. Standardizing Excellence

The Hall of Fame acts as a validation of the FTA’s standards. When the industry sees who is honored, they see the types of technical rigor and business practices that are valued. It encourages companies to strive for the same level of excellence in their own operations, knowing that there is a path toward industry-wide recognition.

3. Preserving the Institutional Memory

Technological change in printing moves at breakneck speed. Without the efforts of organizations like the FTA and the individuals honored in the Hall of Fame, the lessons of the past would be easily forgotten. Inductees serve as a repository of "tribal knowledge"—the nuance of handling difficult substrates, the art of plate mounting, and the strategic vision required to pivot a business model toward emerging market trends.

4. Strengthening the Association

The nomination process itself is a community-building exercise. It requires members to pause, reflect, and document the achievements of their colleagues. This strengthens the bonds within the FTA membership and reinforces the association’s role as the central hub of the flexographic ecosystem.

How to Participate

The FTA encourages all members of the flexographic community—from converters and suppliers to educators and consultants—to consider who has had the most significant impact on their professional journey. The nomination process is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that each candidate’s story is told in full detail.

Nominations must be submitted through the official FTA website, where applicants will find detailed guidelines on how to structure their submission, the documentation required, and the evaluation criteria used by the committee. As the deadline of December 31, 2026, approaches, the association urges nominators to start the process early to ensure that the necessary supporting materials and endorsements are gathered thoroughly.

Conclusion

The 2027 FTA Hall of Fame will serve as a milestone for the industry, marking a new chapter in the history of flexography. As the association prepares to honor the next class of inductees, it invites the entire community to take part in the process of defining excellence.

For those who have spent their lives pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a press, this is an opportunity to see their work recognized by the very institution they helped build. For the industry at large, it is a chance to celebrate the people who have made the flexographic process not just a method of production, but a career, a passion, and a driving force in the global economy.

As we look toward 2027, the FTA Hall of Fame remains the gold standard of professional achievement, ensuring that the innovators of today become the legends of tomorrow.