April 19, 2008 -- Agfa Graphics today announced an exclusive new program called GreenWorks, part of the company's environmental recognition and support efforts. The GreenWorks program honors those customers that are proactively involved in environmental responsibility including the use of :Azura Chemistry-Free digital printing plates or :Amigo Low-Chemistry digital printing plates. As part of the program, Agfa will assist GreenWorks companies in building awareness about their accomplishments.

Many printing companies today are eagerly adopting greener policies. Print shop owners, managers, employees and customers are thinking more than ever before about future generations. In support of this crucial trend, Agfa, an early proponent of the need for greener technologies, policies and procedures, created the Agfa Environmental Recognition Awards in 2007. That program has evolved into GreenWorks and will go further toward helping Agfa's customers maximize the results of their green efforts, while giving Agfa a broader platform to spread the word about the need for environmental responsibility.

To become part of Agfa's GreenWorks program, printing companies must be users of Agfa's ThermoFuseTM platemaking technology. This includes the top-selling, chemistry-free :Azura plate and the low-chemistry :Amigo plate, both of which have significantly reduced the impact on the environment as compared to conventional digital or analog plates. In addition, GreenWorks printers must also demonstrate that they active in other environmental initiatives, as well as being involved in other efforts such as recycling, reducing waste, or using alternative energy sources in their plants.

"For the graphic communications industry, being green means developing new technologies, adopting smarter policies for daily business operations, and promoting environmental responsibility as broadly as possible so that others become involved," said Susan Wittner, marketing director, Agfa Graphics, North America. "With the GreenWorks program, we identify those print companies who have successfully adopted greener policies and should therefore be seen as leaders of true environmental responsibility. In addition, we want to connect print buyers seeking environmentally sensitive printers with Agfa GreenWorks printers."

Agfa provides all GreenWorks printers with a wide range of promotional materials to help them publicize their green initiatives. That can have a positive effect on everything from increased business to improved employee satisfaction.

Companies that have already been designated with environmental recognition awards will automatically become members of GreenWorks.

About ThermoFuse Plate Technology
Agfa's patented ThermoFuse technology uses millions of individual, heat-sensitive thermoplastic pearls that are melted and fused together to form a firm bond to the substrate in its exposed areas. In the unexposed areas, the pearls are easily removed by a mild alkaline clean-out solution. With more than 2000 customers around the world, both :Azura and :Amigo plates can run in most plate processors and require less processor cleaning and maintenance, allowing print departments to operate at much greater levels of efficiency.