Photopolymer flexo printing plates developer Asahi Photoproducts will soon showcase its latest development in its CleanPrint strategy at drupa.

The solution is a water recycling unit incorporated in new Asahi platemaking systems as a standard feature.

According to the company, the new solution aims to reduce platemaking waste water usage by 80 per cent using no solvents in the washout process, and bringing flexo platemaking more in harmony with the environment.

It mentioned that this recycling unit uses 2L of water per square meter, versus 10L in units without the recycling unit.

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.

Existing Asahi platemaking systems can be retrofitted with the recycling unit.

Asahi Photoproducts technical marketing manager Dieter Niederstadt said the solution is part of the company’s continued research into making the flexo printing process more efficient and in harmony with the environment while also improving overall effectiveness.

“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,” Niederstadt said.

Visitors to the Asahi stand at drupa2020 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 added.

“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.”