Sun Chemical employees honored with NAPIM Awards

One of the most prestigious honors in the ink manufacturing industry was handed to two Sun Chemical employees. Ralph Arcurio and Jim Bishop were presented with the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers' (NAPIM) Pioneer Award.

The Pioneer Award recognizes people who have devoted over 20 years of service to the printing ink industry. This includes their work with one or more printing ink companies or suppliers. It also includes involvement in ink associations, production clubs and other committees. Technical contributions are taken into consideration, as well.

'Ralph and Jim truly are pioneers in our industry and are more than deserving of this award from NAPIM,' said Russell Schwartz, the chief technology officer at Sun Chemical. 'Ralph’s work with polymers and Jim’s leadership in energy curing technology is unparalleled.'

For 38 years, Arcurio has advanced polymer development through 13 granted patents (with seven pending) and the development and commercialization of overprint varnishes and high-volume resins for flexible packaging. He is helping lead the development of the next generation of sustainable polymers, addressing supply chain challenges and regulatory mandates using natural and recycled materials.

Arcurio was previously honored with the 'Inventor of the Year Award' by the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2016. He holds a master’s degree in polymer chemistry from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and bachelor's degrees in chemistry and economics from Rutgers University.

For over 40 years, Bishop has been a key leader in electron beam curing technology. He is a global expert in EB and UV technology for flexible film packaging and offset printing. His work helped Sun Chemical win two Intertech GATF awards for technical innovation.

Bishop was one of six R&D chemists at Sun Chemical to develop the EB platform for long range development products and has even worked with a Chamber of Commerce in Mitchell, South Dakota to educate the next generation of printers by creating training for trade schools.

The awards were given during NAPIM’s 2023 convention, which was held March 24-26 in Napa Valley, California.