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New Asahi solution aims to reduce platemaking waste water usage by 80%

Asahi Photoproducts has announced the latest development in its CleanPrint strategy, a water recycling unit incorporated in new Asahi platemaking systems as a standard feature. This recycling unit uses 2 litres of water per square meter as compared to 10 litres in units without the recycling unit, a reduction in platemaking waste water of 80 percent, it explains.

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, Asahi explains, resulting in even more water savings. Existing Asahi platemaking systems can be retrofitted with the recycling unit.

“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, Asahi Photoproducts’ Technical Marketing Manager. “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.”

Asahi CleanPrint flexographic plates are also designed for fixed colour palette printing, a method that is increasingly being adopted to save time and money while still delivering the quality brands expect, according to the company.

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 how Asahi platemaking systems can be incorporated into flexographic workflows.