ITW Foils, a global manufacturer and distributor of technically superior foils, films and laminates, announced today that it was honored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) by winning two prestigious awards for its Designed to Shine educational guide. FSEA distinguished Designed to Shine with the Gold Leaf Award in its Capabilities Brochure category, and further prized ITW Foils with an Honorable Mention in the overall Best of Show category. For more information, go to www.itwfoils.com.
 
In late 2011, ITW published its new design guide to both educate and inspire graphicdesigners, brand managers, commercial printers and converters working in the package design industry. Offering detailed descriptions and actual creative samples of hot stamping, cold foil transfer, foil laminates, transfer metallization, UV film casting and embossing, the comprehensive guide demonstrates what can be achieved by incorporating these effects into print and package design. Not only does it provide designer tips and tricks for using each of the effects, but it also offers statistical data that substantiates the importance of increasing product visibility, enhancing perception of product quality and improving brand differentiation, and how sales are impacted. The guide is available through www.itwfoils.com.
 
Industry Quotes
“Most designers and printers agree that the significant barrier to using decorative metallics is the perception [and fear] of high cost, extended turnaround time and an insecurity in using the technology to its fullest,” notes Jeff Peterson, Executive Director of the Foil & Specialty Effects Association. “It is important that we continue to create educational material and tools like ITW Foil’s “Designed to Shine” guide to help educate the graphic arts community.”
 
“This guide is the first of its kind, a valuable industry resource covering the full spectrum of metallic and holographic treatments for print and packaging. The ability to differentiate a brand through decorative metallics goes largely untapped by designers and brand managers due to unfamiliarity with the options,” notes Dick Reindl, Vice President of Letterhead Press. “The Designed to Shine guide has been carefully assembled to increase creative professionals’ comfort levels with each application, as well as to excite them about the possibilities.”
 
“We are deeply honored by FSEA’s recognition of ITW’s hard work and dedication to the industry,” says Gary Jones, National Sales Manager at ITW Foils.
 
About the Award
The FSEA-IADD Joint Conference is the industry’s premier showcase for foil stamping, embossing and other specialty effects. The competition, which is sponsored by FSEA and its members, recognizes creativity and superior execution of designs that reflect positively on the industry as a whole. Entries are judged on several criteria, including design, execution and level of difficulty. Competing against hundreds of entries from around the country means winning an award is a mark of excellence in the packaging field and recognition of superior achievement. The 2011 Gold Leaf Awards were recently announced at the Gold Leaf Awards Banquet during the FSEA-IADD Joint Conference in Las Vegas. There were Gold, Silver and Bronze awards given in 28 separate categories for outstanding use of foil stamping, embossing and other specialty effects.
 
More About Designed to Shine
The guide offers detailed descriptions and actual creative samples of hot stamping, cold foil transfer, foil laminates, transfer metallization and UV film casting. It reveals the key differences within each application and when each is appropriate based on each client’s product market strategy. In addition, Designed to Shine dedicates a section to sustainability concerns, complete with a product-by-product grading system. The guide also explains how each application can be used in conjunction with recycled paper and paperboards, as well as preserve the recyclability and compostability of the packaging.