Major packaging converters secure spots on the 2026 FTA Europe Diamond Awards corrugated shortlist

The pinnacle of European flexographic printing

Achieving offset-like quality directly on a corrugated substrate remains one of the ultimate tests of converting excellence. It requires a meticulous balance of ink viscosity, precise anilox volumes, and absolute plate registration to avoid flute show-through or board crush. Acknowledging these severe technical demands, FTA Europe has officially unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2026 Diamond Awards, spotlighting the continent's most skilled flexographic printers. Scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, the upcoming gala promises to be a focal point for the entire packaging and printing sector.

The 2026 corrugated board shortlist

Being shortlisted for a Diamond Award is not a mere participation node; it is a rigorous recognition of continuous improvement, prepress mastery, and flawless machine operation. The 2026 lineup for the corrugated sector reflects a diverse geographical spread and robust technical capabilities across the Mediterranean and Northern European converting hubs. The elite group of shortlisted companies includes Calheiros Embalagens from Spain, and the heavyweights DS Smith, represented by both its Rouen and Savoy plants in France. The UK footprint remains strong with Saica's Livingstone facility in Scotland and Smurfit Westrock's CRP Pre-print division in Northampton. Meanwhile, the Italian corrugated sector flexes its historical printing muscle with four formidable contenders: Scatolificio Pozzi, Scatolificio Ceriana Srl, SIFA Spa, and Toppazzini.

Technical rigor and industry collaboration

What sets these shortlisted companies apart in the 2026 landscape is their ability to push the technical boundaries of flexography. We are seeing unprecedented stability in Expanded Gamut (ECG) printing and high-definition water-based inks that deliver striking visual impact while maintaining the structural integrity of the corrugated board. From high-end retail ready packaging to complex specialty applications, these converters demonstrate the collaborative spirit of the modern pressroom, where plate makers, ink suppliers, and press operators work in absolute synchrony. FTA Europe has rightly noted that this year's finalists have earned recognition for work that actively elevates industry standards.

Gathering the packaging community in Catalonia

The Diamond Awards dinner is more than a trophy handover; it is a critical networking hub for the industry's decision-makers. As the flexo community converges in Barcelona this coming October, discussions will inevitably pivot toward the ongoing automation of press setups, the sustainability of modern ink formulations, and the competitive dynamic between advanced post-print flexo and emerging high-speed digital alternatives. However, the core of the evening will remain a celebration of the human skill and teamwork that underpins every exceptional print run.

Direct-to-board flexography is currently experiencing a technical golden age, driven by the relentless discipline of these shortlisted converters who prove that traditional analog processes can still yield unprecedented quality improvements and rival digital capabilities at scale. Will the ongoing advancements in flexo prepress and automated plate mounting eventually make spot colors entirely obsolete in high-end corrugated packaging? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai