Mortsel (Belgium), April 23, 2004 -- Agfa announced today that its :Sublima screening technology has been honoured with the "2004 Technological Innovator of the Year" award from the seventh annual Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) conference. Agfa's :Sublima XM Screening for Flexographic Printing solution received the annual award during the FPPA's recent conference in Puerto Vallarta, which recognised the application of innovative technology that contributes to the advancement of the flexographic pre-press industry. "Agfa is extremely honoured to be the recipient of this award," said Frances Cicogna, Agfa's packaging segment marketing manager, U.S. "Our development team worked long and hard to come up with a screening solution that enhances the flexographer's print quality and helps them to achieve a level that rivals digital platemaking. :Sublima is the easy-to-use tool that improves print quality and gives flexo printers the edge they need to stand out." :Sublima XM Screening for Flexographic Printing was chosen for the award amongst all the other entries submitted to the FPPA this year. According to the FPPA, the Technological Innovator of the Year award recognises achievement within any production or administrative area of the pre-press process. The concept of innovation includes enhancement of profitability, improved productivity, operating efficiency and product quality. The FPPA is one of the largest flexographic pre-press platemaker organisations in North America. Its purpose is to create, promote and enhance high standards within the flexographic pre-press platemaking industry, to provide leadership through vision and direction, to strengthen education at all levels and to further the best interests of the industry. About :Sublima. :Sublima for flexo extends the tonal range, allowing marked improvement in extreme highlights and smooth, larger transitions in vignettes. With :Sublima, flexo printers can achieve higher screen rulings up to 212 lpi without any change in anilox rolls, helping create quality, eye-popping packaging materials that their customers demand.