In an industry defined by precision, efficiency, and the relentless pursuit of print quality, the role of strategic distribution partners has never been more critical. Miraclon, the home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, recently concluded its annual evaluation of its worldwide distribution network, crowning the organizations that have gone above and beyond to redefine the standards of modern flexographic production. By recognizing these high-performing entities, Miraclon is not merely celebrating sales figures; it is acknowledging a shared vision of transforming packaging production into a streamlined, sustainable, and high-performance craft.
At the pinnacle of this year’s accolades stands Dereli Grafik, a Turkey-based industry powerhouse that has been named the 2025 Global Channel Partner Award Winner. This recognition is a testament to the company’s multifaceted approach to market development. Throughout the year, Dereli Grafik demonstrated a masterclass in operational excellence, balancing aggressive commercial strategies with sophisticated technical support. Their efforts were not confined to a single department; instead, they achieved a holistic integration of marketing initiatives, technical consultancy, and customer service that set a new benchmark for Miraclon partners worldwide.
By systematically expanding the adoption of FLEXCEL Solutions across Turkey, Dereli Grafik has acted as a catalyst for Miraclon’s significant growth in the region. Their success serves as a blueprint for how technical expertise, when paired with a deep understanding of local market dynamics, can drive the transition toward modernized flexographic workflows. They have proven that success in this sector is not just about selling a product, but about empowering printers to unlock the full potential of their equipment, thereby achieving superior color consistency, reduced waste, and faster turnaround times.
The Power of Collaborative Innovation
The significance of Miraclon’s awards lies in the underlying philosophy of the company’s commercial strategy. Grant Blewett, Chief Commercial Officer at Miraclon, has consistently emphasized that the company’s technological advancements—specifically the KODAK FLEXCEL NX system—are only as effective as the hands that implement them.
"Our channel partners are the architects of the modern flexo transition," Blewett noted during the announcement. "They are the vital bridge between our engineering labs and the shop floors of packaging printers globally. When we look at our top performers, we aren’t just looking at who sold the most units. We are looking at who invested in their customers’ success. By collaborating closely on sales strategies, marketing campaigns, and hands-on technical training, these partners are helping printers standardize their processes, enhance their sustainability profiles, and meet the increasingly stringent quality demands of global consumer brands."
This collaborative model is essential because the modern packaging industry faces immense pressure. Brands are demanding faster time-to-market, tighter color tolerances, and a lower environmental footprint. To meet these demands, printers must shift away from traditional, artisanal "craft" printing—which is often prone to human error and inconsistency—toward a standardized, data-driven manufacturing process. Miraclon’s channel partners serve as the primary educators and implementation specialists in this shift, guiding printers through the complexities of plate technology, screening techniques, and workflow optimization.
Regional Success and Global Impact
While Dereli Grafik claimed the global title, Miraclon’s network is comprised of regional leaders who have similarly transformed their local markets. These regional awards reflect the diverse challenges and opportunities inherent in the global packaging landscape. From North America to Asia-Pacific, Latin America to EMEA, each partner has tailored the FLEXCEL value proposition to meet the unique economic and technical needs of their respective territories.
These regional champions are chosen based on rigorous criteria that evaluate market penetration, technical service competency, and the ability to maintain long-term customer relationships. In many cases, these partners function as an extension of the Miraclon team, providing on-site troubleshooting, training sessions for press operators, and strategic advice on how to transition from legacy technologies to the high-performance standards of FLEXCEL Solutions.
The Strategic Shift Toward Sustainability
One of the most compelling aspects of the work being done by these award-winning partners is the focus on sustainability. In the current global climate, packaging printers are under extreme pressure to reduce ink consumption, minimize substrate waste, and increase the efficiency of the pressroom. The FLEXCEL Solutions portfolio is engineered to support these goals, but it requires skilled partners to demonstrate those benefits to the end-user.
The winning partners have been instrumental in showing printers how to achieve "efficiency through quality." By reducing press downtime, minimizing the need for frequent plate changes, and allowing for higher speeds with fewer color adjustments, these partners are helping the industry move toward a more circular and responsible model of production. This is no longer just a technical benefit; it is a critical business imperative that allows printers to remain competitive in a landscape where consumers and regulators alike are demanding greener packaging solutions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Flexo Partnerships
As Miraclon continues to innovate, the relationship between the manufacturer and the channel partner will only grow in importance. The industry is witnessing a rapid evolution toward digital transformation, with increased emphasis on automation, remote monitoring, and data-driven decision-making.
The 2025 award winners are already leading this charge. They have demonstrated that the traditional distributor model—which focuses on the transactional sale of consumables—is a thing of the past. The modern partner is a consultant, a technician, and a business partner who is deeply invested in the long-term profitability of the printer.
By recognizing these organizations, Miraclon is reinforcing a culture of excellence that benefits the entire supply chain. When a partner like Dereli Grafik succeeds in Turkey, or when a regional leader excels in the Americas or Europe, the ripple effect is felt by the brands that rely on high-quality packaging to communicate their value to consumers.
The awards serve as more than just a trophy; they are a celebration of the "power of partnership." In a world where technical specifications can be copied, the true differentiator remains the depth of expertise and the strength of the human connection. Miraclon’s commitment to its channel ecosystem ensures that as the flexographic industry continues to modernize, there is a robust, knowledgeable, and dedicated network of professionals ready to lead the way.
As we move further into 2025 and beyond, the blueprint established by these award-winning partners will likely serve as the gold standard for others to follow. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and prioritizing the success of the customer above all else, these partners are not just selling technology—they are shaping the future of packaging, one impression at a time. The success of these organizations underscores a simple but profound truth: when innovation meets deep, local, and dedicated support, the possibilities for the flexographic industry are limitless.
