Coveris was recognised for print quality at the FIA UK Awards 2026, winning Gold in the "Surface Print on Film Medium Web" category. The annual competition organised by the Flexographic Industry Association UK recognises entries representing a high standard of flexographic printing in terms of quality, efficiency, innovation, technical development and sustainability. This year’s ceremony took place on 11 June 2026 at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool and brought together representatives of leading companies from across the industry. Coveris’ winning entry was Tesco Finest Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia packaging, printed at the company’s site in Burnley, Lancashire. The packaging design was intended to convey the product’s premium, artisanal character by highlighting its main flavour cues, fresh rosemary and sea salt, against a grey slate background. This concept required highly precise print reproduction in order to transfer the intended visual effect onto the finished pack.
Delivering this type of project requires a high level of expertise in flexographic printing. Accurate register throughout the process is critical, particularly in areas with fine text elements where legibility and sharpness are essential. Control of contrast and detail was equally important to preserve the texture of the slate background while allowing the green tones of the rosemary to stand out. Smooth tonal gradation helped maintain depth and a realistic effect, resulting in a clean, refined finish that supports the product’s premium positioning. The packaging was printed on OPP film, which is currently recyclable through front-of-store collection points at UK retailers. It is also recycle-ready in line with the UK’s planned Simpler Recycling legislation, under which mandatory kerbside collections for plastic films and bags are expected to be introduced from March 2027.
Pictured (L-R): Mark Hughes, Coveris UK Flex Print Development Manager; Josie Mitchell, Coveris Internal Account Executive; Scott Stansfield, Coveris Burnley Print Manager; Amy Miller, Coveris Key Account Manager; FIA UK Awards presenter
Significance of the project for the Burnley site
Richard Smith, Managing Director of Coveris’ Burnley and Gainsborough sites, said: "We are very pleased to have received this recognition from the FIA UK Awards. It highlights the strength of our flexographic print capabilities and the precision our teams bring to every stage of the process, from colour management through to final execution. This project demonstrates the value of close collaboration in delivering packaging that faithfully reproduces designs while achieving consistently high-quality results on press. My thanks go to all partners involved in delivering this project, and to our team for their expertise and attention to detail."
The FIA UK Awards success marks Coveris’ second award of the year. Earlier in 2026, the company, together with its former Paper Business Unit, Paranova Print & Packaging, received the Environmental & Sustainability Award at The Sammies, the British Sandwich & Food To Go Industry Awards.
Tesco Finest Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia
