Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development and a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, has confirmed its participation in two key events in the Asian region: Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, and China Print 2025 in Beijing, China. The company’s presence at these shows underscores its leadership in the region’s flexographic printing market. Each event will feature targeted solutions addressing specific local industry needs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and productivity on the road to Solvent ZERO.

Key technologies to be discussed include Asahi’s flagship AWP water-washable platemaking system, its AFP-R plate solution, and CrystalCleanConnect, an advanced automated flexo platemaking line co-developed with Esko and Kongsberg. Together, these innovations exemplify Asahi’s commitment to technological excellence and to the Asian market.

Sustainable innovations for the label industry at Labelexpo Southeast Asia

At Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 (8–10 May at BITEC, Bangkok), Asahi Photoproducts will exhibit at the booth of its local distributor, Press Systems Group (PSG), stand B38. The company will highlight its flagship AWP water-wash platemaking system, including the AWPTM-2530AA all-in-one plate processor and the soon-to-be-available AWP-LOOP Petite water recycling system. This discussion highlights how flexographic technology can support the label industry’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient operations.

Solutions to be discussed at the stand in Bangkok include:

AWP Water-Washable system – Eliminates VOC solvents entirely from the plate-processing workflow, supports safer and cleaner operations, and delivers exceptional print quality with consistent performance (measurable improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, OEE).

AWPTM-2530AA – All-in-One Plate Processor – Compact footprint with premium plate quality; meets top environmental and print standards; enhances screening and color reproduction on press; user-friendly interface for smooth operation.

AWP-LOOP Petite – Closed-Loop Water Recycling – Currently under development, this compact solution is designed to recycle a significant portion of washout process water. It aims to reduce wastewater and operating costs using Asahi Kasei’s Microza filtration technology. The system is intended to complement future AWP tap water-based developments, which are also in progress.

AFP-R – Quick & Easy Plate Solution – Asahi’s bridging technology will also be part of the conversations in Bangkok, designed to reduce solvent usage and processing time while remaining compatible with existing solvent-based equipment.

For full feature details, see the listing under China Print 2025. Visitors will have the opportunity to examine real print samples that demonstrate high-resolution label production with reduced waste and improved turnaround times.

Driving High Productivity & Solvent ZERO at China Print 2025

At China Print 2025 (15–19 May at the China International Exhibition Center, Shunyi Hall, Beijing), Asahi Photoproducts will be featured in a partner space within the Esko booth (E1-062). The focus at this show will be on Asahi’s Solvent ZERO initiative, highlighting sustainability and high productivity with the company’s AWP and AFP-R plate technologies. To underline the collaborative spirit, the booth will feature a backdrop image of Li Xiaocheng – founder of Hengze and an early adopter of CrystalCleanConnect – symbolizing the partnership approach in bringing these innovations to market.

A highlight of the booth will be packaging print samples created using cationic UV inks on film, designed specifically for noodle packaging applications. These samples demonstrate how Asahi’s technology delivers both functional and aesthetic excellence for the packaging industry.

Key technologies to be highlighted in beijing

CrystalCleanConnect – Automated Flexo Platemaking Solution (co-developed with Esko and Kongsberg) – Fully automated and connected process; delivers a mount-ready plate at high speed; streamlines platemaking from 12 steps down to 1; reduces dedicated operator time by 90%; achieves a 25% average increase in press OEE; lowers ink usage by 20%; offers a lower total cost of ownership; ensures consistent, high-quality output with a minimal environmental footprint.

AWP Water-Washable system – Also featured in Beijing, demonstrating the same solvent-free platemaking process introduced at Labelexpo Southeast Asia, eliminating VOC-based solvents and improving both pressroom safety and efficiency.

AFP-R “Quick & Easy” Plate Solution – Bridging Technology – Part of Asahi’s roadmap toward more sustainable platemaking, the AFP-R plate family bridges the transition from solvent to water-wash technologies. It reduces solvent consumption by approximately 30% and shortens plate processing time by more than 50%. The plates are compatible with existing solvent-based equipment and are available in both flat (AEPF) and round (AEPR) formats.

“Our commitment to the Asian region is stronger than ever,” said Kazuaki Abe, assistant sales manager, Asia/China Region, Asahi Kasei, Tokyo, who stepped into the role on April 1. “These two events enable us to demonstrate how our flexographic solutions meet specific regional needs—whether in the label or packaging sectors—while staying true to our core sustainability values. We look forward to connecting with our partners, customers, and future collaborators at both shows.”