Asahi Photoproducts helped attendees at Labelexpo Americas learn how switching from solvent-wash to water-wash plates can not only make their operations more sustainable, but also reduce waste, improve print quality, and speed time to market.

“We are pleased to showcase our solutions on the path to a Solvent ZERO portfolio at this important show for the label industry. We look forward to meeting prospects, customers, and other community members at Labelexpo Americas,” stated Yusuke Kaneko, Asahi Kasei global marketing manager.

A growing number of label companies around the globe are switching to more sustainable Asahi flexographic plates, often replacing or minimizing the use of technologies such as offset and/or gravure printing while achieving equal or better quality and faster time to market.

Hamburg, Germany, based All4Labels has seen a significant boost to its productivity since installing the CrystalCleanConnect automated platemaking system developed by Asahi Photoproducts, ESKO, and Kongsberg, which uses Asahi AWP CleanPrint water-washable plates.

Late last year, this label converter installed the system to replace a manual platemaking process that resulted in “errors and scheduling problems,” according to Mirco Wilke, head of prepress, flexo printing. With this new installation, the company has been able to connect to its workflow systems, automate the whole process, and minimize operator hands-on work. 

“This is just an example of a company that is taking advantage of Asahi’s innovative approach to flexographic platemaking, increasing efficiency, sustainability, and quality while reducing time to market, all critical elements in today’s highly competitive marketplace,” added Kaneko.

Highlights at the Asahi booth:

• AWP-LOOP-Petit for Label Customers, Water Recycling Unit that significantly reduces waste water 
• New AWP plate that uses pure tap water in the washing process, without any detergent
• AFP-R, a low-solvent consuming plate that will help companies make the necessary transition to Solvent ZERO.