New water recycling system, combined with CrystalCleanConnect, underscores NABEPROCESS’s dedication to pioneering eco-balanced practices and sets a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing processes

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium. Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, today reported that NABEPROCESS Co., Ltd., a major Japanese printing company and one of the first companies in the world to install CrystalCleanConnect, has advanced its sustainability initiatives even further by adding an Asahi AWP-LOOP™ water recycling system to its CrystalCleanConnect configuration. CrystalCleanConnect is an offering jointly developed by Asahi Photoproducts, ESKO, and Kongsberg that automates the flexographic platemaking process, reducing steps from 12 to 1 and dramatically reducing potential for error. The system produces flexographic plates ready for mounting on press.

“The Asahi AWP-LOOP™ system represents a state-of-the-art solution that facilitates the recycling and reuse of water in the plate-making process, drastically reducing environmental impact, said Mr. Yasuo Naka, Flexography Division Manager, NABEPROCESS Co., Ltd. “This strategic move aligns with our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. Over several months the system has been operational, we have seen a reduction in water usage of about 50% and an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. We have also seen savings in our waste treatment fees. We are now in a position to phase out solvent-based plate production entirely, reducing our carbon footprint even further.”

In this configuration, NABEPROCESS is using Asahi’s AWP™ water-washable plates in conjunction with CrystalCleanConnect which automates platemaking and reduces overall time to market. Mr. Naka adds, “We are using the AWP-LOOP™ system once a day on average, working in harmony with CrystalCleanConnect. We engage the LOOP system after a half day of platemaking with CrystalCleanConnect to treat the processing water. By reducing the need for outsourced wastewater treatment, we have achieved significant cost savings.”

“This is a great 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 Arata Ohnoko, Marketing and Sales Manager at Asahi Kasei.

NABEPROCESS has also been pleased with the installation, calibration, and training that took place upon receiving the AWP-LOOP™ system, as well as previous and ongoing support of its CrystalCleanConnect system, including both remote and on-site support, preventative maintenance, and more.

For more information about products and services from Asahi Photoproducts, visit us at www.asahi-photoproducts.com or email [email protected].