TAG AND LABEL
MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE, INC.
35th ANNUAL AWARDS COMPETITION
CALL FOR ENTRIESDEADLINE: JUNE 29, 2012
2011 BEST OF SHOWASL PRINT FX
TLMI ANNUAL AWARDS COMPETITION
Entry Instructions • Judging Procedure • Entry TipsOBJECTIVEThe TLMI Annual Awards Competition aims to stimulate innovative printing and to recognize technical achievement in all areas of the narrow web industry, including tags and labels, cartons, flexible packaging, non-woven pressure-sensitives and more. The competition recognizes and honors the finest efforts of our converter members throughout the previous 12-month period.
CONVERTER ELIGIBILITYNorth American Competition - tag and label manufacturers defined as converter members of TLMI per the bylawsInternational Competition - tag and label manufacturers defined as international members of TLMI per the bylaws, as well as converter members of FINAT, LATMA, and SALMA that do not have offices in North America.NOTE: Subsidiaries/divisions of converter members are invited to participate only if they are listed with TLMI as a division of the parent company. DEADLINEAll submissions and entry fees must be received at TLMI Headquarters by June 29, 2012. Late entries will not be judged.
DISPLAY OF WINNERSWinning entries will be displayed and awards will be announced at the 2012 TLMI Annual Meeting, to be held in October at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, FL. TLMI will publicize the winners in industry magazines, the ILLUMINATOR, and on the TLMI website. TLMI winning entries will also be entered in the World Label Awards Competition and published globally in industry magazines.
JUDGINGIn order to recognize the finest examples of the tag and label industry, emphasis in judging is placed on innovation and technical achievement. The judging process ensures the utmost objectivity, eliminates chances of bias, and establishes a reliable set of standards and criteria that could be used in competitions throughout the industry. To assure anonymity, entries are assigned a number and organized into appropriate categories and subcategories. Information regarding type of equipment and materials used are kept confidential, as is the name of the submitting company. Judging is performed by a panel of knowledgeable and impartial experts from association supplier members. Teams judge the entries using the TLMI point system and specific criteria.
SCORING CRITERIATags, Coupon, Non-Prime, EDP, Promotional and Plateless Printing, Non-Pressure Sensitive (including shrink sleeve)
Scoring Prime Labels in the various printing process categories and subcategories
Scoring
Function (appeal/purpose) 1-10 Function (appeal/purpose) 1-10Printing (overall quality) 1-10 Printing
• registration• image sharpness• print quality• degree of difficulty• smoothness of vignettes/halftone if
screen/tone
1-101-101-101-101-10
Technical Excellence/Execution 1-10 Non-printing process (laminating, die-cutting, embossing, hot stamping, etc.)
1-10
Production (overall difficulty) 1-10 Production (overall difficulty, all processes) 1-10TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE 40 TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE 80
AWARDSFirst and second place awards may be given at the discretion of the judges in each category.
Select winners of the TLMI North American competition move on to the World Label Awards Competition, an international level competition between TLMI, JFLP, FINAT, LATMA, SALMA and India award winners.
A Best of Show Award will be presented by the judges for the single most outstanding label or tag amongst all first place winners in the North American Competition.
The special TLMI Innovator Award may be presented by the judges to recognize a new technology and/or product devel-opment which is a significant breakthrough in the tag and label industry.
SUBMITTING ENTRIESAll Converter Members are encouraged to enter the competition. Winners benefit from significant industry recognition. If you have a label or a tag that you feel would meet the competition objectives, you are on your way. Many converters watch for winners throughout the year.
Each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form. Complete each entry form in its entirety and email it to [email protected]. The required samples should be mailed to Susan Bachman, TLMI Headquarters, 1 Blackburn Center Gloucester, MA 01930 by the June 29, 2012 deadline.
Entries are accepted in good faith. TLMI cannot assume responsibility for the inclusion of unqualified entries. TLMI reserves the right to withdraw any award made to a label or tag in violation of competition rules.
All entries submitted become the property of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc. Winning entries will be retained for display purposes. Non-winning entries will be disposed of following the judging.
Companies are limited to three entries per category. Each company may enter as many categories as they choose. However, each company is limited to three entrees per category. If more than three entries are submitted for a category a TLMI staff member will pull excess entries at random from the competition.
Each submission may be entered in only one category of the converter’s choosing. For example, a company may choose to submit a label only in the printing process category even if it could likewise be defined as a coupon or EDP label.
NOTE: Entries may be reclassified at the discretion of the judges. Reclassified entries will be disqualified if there are already three entries from a company in the appropriate category.
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN SUBMITTING ENTRIES
Competition entry is easy. Simply follow the contest rules and send supporting data. Here are some pointers gleaned from our experiences as judges:
Enter in the correct categoryIt is most important that your entry is submitted in the correct category. You are encouraged to submit as many “winning” en-tries as you’d like, but only three entries per category. Entries may be reclassified at the discretion of the judges.
Use the judging criteria outlined in this brochure to pre-evaluate your entry. Be as critical as possible prior to entering the label or tag. Look at the sample for overall quality, not just aesthetics. Screens are more heavily weighted, and are scored according to the degree of difficulty in printing. For the competition screen values have been established as follows:
Screen Values
LINES >200 200 175 150 133 120 100 85 <85POINTS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
Send the correct samplesTLMI rules require that you submit a minimum of 25 samples of the actual tags, label (pressure sensitive and non-pressure sensi-tive), cartons, etc.• Roll-to-roll entries should be submitted in continuous form • For cartons and in-mold, individual samples should be submitted along with a roll of at least 25 uncut. In the event of a tie, the entry with continuous run samples will be chosen the winner. • Shrink sleeve entries should be submitted before the sleeving/seaming process.• For digital printing provide a production run. When multiple labels are grouped in the same run, only the label entered in the category will be judged. For example, if a wine label is entered as a prime label and the back label is on the same run (liner), only the prime label will be judged and included on any award.
If a submission includes a series of labels on the same liner, you must clearly identify which label is to be judged.
Send only 1 set of continuous labels or tags even if you are running multiple copy changes. The quality of every copy submitted will be reviewed by the judges, and variable quality in copy changes can affect the scores.
Provide a detailed description Don’t just tell what was possible; show what was difficult. Use the space provided on the entry form to describe what was unique, innovative or technically difficult about producing the label.
• Was there anything unusual or innovative used in producing the entry?• Was the entry a creation of the converter or customer to fulfill a special need? (Who came up with the concept?)• Were multiple screens used?• Did the sequence of printing colors make the entry more difficult to produce? Was white printed over black?• Were UV or other coatings applied before printing?• If the entry was particularly difficult to produce because of the artwork submitted, or not submitted, state this
information and any other specific information that could make your point clearer to the judges.• Again, send samples of the difficulties overcome and/or a sample of the final product.
CATEGORY DEFINITIONS
COLOR PROCESS - A full-color reproduction using four color process and/or hybrid process printing. Line and screen/tone work may beincluded on the same label.
COUPON - Removable labels supplying information or having redeemable value. They may be either pressure sensitive or non-pressure sensitive.
DIGITAL PRINTING - Any label reproduced without the benefit of a printing plate. There are five categories: Health & Beauty Products, Household Goods, Wine, Spirits & Beer, Food & Beverage Products and All Other. If a submission includes several different labels on the same liner, you must identify which label we are to judge.
EDP LABEL - The submission may be designed for the sprocket-fed, roll-fed, or sheet-fed imprint of variable information by either impact or non-impact printers.
IN-STORE PROMOTIONAL – Anything other than a tag or coupon affixed to windows, coolers, etc., that promotes the product for sale inside a store. Magnetic labels would also be classified in this category.
LINE AND SCREEN/TONE - Any reproduction of line and single or multiple screen/tone work not utilizing the combination of the three primary process colors. Any number of colors can be utilized. Entries may be submitted with screen tones only.
MULTI-PROCESS - A combination of two or more additional printing processes including decorative methods such as hot stamping and em-bossing. (Ion deposition, laser printing and consecutive numbering are not considered processes for the multi-process category.) Whether the multiple processes are completed in one or several passes, the judging for those processes will not affect the printing complexity score. All processes must have been performed by the submitting converter.
Note: Any entry that includes hot stamping or embossing and is submitted in a printing process category will be automatically reclassified by the judges into the Multi-Process category. The exception is wine and spirits. All those will be reclassified into the Wine & Spirits category. Reclassified entries will be disqualified if there are already three submitted from your company in the category.
NON-PRESSURE SENSITIVE - A label that does not have a pressure sensitive adhesive to functionally affix the label to the product. This includes wrap-around can/bottle labels, shrink sleeve, roll on/shrink on, in-mold, etc. Converters must submit information regarding the type of process used to help judges more adequately evaluate the submission.* Cut and Stack: In-line with the printing process* Roll to Roll: Any product printed roll to roll with no secondary converting process as well as all shrink sleeve entries.
OFFSET - All offset printing must be rotary roll to roll or roll to sheet. No sheet fed offset will be accepted.
PAPERBOARD/RIGID PACKAGING - Blister cards, inserts, folding cartons and carded packaging up to 30 point (.030 inches or 762 micron), printed narrow web up to 30 inches/762 millimeters. The complete product must be submitted, not just the roll-to-roll pre-printed film or board.
PRESSURE SENSITIVE - A label that has a pressure sensitive adhesive to functionally affix it to the product. Converters must submit information regarding the type of process used to help judges more adequately evaluate the submission. These labels can be produced in the form of rolls, sheets, fanfold, or by any other techniques that produce like products which have been slit or cut from the converted rolls.
PRIME AND NON-PRIME - A prime label is one which is used to identify and display a product. A non-prime label supplies supportive information or performs another function. A label which appears to be a prime label even when enclosed in a box will be considered a prime label because once the box is thrown away, this label is used to identify and display the product. If the entry classification is unclear, it will be considered a prime label.
SCREEN PRINTING (Flat and Rotary) - Label printed by screen process from roll form. (Do not confuse “screen printing” with screens and half tones.)
SPECIALTY DECORATED PRODUCTS - Non-ink imaging including foil stamping, embossing, holographic, etc.
TAG - A product which identifies the object/article or conveys information about it; may have additional information applied to it by the end user; may be blank with no initial printing; is produced by a printing process; printed on tag stock or other media; single or multi-part; can be a patch, punch or eyelet; can be die cut and/or perforated; can be attached to an object or article by string, wire, plastic, rivet, or self-attached (by means of die cut, cohesive, or an adhesive strip). A shelf dangler will be classified as a tag.
WINE & SPIRITS - A printed label which is to be applied to a wine, spirit, or liquor bottle, (not a beer bottle), printed by any printing method.
IMPORTANT: Only labels created for end use by the customer / brand owner are eligible. Works created for self-promotion, to demonstrate capabilities, or other in-house uses are not eligible and will be disqualified. In order to preserve the anonymity of the competition no submission may include the name of the converting company.
NEW THIS YEAR Entries for the 2012 Awards Competition will be accepted electronically via an emailed Excel file. Download the file at <link>. Complete the form. Save as Name of Entry.xls. Email to [email protected] are complete when:• A complete entry form has been emailed to [email protected]• The required samples have been received by mail to Susan Bachman, TLMI, 1 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA 01930• Entry fees have been paid.
NAME OF ENTRYAssign a unique, descriptive name to the submission. Please verify that the spelling of the entry’s name is accurate. Award plaques will be issued with the name as provided.
DESCRIBE END-USE OF ENTRY (industry, product type, placement)If the purpose of the label being entered is not clear, converters are urged to further clarify this for the judges by describing the end use on the entry form and submitting the final product if possible. An explanation of end-use can assist the judges in understanding unique applications.
PROCESSES USEDIndicate all processes used in creating the entry by checking the appropriate boxes. Take care to note whether the process was completed In line or Off line. Use the Other box as needed.
CATEGORY ENTEREDSelect the category based on the End Use / Process Used and whether your entry is considered Prime or Non-Prime. All Multi-Process entries must be entered in a Multi-Process category (except Wine & Spirits labels). Take care in selecting the category entered. Remember that you are limited to three entries per category and that judges will reserve the right to re-categorize entries entered.
SPECIAL CHALLENGESThe entry form contains space to describe unique difficulties overcome in producing the submission. Supply as much additional information in this area as possible, without identifying specific suppliers. An example, “The entry is specially treated for use in both the Fiji Islands and Arctic Circle, with outdoor exposure for 30 years.” The judges recognize that exceptional challenges call for innovative printing techniques and technical improvisations and will judge accordingly.
SUPPLIER DATAPlease provide the supplier only (not product name, make or model) of Press, Plates, Screens, Cylinders, Anilox Rolls, Dies, Substrate, Inks, Coatings, and Adhesives used in creating this entry. This information is not made available to the judges. It is used on the winning award boards and in press releases to recognize TLMI supplier members.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATIONSupply TLMI membership information including the person who should be contacted regarding this entry. In the event of a problem with your submission TLMI Headquarters will try to resolve it with the named contact.
PAYMENT INFORMATIONPayment is required at the time of submission. Credit card information may be provided on the Entry Form or checks may be mailed with the required samples.
ENTRY ELIGIBILITY CHECK ___Entries are submissions that have not previously received a TLMI award in that same category.___Entries were converted through roll-fed production equipment.___Entries were produced between May 2011 and June 2012.___Entries are production samples made for customer sales and not converter’s promotional use.
COMPLETING THE ENTRY FORM
For office use only
NAME OF ENTRY: Entry #
DESCRIBE END USE OF ENTRY (industry, product type, placement):Examples ‐ Health & Beauty, shampoo bottle, front label; Household Goods, laundry detergent, package; Food & Beverage, in‐store promo, applied to freezer window
PROCESSES USED (click to check all that apply):in line / off line in line / off line in line / off line in line / off line in line / off line
Digital Printing Flatbed Letterpress Lamination StrippingCut & Stack Rotary Letterpress Hot Stamping Die CuttingRoll to Roll Flexography Vignettes Foiling
Flat Screen Printing Gravure Varnishing Embossing Rotary Screen Offset Doming
CATEGORY ENTERED: NOTE ‐ Select category based on the End Use / Process Used. enter 4‐digit number from below
AllProcesses
COUPON 1000
IN‐STORE PROMOTION 30006000
7000
EDP LABEL 5100Industrial and/or systems
Merchan‐dising
2101 2102
Health & Beauty
Household Goods
Wine, Spirits & Beer
Food & Beverage All Other
4001 4101 4201 4301 4401
LinePrime
LineNon‐Prime
Line & ScreenTonePrime
Line & ScreenTone
Non‐Prime
Color ProcessPrime
Color Process
Non‐ PrimeCUT & STACK 8001 8002 8003
ROLL TO ROLL (incl. shrink sleeves) 8101 8102 8103FLAT SCREEN PRINTING
(Roll fed only) 5201 5202FLEXOGRAPHY 5301 5302 5303 5304 5305 5306GRAVURE 5401 5402 5403 5404 5405 5406
MULTI‐PROCESS 5601 5602 5603 5604 5604 5606OFFSET (No sheet fed) 5701 5702 5703 5704 5705 5706
ROTARY SCREEN PRINTING 5801 5802 5803 5804WINE & SPIRITS
FLEXOGRAPHY/LETTERPRESS 5901 5902 5903 5904 5905 5906WINE & SPIRITS
OFFSET (No sheet fed) 5911 5912 5913 5914 5915 5916
FlatbedPrime
FlatbedNon‐Prime
Line & ScreenTonePrime
Line & ScreenTone
Non‐Prime
Color ProcessPrime
Color Process
Non‐PrimeRotary Line
PrimeRotary LineNon‐Prime
5501 5502 5505 5506 5507 5508 5503 5504
Briefly describe any special challenges overcome in manufacturing this entry. (Exclude vendor, equipment and material information.)
2012 TLMI ANNUAL AWARDS COMPETITION ENTRY FORM
END USE / PROCESS USED
PAPERBOARD RIGID PACKAGING
NON‐PRESSURE SENSITIVEAll Processes
TAGS
DIGITAL PRINTINGAll End Uses
Flatbed
LETTERPRESS
PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABELS
All multi‐process entries must be entered in a MULTI‐PROCESS category (wine & spirits excepted).
Work created for self‐promotion or in‐house use and entries over 3 per category will be disqualified.
Judges may re‐categorize submissions to assure they match entry criteria.
SPECIALTY DECORATED PRODUCT
Other (specify)
TAB to Processes Used, then click boxes
Rotary
Download entry form at http://www.tlmi.com
Sample
For office use only
NAME OF ENTRY: Entry #
Please provide the company name only of the suppliers of materials used to produce this entry. (This information will not be provided to the judges.)ITEM SUPPLIER COMPANY NAME
PressPlates
ScreensCylinders
Anilox RollsDies
Membership typeIn what country was the entry produced?
Company / Division ContactAddressCity State ZipPhone FaxEmail
I certify that this entry was produced between May 2011 and June 2012 for customer end use.
PAYMENT INFORMATION ‐ You need only provide this information one time if submitting multiple entries.
Entry fee (submission must be accompanied by the entry fee in US funds only)# of entries sub‐total
North American 1st entry $60 $0.00North American each additional entry $50 $0.00International/FINAT 1st entry $75 $0.00International/FINAT each additional entry $60 $0.00New Member since Sept 1, 2011 ‐ entries 1‐5 are free $0 $0.00TOTALS 0 $0.00
Payment method: Check mailed with samplesCredit Card TypeProvided with previous entry
Card Number: Exp Date: CVV #:
Cardholder Info (if different than contact above):Cardholder NameBilling AddressCity State ZipPhone FaxConfirmation Email
For office use only
Company ID
This form may be downloaded at www.tlmi.com.
Company Representative
Other (specify)
2012 TLMI ANNUAL AWARDS COMPETITION ENTRY FORM
SubstrateSUPPLIER COMPANY NAME
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
0
Inks
ITEM
CoatingsAdhesives
1. Complete form2. SAVE AS
Name of Entry.xls3. Email file to:
[email protected]. Mail samples to:
TLMI 1 Blackburn CenterGloucester, MA 01930Sa
mple
Download entry form at http://www.tlmi.com
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