Independent Judging Panel
A team of respected, independent judges from across the packaging print industry are at the heart of these awards. Winners – chosen by the panel – receive an award that reflects the change, regeneration and dynamism that it takes to be a Global Flexo Innovation Award winner.
The 2021 GFIA judges selected entries that surprised with showstopping creativity; impressed with conversion from another process and record-setting efficiency; and inspired with a real contribution to sustainable print.
Chris Horton, lead judge
Print entrepreneur and former executive Chris Horton will chair the Global Flexo Innovation Awards 2020/21. An industry expert, Chris entered the graphic services industry in 1988 when he founded Advance Printing Products (APP). In early 2001, Chris successfully merged APP with Southern Graphic Systems and was instrumental in the company’s international growth until he retired in 2016. Chris was part of the judging team for the 2018/19 Flexo Innovation Awards.
Stefano d’Andrea
Industrial graphic expert, flexographic process trainer and consultant, Stefano d’Andrea began his career in packaging print and visual communication in 1986. The opportunities to improve quality in flexography through the sharing of technical knowledge prompted him to establish his independent training and consultancy activity. Stefano holds a FIRST Certified Implementation Specialist – Level III qualification, and actively collaborates with FTA Europe and Atif, the Italian technical association for flexography.
Laurel Brunner
Journalist and consultant, Laurel Brunner is managing director of Digital Dots, a graphic arts research group, specializing in digital prepress, printing and publishing. As well as consulting with, and providing editorial services to, publishers, manufacturers and industry associations, Laurel works with several ISO working groups and is convener of ISO’s Working Group 11, developing standards relating to the environmental impact of graphics technology, including print media.
Jason Goode
Jason has spent over 20 years working in the packaging industry, with roles ranging from applied research and technology, to hands on packaging engineering, through to team management, packaging innovation and business systems development at Amcor, Simplot and Reece Group. Jason believes in continuous improvement in all aspects of packaging, be it artwork design, printing, packaging design and materials, with sustainability always front of mind. Jason is also in his 4th year as a board member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation.
Dr. Kai Lankinen
Dr. Kai Lankinen’s approach to print is nicely summed up by his motto, less is more. As executive partner and co-owner of leading European prepress house Marvaco, Kai is closely involved in serving leading packaging brand owners and printers. He has 20-years industry experience, and has collaborated with partners on numerous projects to improve flexo. He has recently finalized his doctoral thesis ‘Evaluation of Expanded Gamut Printing in Flexography’.
Sebastian Longo
President and Managing Director of Fotograbados Longo S.A, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sebastian is the third generation in the family business founded by his grandfather 80 years ago. At the centre of the business is flexible packaging, with a wide focus on all aspects of flexo, from prepress, and color management to plate production. Sebastian is currently completing a FIRST Implementation Specialist Certification course.
Ken McGuire
A proven inventor and new product innovator, Ken McGuire is a named inventor on 53 US patents, with 30 more patents pending. Ken is a Research Fellow at Procter and Gamble, where his work has involved co-inventing ThermaCare heat wraps and Press ‘n Seal food wraps. His current area of focus – disruptive innovation in materials – is strongly focused on flexible packaging and enabling technology.
Chip Tonkin
After 15 years in the packaging and printing industry, Dr Chip Tonkin joined Clemson University to launch the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design & Graphics, where he is director. The institute brings together academic disciplines and industry partners to drive innovative packaging development. Chip is also the Chair of the Department of Graphic Communications at Clemson University, where he studied for his MS in Graphic Communications and completed his PhD in Computer Science.