FTA Embraces Broader Packaging Industry

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), the professional organization for the flexographic industry for more than 65 years, has announced a strategic evolution to expand its scope while maintaining its core commitment to flexography. The association will now embrace the broader package printing community, including hybrid, digital, offset, and corrugated technologies.

“Flexo has been our foundation, and it always will be,” said FTA President Nathan Ridnouer. “But as our family grows, we need more space – not by replacing what we have – but by adding to it. This isn’t about choosing between flexo and new technologies; it’s about embracing both.”

The expansion comes at a time when flexography continues to dominate the package printing landscape, representing 52.6% of output according to recent Smithers research. However, the organization recognizes the growing influence of digital and other printing technologies in the $500 billion global packaging and label market.

This new direction follows extensive engagement with the FTA membership base through direct conversations, a membership satisfaction survey, and a training impact assessment. The Board of Directors leadership solidified this vision during a strategic planning retreat in January, setting goals for the next one, five, and 10 years.

“Our current strategic direction is backed by deep engagement with members,” FTA board chair Laura Wright said. “The message has been clear: evolve, adapt, and grow while continuing to honor our rich flexo heritage.”

FTA invites all members and industry professionals to participate in a Virtual Town Hall on April 16, 2025, featuring FTA president Nathan Ridnouer, Wright, and FTA board chair Paul Teachout. This interactive session will provide an in-depth look at FTA’s vision, strategic initiatives, and expanded offerings, with opportunities for questions and discussion.

“We want our members to be active participants in shaping FTA’s future,” says Ridnouer. “The Virtual Town Hall will be a great opportunity to hear directly from leadership about our plans and how we’re working to better serve Flexo and the broader package printing community.”

Registration details for the Virtual Town Hall are available by visiting https://bit.ly/25FTA-VTH. 

As part of this evolution, FTA is introducing several new initiatives:

• Expanded training and certification programs available in on-demand, live online, and in-person formats
• Formation of new community groups, beginning with an “Emerging Leaders” program to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders
• Increased focus on digital and hybrid content, aiming to grow this area to at least 10 percent of total revenue and membership within the next decade

“This is an addition, not a subtraction,” Ridnouer noted, adding, “Flexo remains at the heart of our mission, but we are also making room for those in digital, hybrid, and corrugated printing to be part of our community.”

The upcoming 2025 FTA FORUM INFOFLEX in Pittsburgh this May will showcase the organization’s evolving educational approach, featuring multiple technical tracks and an expected increase in printer and converter attendance.

By 2035, FTA aims to be the premier technical resource for package printing, representing a great majority of the industry’s printers and converters.

“Change isn’t about leaving the past behind—it’s about making sure we’re ready for the future,” Wright concludes. “And that future looks bright for flexo and package printing alike.”