Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, has announced the latest development in its CleanPrint strategy, a water recycling unit incorporated in new Asahi platemaking systems as a standard feature. The recycling unit uses 2 liters of water per square meter, versus 10 liters 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, technical marketing manager at Asahi Photoproducts. “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.
According to the company, CleanPrint flexographic plates 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 color 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. Asahi will be located in Hall 5 C41 at drupa 2020.
“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.
