Written prior to the COVID-19 crisis and the changed date of the FTA Europe Diamond Awards.

President Sante Conselvan looks back on FTA Europe’s 2019 and to 2020:

2019 has been another fantastic year at FTA Europe. Our members and the wider flexo community have a lot to feel proud of when looking back at our key achievements.

President Sante

Back in February, the FTA Europe Flexo Best Practice Toolbox was launched on Apple Books. For us, this was an incredibly important moment. The Toolbox is a culmination of a huge amount of hard work – a real team effort from FTA Europe members and industry experts. The finished product is a unique and indispensable tool for machine operators.

The importance of getting the best results the first time cannot be overstated for a company’s resource efficiency. The Toolbox can help printers achieve this – something of which I am personally very proud.

February was a busy month with us also co-hosting the 2019 Packaging Conference with our sister organisation Intergraf, and consultancy Smithers. The conference was a huge success, and was widely praised for bringing together unique speakers and perspectives. Sustainability and innovation were key themes – indicative of the direction in which our industry is heading.

Preparations for the 2020 Diamond Awards also got well underway this year. We were very pleased and grateful for the many companies who have already confirmed they will be key sponsors of the event. Their continued support is evidence of the importance our industry places on the Diamond Awards.

This event is a very special way of recognising exceptional print products and their printers. Naming European champions sets a very high standard for the industry in Europe, and opens up new opportunities for the winners.

Which brings me nicely to 2020! The Diamond Awards will obviously be the main event. On 18 June 2020, I hope that you will join us in Düsseldorf for a night to remember! FTA Europe will also attend the drupa conference taking place in parallel – a key date in any printers’ calendar.

We will also launch our new Technical Committee. This will be a new part of FTA Europe, comprised of experts from each member country. The aim of the Committee will be to ensure that FTA Europe takes targeted action in the areas of most importance to ensure the prosperity and longevity of the companies we represent.

In February, we celebrate our five-year anniversary. It will be a very proud moment to reflect on our achievements and make plans for the future. FTA Europe is dedicated to representing and advocating for the flexo industry. I invite you to continue on this journey with us!

– Sante