Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today announced the latest development in its CleanPrint strategy, a water recycling unit incorporated in new Asahi platemaking systems as a standard feature. This recycling unit uses 2 litres of water per square meter, versus 10 litres in units without the recycling unit, a reduction in platemaking waste water of 80%!

In addition, minimal waste from the system, in the form of dry cake and a highly concentrated liquid extract, can be incinerated, with the liquid contributing to the cooling of the incineration plant, resulting in even more water savings. Existing Asahi platemaking systems can be retrofitted with the recycling unit so that all Asahi platemaking processes are more in harmony with the environment.

“As we have done for the past 45 years, we continue to look for ways to make the flexo printing process more efficient and in harmony with the environment while also improving overall effectiveness,” said Dieter Niederstadt, Asahi Photoproducts’ Technical Marketing Manager. “This latest improvement pushes flexographic printing into an even more environmentally balanced position, preserving precious water resources while maintaining the quality and efficiency our customers have come to expect. It’s another important strategic element of Asahi’s CleanPrint technology.

CleanPrint flexographic plates from Asahi Photoproducts have been specifically engineered by Asahi’s chemical engineers to transfer all remaining ink to the printed substrate, reducing makeready time and press cleaning stops as compared to other platemaking systems while delivering exceptional quality. Asahi CleanPrint flexographic plates are also ideal for fixed colour palette printing, a method that is increasingly being adopted to save time and money while still delivering the quality brands expect. This is made possible by the precise registration of Asahi CleanPrint plates.

Visitors to the Asahi stand at drupa 2020 will be able to get a first look at the new recycling unit to learn more about how it works, its environmental benefits, and the ease with which Asahi platemaking systems can be incorporated into any flexographic workflow with significant time to market and OEE benefits.

“We have even more on our agenda to introduce at drupa 2020,” Niederstadt adds. “Our goal is to continue to bring improved flexographic platemaking solutions to market that position flexo even more competitively with other printing technologies, continuing to grow its market share in packaging printing around the globe.” Asahi will be located in hall 5 C41 at drupa 2020. For more information about flexographic solutions from Asahi Photoproducts that are in harmony with the environment.