Water-wash flexo plate processing delivering cleaner print, fewer press stops and flexographic printing in harmony with the environment

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium–Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development and a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, today reported that Kindai Bijyutsu Co., Ltd, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, has acquired an Asahi AWP™-2530 AA - All-In-One water-wash processor for use with AWP™-DEW CleanPrint water-washable flexographic plates. The company produces labels and flexible packaging for a wide range of customers in the food industry. While Kindai had already been using water-wash plates, the company chose this solution due to improved performance with the AWP™-DEW CleanPrint water-washable flexographic plates, including plate accuracy with precise registration, excellent ink transfer, reduction in press stoppages due to plate cleaning, and elimination of the need for washout solvents.

" We are very satisfied with the print quality resulting from our Asahi AWP™ water-wash platemaking system,” commented Ms. Emi Oshiro, CEO of Kindai Bijyutsu Co., Ltd, “as well as with the stability it delivers with both our water-based and UV inks. As the need for package printing that is in harmony with the environment increases day by day, this acquisition positions us to deliver the highest quality products with even more reliability."

CleanPrint in Harmony with the Environment
Asahi´s CleanPrint water-washable flexographic photopolymer plate technology’s ability to deliver high quality print performance is a result of its engineered photopolymer chemistry design. The water-wash technology also features a low surface energy plate resulting in fewer press stops for plate cleaning for significantly improved OEE in the pressroom and reducing press waste. All of these elements make them the most sustainable flexographic plates in the industry. In addition, AWP™-DEW CleanPrint plates deliver extremely high-quality print due to their precise registration and ability to deliver perfect printing balance between highlights and solids.

"Kindai Bijyutsu Co., Ltd, is a pioneer in flexographic printing using water-based inks and located in Okinawa Prefecture. The company has installed the AWP™ water-wash platemaking system to better deliver high-quality, stable, food-safe package printing for its many clients. We are very excited to be working with Kindai to expand the range of applications suitable for flexography and together helping grow the flexo business in Japan," said Ms. Miho Ohigashi of the Photosensitive Materials Sales Department of Asahi Kasei Corporation in Japan.

The group mission of Asahi Kasei has been and continues to be to contribute to life and living for people around the world. That mission has never been more relevant than it is today as the world faces an unprecedented climate crisis. Asahi Kasei is determined to be a leader in reducing its CO2 footprint and that of its customers. Asahi’s AWP™ water-wash solutions are a key element in the ability to attain this goal. To learn more about these efforts, download our white paper: Sustainability: A Goal Worth Pursuing.

For more information about other flexographic solutions from Asahi Kasei that are in harmony with the environment, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com.