Growth through connection: Angie Runacre on leading RadTech Europe

"Every time I leave a committee meeting, I feel energised by the enthusiasm and dedication of our members."

Meet the president

Angie Runacre, President of RadTech Europe and technical R&D Manager at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, lives on the southeastern coast of England. "On a clear day, I can see Calais," she says with a smile. After nearly three decades in the same innovative company, Angie is still as passionate as ever about chemistry, printing, and collaboration. “I started as a technician, fresh out of university, thinking it would be a temporary stop. But it turned out to be the beginning of a journey I never wanted to leave.”

Angie holds a Science degree, a master’s in colour chemistry, and an MBA, an academic trio that reflects both the technical and commercial layers of her work. “It’s the combination that makes it work,” she adds.

At home, she’s a runner and a skier, a mother of two teenagers, and a lover of travel and culture. "I love food, which means I have to run," she jokes. Her grounded, curious nature carries over into her role at RadTech Europe, where she took up the presidency in 2023.

From passion to presidency

Her path to the presidency began a few years ago when a colleague suggested she join a working group. “I’d been to RadTech conferences before and always saw them as high-profile events, getting invited felt like recognition. So, when the opportunity came up to get more involved, I saw it as, a way to give something back.”

She led the LED curing working group, became more embedded in the organisation, and eventually took on the role of President. “It’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve made friends, gained new perspectives, and grown in confidence.”

What RadTech Europe stands for

At its core, RadTech Europe exists to promote the value of UV (LED) and EB curing technologies. “We want to help people understand the functionality, safety and sustainability benefits of this technology,” Angie explains. “It’s about education, outreach, and collaboration.”

The association brings together raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, academics, and end users. “That’s our strength. We cover the entire value chain, which gives us a real 360-degree view. One member’s problem might be solved by another member’s innovation.”

Four values lie at the heart of RadTech’s mission: reliability, collaboration, curiosity, and inclusivity. Angie explains: “We’re not a trade show. We’re a network of people who are genuinely trying to do something meaningful for their companies, for their industry, and for the planet.”

Strategic priorities and challenges

When asked about her presidency’s biggest reward and challenge, Angie doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the people. Every time I leave a committee meeting, I feel energised by the enthusiasm and dedication of our members. But that’s also the challenge, we’re all volunteers. We can’t do everything. So, we must focus on what really adds value.”

And that value is clear. RadTech Europe is working to grow the visibility and understanding of UV(LED)/EB technology, not just among its members, but also in industries and regions where the benefits are still unknown. “Sometimes people are using other technologies and just don’t know what UV(LED)/EB could do for them, or they’re hesitant to try. Our job is to make that bridge.”

Sustainability front and centre

Sustainability is not a buzzword for RadTech, it’s a driver. Angie points out that UV(LED)/EB technologies can reduce energy use and minimise environmental impacts by eliminating the need for removal of environmentally unfriendly solvents, or water that requires post-treatment. “The beauty of UV(LED)/EB technology is that everything stays in the cured film. Not only reducing waste, but also increasing functionality performance that can improve product lifetime. It’s a genuine environmental benefit.”

This year, RadTech renamed its HSE committee: Health Safety and Environment Committee, to the Regulatory and Sustainability Committee (RSC). “That reflects how central this topic has become,” Angie says. “The RSC helps our members stay informed on legislation, best practices, and innovation. It’s a hub for improvement.”

Innovation in action

In her day job, Angie leads teams developing UV inkjet inks for industrial and Graphic art printing applications. “We’re seeing analogue processes move to inkjet, and UV is enabling that shift. It’s productive, it’s clean, and it opens new applications.”

RadTech Europe is also exploring new fields for radiation curing technology, like coil coating, automotive, and even 3D printing. “The coil coating seminar we held recently got huge interest,” she notes. “There’s untapped potential, and we want to help uncover it.”

The RadTech Europe Conference: Where it all comes together

This year’s conference in Warsaw is, in Angie’s words, “our biggest project.” In just two days, attendees will hear about application developments, novel chemistry, regulatory changes, and sustainability strategies. “We also have an education session on day one for newcomers. And we won’t shy away from hot topics, this is where the industry comes together to align and grow.”

Fostering Growth through ambassadors and outreach

Under Angie’s presidency, RadTech has launched several new initiatives, including an Ambassador Programme. “A great idea from one of our members. Our aim is that each member company will have a dedicated ambassador to promote RadTech internally, so they fully benefit from what they’re paying for.”

Other initiatives include promotional videos and a clear mission statement: "a one-pager that explains who we are and what we do." RadTech has also increased its presence on LinkedIn and uses KPIs to track and guide its development.

“We want to enable” Angie says. “There’s so much value in our network. We just must make sure people see it.”

The role of Lejeune Association Management

Supporting that mission behind the scenes is Lejeune Association Management. “Honestly, I don’t know how Elke does it,” Angie says, referring to her main contact at Lejeune. “She’s hosting meetings, pulling up documents, engaging fully and then still delivers perfect summaries.”

Angie underscores that without Lejeune, RadTech Europe would not function at the level it does. “We’re all volunteers, and our employers are supportive, but we don’t have time to deal with web hosting, KPI tracking, conference logistics. Lejeune takes care of that. Their support allows us to function as a professional organisation.”

Looking ahead

With about six months left in her presidency, Angie is focused on delivery of the upcoming conference, and then passing the baton. “Holly will take over, and I’ll likely step back into a support role unless no one else wants to be Vice President,” she laughs. “But it’s important to keep things fresh, bring in new energy.”

And RadTech Europe is growing. Despite industry consolidation, membership is increasing. “It’s about showing relevance and value. And I think we’re doing that.”

For Angie Runacre, the role has been as personally rewarding as it has been professionally. “It’s given me insight, confidence, and a deeper connection to what’s possible. I hope I’ve given something back, but I know I’ve gained even more.”

Text: Ria Luitjes
Image: Angie Runacre