Inks are a far more complex product than many people recognize. For example, specialized inks can help protect brands from counterfeiters by providing security features. Inks can also be designed to provide functionality. This is the specialty of Dr. Mohammad Farahat, director of Sun Chemical’s Novel Device Laboratory, who received the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Award at the 2024 NAPIM Convention. Dr. Farahat earned his Ph.D. in photochemistry from Boston University, as well as a master’s degree in chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. With this background, Dr. Farahat joined Sun Chemical in 2004. He originally focused on brand protection solutions, but his knowledge in material science, chemical sensors and optics led to him being chosen to head Sun Chemical’s Novel Device Lab, where he has since earned several patents. Among his developments is Sun Chemical’s SunScreen, which measures the thickness of deposited coatings in real time. “I was first introduced to inks and printing when trying to incorporate security features onto packages and documents for brand protection and anti-counterfeiting,” Dr. Farahat recalled. “Printing inks provided a critical solution by using an established process that introduced invisible characteristics to a package that contained valuable items.” Dr. Farahat has enjoyed his more than two decades in the ink industry. “Over the course of my career in the ink industry, I have realized a great appreciation for the numerous technologies and skills that are necessary for developing inks and coatings and the printing processes that use them,” Dr. Farahat noted. “Along the way, I have also befriended many colleagues who have made critical contributions to the art and science of inks and printing.” He is appreciative of the mentors who helped influence his career. “I have been fortunate to work with mentors who have provided me with guidance for innovation and technical achievements, and especially insights for working with others toward shared goals,” Dr. Farahat said. “True leadership can provide a path for individuals to achieve what they may have thought unattainable without proper guidance. Success in achieving goals also depends on contributions from different team members, and I have been blessed to work with colleagues who have been instrumental in our accomplishments.” Dr. Farahat has been a part of many changes in inks and coatings and is seeing first-hand how these new technologies are driving change. “With technological advances in printing and coating, demand for higher performance and characteristics of inks has also increased over recent years, requiring more sophisticated design and development cycles,” he observed. “The desire for customization and short runs for packaging and publications has increased demand for digital printing, which is now capable of achieving performance levels beyond what was possible a mere decade ago, making it more competitive with non-digital platforms. “Sustainability considerations are playing an ever-increasing role in ink formulations and printing processes to address environmental concerns and consumer demands. Such efforts help brands comply with the current and constantly changing industry regulations,” Dr. Farahat added. “Inks continue to provide a critical visual interface for communicating information about products to consumers despite the prevalence of digital platforms and abundance of digital information.” Outside of work, Dr. Farahat likes to participate in outdoor activities, especially road cycling. “I also enjoy cooking and bread baking and experimenting with different recipes and new flavors, which are not always so successful,” he added. Dr. Farahat said he was “surprised and delighted” when he learned he would be receiving the Pioneer Award. “When I was informed I would receive the award, I was surprised and delighted,” he noted. “This is a great honor that has been bestowed upon me, and I think there are many other individuals in our industry who are deserving of such recognition as well. The award is as representative of everyone’s contributions as it is my own.” His colleagues are also delighted that he received the honor. “Equally important to Mohammad’s unquestionable technical acumen are his outstanding leadership qualities, including empathy, listening skills, a work ethic that allows him to lead by example, and a sense of humor that puts people at ease and creates an inclusive and enjoyable work environment,” said Russ Schwartz, chief technology officer, Sun Chemical. “In fact, his supervisor once told me that he can transform a dysfunctional group into a highly functioning team faster than anyone he has ever known. We’re excited for Mohammad on receiving this well-earned honor.”