Historic FUJIFILM Global Innovation Print Award win underscores TEAM Concept Printing’s leadership in digital printing innovation and creative execution.
FUJIFILM North America Corporation’s Business Innovation Division has announced that Chicago-based TEAM Concept Printing has been named a winner of the 2025 Innovation Print Award (IPA) in the Direct Mail category—marking a historic first for the United States. With this achievement, TEAM Concept Printing becomes the first U.S. company in the 15-year history of the global competition to receive this prestigious recognition, highlighting the firm’s long-standing commitment to excellence, creativity, and craftsmanship in modern print production.
The Innovation Print Awards (IPA) are widely viewed as one of the printing industry’s foremost benchmarks for technological ingenuity and creative execution. Each year, the competition showcases standout achievements from print service providers across the globe, recognizing exceptional work that pushes the boundaries of what digital printing technologies can deliver. For TEAM Concept Printing, earning this global accolade is not only a milestone for the company itself but also a testament to the strength and maturity of the U.S. digital print market.
A Highly Complex Direct Mail Project for a Major Fundraising Event
The project that secured the win for TEAM Concept Printing was a highly intricate and visually striking direct mail piece developed for the Brookfield Zoo’s annual “Whirl” Gala. This signature fundraising event draws broad support for wildlife conservation and animal care initiatives, and the 2024 edition proved to be especially successful—raising a record-breaking $2 million for the zoo’s ongoing mission.
For such an important event, the Brookfield Zoo required gala materials that would not only communicate a sense of luxury and exclusivity but also leave a lasting impression on attendees and donors. TEAM Concept Printing was tasked with creating a mailer that reflected the significance of the event and aligned with the zoo’s world-class reputation. The team responded by producing a print piece that combined artistry, precision, and technical sophistication, resulting in a final product that effectively elevated the gala’s brand presence.
Leveraging the Power of the FUJIFILM REVORIA PRESS™ PC1120
Central to the project’s success was the use of the FUJIFILM REVORIA PRESS™ PC1120, an advanced digital production press known for its versatility, extended color capabilities, and high-quality output. The press is equipped with six-color capabilities, specialty toner options, and an expanded color gamut, enabling print providers to execute exceptionally detailed and vibrant visual designs.
For TEAM Concept Printing, the REVORIA PRESS PC1120 played a critical role in achieving the premium, high-impact aesthetic required for the Brookfield Zoo’s gala materials. The press allowed the team to experiment with multilayer color combinations, specialty effects, and fine detailing—all essential components of the mailer’s final look and feel. The result was a sophisticated piece with remarkable clarity, color fidelity, and tactile richness.
A Blend of Digital Precision and Traditional Craftsmanship
Although state-of-the-art digital technology enabled much of the project’s visual complexity, the team also incorporated traditional finishing processes to achieve the desired boutique-level quality. The mailer was printed on a specialty 25×35 stock and then passed through a series of meticulous finishing steps, including precise die-cutting and scoring, to form the mailer’s distinctive and intricate structural design.
Because of the complicated die-cuts and the folding requirements, the piece could not be fully automated in its final stages. Instead, each mailer required hand-folding, an approach that emphasized the craft-forward philosophy TEAM Concept Printing applies to its most detailed assignments. This combination of advanced digital output and hands-on finishing is part of what made the entry stand out within the global IPA competition.
The judges recognized not only the technical proficiency involved but also the artistic sensibility and attention to detail that elevated the mailer beyond a functional communication piece and into the realm of design excellence.
Celebrating a Milestone Achievement
For TEAM Concept Printing, receiving the 2025 Innovation Print Award in the Direct Mail category represents a major accomplishment—and one that underscores the company’s deep commitment to pushing boundaries in print technology.
“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to be the first American printing company to receive a Global Innovation Print Award,” said Vince Manini, Partner at TEAM Concept Printing. “The REVORIA PRESS PC1120 has been truly game-changing for our production floor, giving us the incredible ability to deliver high-impact, boutique-quality finishes with exceptional consistency and color fidelity at scale. Our entire team, and especially our customers, appreciate the premium quality and value this relationship with Fujifilm brings to our projects—big or small.”
Manini’s remarks highlight a recurring theme within the print industry: that the most successful print providers combine state-of-the-art solutions with a collaborative spirit and a customer-first mindset. TEAM Concept Printing’s close partnership with Fujifilm has allowed them to take on increasingly sophisticated projects, and the IPA recognition acts as affirmation of both that partnership and the company’s skilled workforce.
FUJIFILM Applauds Team Concept’s Creativity and Innovation
FUJIFILM North America Corporation also praised TEAM Concept Printing’s winning submission. Yuji Oki, general manager of Fujifilm’s Business Innovation Division, emphasized the importance of innovation in driving the future of digital print applications.
“TEAM Concept Printing’s winning entry showcases the immense creativity and technical execution possible in modern direct mail,” Oki said. “It’s an honor to recognize this work. It perfectly demonstrates how next-generation digital printing technology can drive both artistic vision and real-world results—in this case, supporting the vital efforts of the Brookfield Zoo.”
Oki’s comments reflect Fujifilm’s broader mission with its Innovation Print Awards: to celebrate customers who explore the limits of digital printing and find new opportunities for storytelling, branding, and production excellence across a wide range of industries.
The Significance of the Innovation Print Awards
Established more than 15 years ago, the Global Innovation Print Awards serve as one of Fujifilm’s major international platforms for highlighting standout print service providers. Participants submit work that demonstrates forward-thinking use of digital presses, creative design choices, and strong technical mastery. Categories span areas such as commercial printing, packaging, specialty applications, industrial print, and direct mail.
Winning entries not only receive recognition from Fujifilm but also gain international visibility, often sparking new collaborations, expanding customer relationships, and showcasing the potential of digital print to broader audiences.
A Proud Moment for the U.S. Printing Industry
With TEAM Concept Printing becoming the first U.S. recipient of a Global Innovation Print Award, the achievement carries significance beyond the company itself. It underscores the evolution and competitiveness of U.S.-based printers in the global print ecosystem, particularly in complex digital production and high-end finishing.
The win also highlights rising demand for premium direct mail solutions—a trend fueled by organizations seeking more impactful and personalized communications in an increasingly digital landscape. As brands continue to invest in high-quality printed materials to stand out, the kinds of innovations demonstrated by TEAM Concept Printing will play an essential role in shaping the next generation of print marketing.
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