Discussion

By Michael Mittelhaus on Aug 04, 2008

Its a fine idea, though its no surprise, that Fujis thermal Brillia Pro-T has best results in all categories.
However, one should not forget, that there are other parameters on the question "How green is a plate", e.g. the amount of energy needed to image a plate, the chemistry needed to manufacture a plate and the amount of energy to produce it.
Anyway, Fujis website is a nice beginning.

By Graham Leeson on Sep 03, 2008

The web site is a first step to help clarify some of the wider environmental issues in plate production. It is true that there are many other relevant factors and like any environmental debate, the question is where you draw the line. This tool was designed to help clarify the differences between the plate technologies rather than offer a definitive guide as there is much confusion surrounding processless and chemistry free technologies.

Fujifilm actively measures the carbon footprint of all its products over their entire life cycle so in time a more detailed analysis will be possible. But assuming this more detailed analysis takes into account the fact that you don't need manufacturing plants to make the processors, finishing units or chemistry (with all the associated environmental benefits in terms of energy and raw materials), I'm sure the argument will still weigh in favour of processless. Hopefully the next calculations we are able to perform will be along these lines. Watch this space...