The judging portion of the 15th annual event took place this summer during the FINAT European Label Forum in Dublin, with the global awards ceremony being held in Chicago on Sept. 25, 2018.
“Alex is undoubtedly one of the most recognized global experts in silicone-based paper release coating technology,” said Mike Fairley, chair of the judges. “During his time at Dow, silicone coat weights have reduced from around two microns to one micron or less, Platinum levels have reduced from 100 ppm to 50 ppm or less, whilst at the same time coating speeds have risen from around 80 meters a minute up to 1,000 meters a minute or more.”
Knott heads up a global team that has led the industry in pioneering innovations in pressure-sensitive silicone release liner coating technology, such as Dow’s Flat Release Systems, the latest solventless release coating for flat release, Dow’s SYL-OFF™ SL18X and 58X Coatings families. The team has revolutionized the technology, with great gains in performance, speed, coating weight and cost effectivity of silicone coatings.
“This is an outstanding recognition from the label industry to Alex’s contributions to innovation and to his reputation as an expert in the field,” said Francisco Palencia, technical service and development manager, Pressure Sensitive Industries. “Alex’s in-depth knowledge of our product line and applications, market insight and technical leadership, have been key for Dow to consistently deliver value for our customers.”
Starting as a development chemist at Dow Corning in 1987, Knott built a strong reputation as a leader in the field of silicone pressure systems. Over the decades, he has held application engineering, technical leadership and senior scientist roles at Dow.
The R. Stanton Avery Pioneer Award honors individuals who have made significant and lasting impacts on the label and printing sector. The prestigious award is an update of the previously titled R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, according to Avery Dennison, to better reflect the industry of today, one where innovators are rewarded whether their careers span two years or two decades.
