Topeka, Kansas - The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has announced the honorees in the 24^th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition. More than 300 entries were received from countries around the world. Gold, silver and bronze winners were honored in 36 categories, and the Best of Show and Best of Show Honorable Mention were recognized during the IADD·FSEA Odyssey, held in Schaumburg, Illinois.

The competition evaluates submissions which utilize a wide range of specialty finishing techniques, from foil stamping and embossing to specialty coating, film laminating, laser cutting, diecutting and cold foil applications. Submissions come in a variety of formats, including book covers, point-of-purchase displays, folding cartons, promotional pieces, calendars and more. The pieces are assessed on design, execution and level of difficulty, with the highest honors going to those companies that best execute the decorative enhancements. The FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition celebrates the quality, added value, shelf presence, security and brand recognition that these finishing processes lend to the printed sheet.

The 2017 Best of Show award was presented to J.S. McCarthy Co., Inc., Augusta, Maine, for its 2017 “A Symphony in Color” calendar. The design was entered in the category of Best Use of Foil and Embossing – Self Promotion.  Each year, J.S. McCarthy creates a marketing piece to illustrate the company’s capabilities for its customers, showcasing a compilation of the talents of its craftspeople and highlighting its printing capabilities and most-requested finishing techniques. In 2017, the team used a symphonic theme to create a multifaceted sensory experience. From the diecut, scored, folded and glued-by-hand cover to the 12-page calendar featuring foil stamping, embossing, debossing, UV coating, soft-touch coating and more to an interior panel that activates a sound chip playing Beethoven’s 5^th symphony when opened, the calendar was worthy in every way of the Best of Show award.

Honorable Mention was presented to KURZ Transfer Products, Charlotte, North Carolina, for “Creating New Horizons,” its entry in the category of Best Use of Foil and Embossing – Self Promotion (Industry Supplier). 

To view all the 24^th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Award Winners, visit www.fsea.com.