Asahi Kasei Corporation, a leading chemical company, and its subsidiary, Asahi Photoproducts, known for pioneering developments in flexographic photopolymer plates, recently organized two significant events in Asia during December. These events, held in Shanghai and Taiwan, served as platforms to highlight customer successes in the utilization of Asahi’s advanced flexographic platemaking solutions.
The first event took place in Shanghai, where Shanghai Hengze Printing Company, a notable label manufacturer, shared its success story with CrystalCleanConnect. Li Xiaocheng, the founder and CEO of Hengze, welcomed industry peers to tour his facility in conjunction with Labelexpo Asia 2023. Hengze is the first company in China to adopt CrystalCleanConnect, an end-to-end automated flexographic platemaking solution developed collaboratively by Asahi, ESKO, and Kongsberg.
CrystalCleanConnect simplifies the flexo platemaking process from 12 steps to just one, significantly reducing the potential for errors and enhancing overall quality. Hengze, having already incorporated Asahi AWP-DEF water-washable plates to elevate quality and competitiveness, experienced a further boost in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability with the addition of CrystalCleanConnect and a transition to Asahi AWP-DEW water-washable plates optimized for use with CrystalCleanConnect. The installation of CrystalCleanConnect took place in 2022.
The event, attended by nearly 30 companies, provided an opportunity for visitors to witness CrystalCleanConnect in action and engage in presentations by Asahi, Esko, and Kongsberg, offering a comprehensive understanding of its benefits. AVT representatives also elucidated how their inspection solution enhances label manufacturing quality by detecting any faults during the printing process.
The second event unfolded in Taiwan, where Tung Yi Color Reproduction Company, one of the largest repro houses in the region, hosted a technical seminar focused on printing on flexible packaging. The seminar, held at the GIS Taichung Wenxin Conference Center on December 15th, welcomed printers, repro houses, and suppliers involved in gravure, offset, and flexography. More than 120 individuals representing 45 companies gathered to learn about the latest technologies and sustainable practices in the field.
“These types of open house events are important as we work to educate the Asian market on the latest technologies and help them improve their sustainability position,” Suzuki said. “We appreciate Hengze and Tung Yi making their faciities and their staff available for these events, and thank them for their hospitality. We look forward to being able to do more of these types of events in 2024.”
