For Alex Folloso, INX International Ink Co.’s VP of R&D metal decorating technology, a summer internship has proved to be the starting point to a career that now has earned him the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers’ (NAPIM) 2025 Technical Achievement Award.

While studying chemistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Folloso had the opportunity to take a summer internship at INX. It proved to be a successful decision.

“When I started my career in the industry as a summer intern in 1997, INX R&D was still in Elk Grove Village before the R&D campus was built in West Chicago,” said Folloso.

After his summer internship, Folloso learned the business as an R&D chemist, manager, and director. He played a key role in INX’s Metal Decorating division, including the formulation of 1299071 AP XL Dense Black ink, which has been the basis for the print dense black used on metal deco 2-piece inks for more than 20 years.

In addition, Folloso has led teams in the improvement of ink technology for 2-piece and 3-piece metal decorating, 3-piece metal and UV, and rigid container inks. Some of these advancements include higher BRC content products, a novel catalytic approach, UV/LED products for rigid container food, and numerous technology enhancements for printing. Folloso was promoted to VP of R&D metal decorating technology in 2024.

Folloso credits many of his mentors for their guidance over the years.

“Let’s start with Bill Tasker, who offered me a research chemist position at INX,” Folloso recalled. “Rick Clendenning, the INX president who believed I could contribute to the metal division and was the heart of INX. Rick Westrom, who I admired for his work ethic and he always believed in me. Jonathan Ellaby was an INX TinHead – a nickname we gave those that worked in the INX metal division – through and through, eventually became my good friend. Hiroyuki (Yoshi) Yoshizawa was my manager when I started as a chemist and saw my potential. I later replaced him as the metal R&D manager when he returned to Sakata INX in Japan.”

The ink and printing industry are evolving, and Folloso sees these changes on the metal deco side as well.

“The use of digital printing has made a big impact on the industry, and I feel it’s just started in the metal decorating space,” Folloso says. “Not so long ago, metal packaging was not as affected by regulatory changes due to being a functional barrier. However, it is no longer immune to the constant changes in regulation.”

Outside of work, Folloso enjoys cooking and working out.

“I enjoy working out and staying fit. I’m also a foodie and love to cook for people. I like finding new recipes and enjoying new cuisines,” Folloso notes.

The Technical Achievement Award is presented to industry leaders who have made contributions to the science of printing ink formulation, manufacture or application, and Folloso definitely is deserving of his selection.

“When I see the list of past winners of this award, I am both honored and privileged to be included in this group,” Folloso said. “The ink industry can be very challenging when it comes to the technical aspect. As an ink technical manager, you need to address supply chain issues, regulatory impacts, meet customer demands, and continue innovating and developing new products to stay ahead of competition. I’m happy to see that NAPIM has an award that recognizes hard work.”

His colleagues say Folloso is indeed a deserving honoree.

“Alex has been with INX for over 27 years,” says Ryan Ostrowski, R&D lab manager for metal deco. “During that time, he has led the R&D group in the improvement of ink technology for 2-piece and 3-piece metal decorating, 3-piece metal and UV, and rigid container inks. His efforts have kept INX as a leader in new technology in our industry.”

“Alex started his post-college career as an intern at INX R&D, then returned to work full time after completing his schooling,” says Donatas Ramananauskas, a research chemist at INX. “It is the only company he has worked at, and he has been diligent and proved his worth, which is reflected in the regular promotions throughout his career. And he is not done. His leadership approach is to let the group do its work, plus taking on the tricky task of being the conduit between the lab and management.”