Holyoke, Mass. – Hazen Paper Company was recently honored with a Next Century Award from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). The award recognizes employers, community organizations and individuals who have made unique contributions to the Massachusetts economy and the well-being of its residents. “AIM created the Next Century Award to honor the accomplishments of companies and individuals creating a new era of economic opportunity for the people of Massachusetts. These remarkable people and institutions inspire the rest of us by exemplifying the intelligence, hard work and dedication to success that has built our commonwealth,” said John R. Regan, president and chief executive officer of AIM.

Hazen Paper Company, founded in 1925 in Holyoke, one of the nation’s first planned industrial cities, is a dynamic example of the power of innovation to drive endurance and success. A third-generation family-owned company, Hazen has invested in the technology and developed the expertise to be recognized around the globe as a leader in its industry, while remaining dedicated to community with locally focused programs. Hazen specializes in custom holography, film coating, foil and paper lamination, metallizing, gravure printing, specialty coating and rotary embossing to produce specialty materials for worldwide use in box making, label making, scratch–off lottery and other security-related tickets, tags, and cards, and fine art applications.

In 2005, Hazen invested in the technology to create holograms, establishing a holographic origination lab and design studio. Encouraged by rapidly growing business, in 2007 Hazen expanded the holographic lab and launched a new holographic embossing and metallizing plant nearby, to achieve the only vertically integrated holographic production facility in the United States. Today, Hazen employs 200 and holds patents on several processes and registered copyrights on a thousand holographic originations. According to President John Hazen, “Our unique capabilities permit us to deliver unmatched quality, security and performance to customers looking to differentiate their brand presentation with exciting, arresting, inimitable materials.” One notable fan of Hazen custom holography has been the National Football League. For the last 17 years, Hazen has originated custom holography to provide flash, dimension and movement on Super Bowl stadium-edition programs.

Hazen has focused on environmental responsibility with innovation as well, utilizing renewable energy sources and engineering environmentally friendly performance products, including Envirofoil®, manufactured with less than 1% of the aluminum of traditional foil laminate and a recycled film carrier, so it is repulpable as paper after de-inking.

Product innovation continued in 2020. Deemed an essential manufacturer for its role in the supply chain producing materials for labeling of pharmaceutical and medical products, Hazen continued operations with strict safety measures in place. Hazen then became one of the first manufacturing companies in the state to pivot to making hand sanitizer. Early in the pandemic, when shortages of hand sanitizer occurred, the company utilized its chemistry lab to develop an effective sanitizer, partnered with a distillery for bottling and labeling, and then gave the product away to organizations in need.

Hazen has successfully combined focus on innovative product and process development with educational programs that provide training opportunities. A Hazen apprenticeship program has provided entry-level training to more than 65 apprentices since 2006, and a cooperative internship program launched with Western New England University in 2010 has enabled engineering students to obtain advanced process experience. Today, a number of full-time members of the Hazen management team are alumni of these programs. “We create opportunities for young people to learn about the industry in general and our operation in particular – and expand our future talent pool,” remarks Hazen. Hazen starts early: as a longtime participant in “the World Is Our Classroom,” Hazen hosts every fifth grader from the Holyoke public schools for a full day of teaching and tours each year.

Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) was formed in 1915 by a group of visionary Massachusetts industrialists to promote economic opportunity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. According to the AIM website, “AIM members believe in the power of the business community to create opportunities and strengthen the communities in which we live and work. AIM member-businesses change people’s lives; create jobs, inspire innovation, empower people and mold leaders for the future.” John Hazen is a member of the Associated industries of Massachusetts Board of Directors; his father, Thomas Hazen, served on the board for many years. For more information, visit www.aimnet.org. 

Since 2006, Hazen has produced holographic design, large-format origination and production utilizing a number of leading-edge technologies including Hazen-Lens®. Hazen innovation has earned “Product of the Year” honors in 2018, 2019, and 2020 from AIMCAL, the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators. Hazen has certification to supply converted paper and paperboards that are FSC, SFI and PEFC certified. For more information, visit www.hazen.com.