Ridgefield Park, NJ - Agfa Graphics announced today that J.F. Moore Communications of Toronto, ON has successfully transitioned to Agfa's :Azura TS chemistry-free plates.

A tight-knit organization founded more than two decades ago, J.F. Moore Communications prides itself on being a technologically-savvy and eco-friendly company. As such, management has consistently upgraded hardware and software in order to stay ahead of market constraints, improve processes and better service their customers.

According to Dean Baxendale, CEO and President of J.F. Moore Communications, "J.F. Moore leveraged its access to global research to better understand the emerging trends in consumer and business preferences. The demand from consumers and J.F. Moore customers to invest in lean and green products has consistently increased in recent years. By working with Agfa we have made an investment that supports our commitment to environmental best practices. Most importantly, we are able to continue to deliver high quality products via a cost-effective process for our customers that are in line with their sustainability specifications."

The :Azura TS chemistry-free plate uses Agfa's patented ThermoFuse technology, which brings simple platemaking technology to sheetfed printers and web printers. :ThermoFuse's purely physical image formation eliminates many exposure variables, including pH, temperature or replenishment. Unlike conventional thermal plates, :Azura TS uses a simple gumming process that cleans the plate and gums it in one simple step, making it press-ready without the need for chemical processing. As a result, water consumption and waste are considerably reduced.  :Azura TS also delivers sharp image contrast. As such, visual inspections are possible prior to mounting which minimizes compromises on press and improves productivity.

Baxendale also offered, "With :Azura TS, we have moved away from less efficient conventional processes. Overall, this was an easy business decision that helps J.F. Moore support our customers' Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. This transition also marks the final piece in our three-year plan to become a global leader in Environmental, Ethical and Value based Best Practices. A true win-win!"

ThermoFuse, the technology on which the :Azura TS chemistry-free plate is based,is widely considered to represent the most advanced digital platemaking technology in the marketplace today. In addition to Agfa's eco-friendly :Azura TS chemistry-free plates, J.F. Moore Communications uses Bullfrog Power, which is 100% green electricity, to run their Toronto-based operations. The organization is FSC certified, G7 Master Printer Certified and ISO 2846 Compliant. Only three other printers in Canada have achieved this industry designation. Furthermore, J.F. Moore is the only organization in Canada to provide end-to-end print solutions that meet the G7 Standards for both ink and print quality. Thus J.F. Moore provides customers with unparalleled solutions that meet Environmental Best Practices as well as Color/Brand Management as well as High Quality Printing standards.