Contact Originators, the UK's largest independent prepress provider, has received a global excellence award in recognition of its work on a complex corrugated post-print project with Smurfit Westrock.
The company was named winner in the Corrugated Spark (HD and/or Pixel+) screening technology category at the inaugural Esko Dot Awards, presented during Esko World 2026 in New Orleans on 4 June. The award recognised work completed by Contact Originators and its customer Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale on the Hozelock Auto Reel Mobile project.
Combining their respective prepress and print expertise, the two companies successfully translated a lithographic design into high-quality post-print flexographic corrugated production, maintaining fine highlight detail and colour consistency on a challenging coated EB flute substrate. The project demonstrated the value of integrating technologically advanced prepress and print expertise to help brand owners achieve the desired visual impact on shelf while benefiting from the efficiencies of corrugated flexographic production.
Steve Mulcahy, CEO of Contact Originators, said: "This award reflects the strength of the longstanding relationship between Contact Originators and Smurfit Westrock Markham Vale, and what can be achieved when prepress and print teams are aligned from the outset of a project.
"The Hozelock Auto Reel Mobile project presented a complex challenge, requiring the successful conversion of a lithographic design to post-print corrugated production without compromising quality. Through technical expertise, open communication and a shared commitment to achieving the best possible result, we were able to deliver an outcome that met the customer's expectations while demonstrating what modern flexographic print can achieve.
"Our success in driving innovation also comes from working with technology partners such as Esko to develop new plate and processing technologies, as well as digital software solutions that improve productivity and efficiency. We're absolutely delighted to have beaten competition from companies all around the world to be recognised with an Esko Dot Award."
The Spark category recognises outstanding print work produced using Esko HD and/or Pixel+ screening, rewarding exceptional control, consistency and print quality in complex production environments.
All entries were reviewed by an independent panel of experts appointed by Esko and assessed against a range of criteria including image sharpness, dot structure, highlight and shadow detail, registration accuracy, minimum dot reproduction, linework quality, substrate complexity and overall degree of difficulty. Judges also evaluated entrants' use of the wider Esko ecosystem, including workflow automation, imaging and exposure accuracy, plate-to-press consistency, and waste and ink reduction achievements.
The global award highlights Contact Originators' continued investment in advanced prepress technologies and reinforces the value of strong partnerships between prepress specialists and print partners in delivering outstanding corrugated packaging results.
Established in 1992, Contact Originators has more than 30 years of experience serving the print and packaging sectors. Operating from its production facility in Dukinfield, Manchester, the company employs more than 70 people and supplies prepress services to corrugated, flexible packaging and label converters across the UK, Europe and North America.
To find out more please visit www.contact-group.co.uk