Resource Categories: Artikel

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Die echte Hybriddrucklösung

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 6 minutes

Der sich schnell verändernde Schilder- und Displaymarkt erfordert flexible Lösungen, um mit der sich ändernden Nachfrage Schritt zu halten. Zwar gibt es immer noch Verbesserungen in Bezug auf Geschwindigkeit und Qualität, aber diese sind zunehmend marginal, und es sind die Bereiche Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis und Vielseitigkeit, in denen es Möglichkeiten für eine echte Differenzierung gibt.

Die Verschiebung hin zu einer immer größeren Vielseitigkeit ist teilweise eine Folge der Covid-Pandemie, bei der Druckdienstleister, insbesondere diejenigen, die in der Vergangenheit hoch spezialisiert waren, gezwungen waren, sich anzupassen und in neue Arten von Technologie zu investieren, um neue Märkte mit einer vielfältigeren Palette von Anwendungen zu bedienen.

Eine Reaktion des Marktes auf diesen Wandel war ein deutlich gestiegenes Interesse an Hybriddruckmaschinen und den offensichtlichen Vorteilen, die sie durch ihre Flexibilität und Vielseitigkeit bieten. Als Fujifilm im Jahr 2021 seine Acuity-Serie mit Großformatmaschinen komplett überarbeitete und neu auf den Markt brachte, geschah dies unter anderem, um besser auf genau diese Art von Marktveränderungen reagieren zu können. Die Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED und die Acuity Prime Hybrid sind ein erster Beweis dafür, dass diese Strategie genau wie geplant funktioniert.

Dieser Artikel befasst sich insbesondere mit der Acuity Prime Hybrid und geht näher darauf ein, was sie von der Konkurrenz unterscheidet. Er bietet einige Einblicke in ihre echten Hybrideigenschaften und ihren Platz in der sich weiterentwickelnden Druckindustrie.

 

fujifilm wide format printer

Ein echte Hybridplattform

Was meinen wir mit „echt hybrid“? Abgesehen von dem Offensichtlichen – der Fähigkeit, auf einer breiten Palette von starren und flexiblen Substraten zu drucken – was macht eine „echte“ Hybriddruckmaschine aus? Vielleicht können wir uns der Beantwortung dieser Frage annähern, indem wir uns zunächst damit befassen, was eine solche Maschine nicht ist. Es handelt sich nicht um eine Flachbettdruckmaschine mit optionaler Rollenfunktion und auch nicht um ein Rolle-zu-Rolle-Maschine mit einem Flachbetttisch als Sonderausstattung. Solche Maschinen haben ihre Berechtigung, aber ausschließlich in Umgebungen, in denen diese zusätzliche Funktionalität nur gelegentlich benötigt wird. Im heutigen Druckmarkt, in dem es darauf ankommt, ein möglichst breites Spektrum an Aufträgen zu bewältigen und zu liefern, sind diese „Halb-Hybride“ oft nicht mehr gut genug.

Mit einer echten Hybridmaschine erhalten Sie eine außergewöhnliche Leistung, egal ob Sie starre oder Rollenmedien bedrucken, denn die Maschine ist für beides konzipiert, und nicht für eine der beiden Varianten, die einfach nur aufgeschraubt wurde. Und wenn die Bauqualität der Maschine gut genug ist, dann bleibt diese außergewöhnliche Leistung auch bei sehr langen Aufträgen konstant, egal ob es sich um Rolle-zu-Rolle oder starre Medien handelt, was die ultimative Flexibilität bietet.

Eine echte Hybridmaschine eröffnet hingegen eine Reihe von Möglichkeiten für Druckdienstleister, die nach Wachstumschancen suchen. Damit sind sie in der Lage, in kürzerer Zeit mehr zu produzieren.

Entwickeln und fertigen

Die Acuity-Reihe von Fujifilm kombiniert preisgekröntes britisches Design mit japanischer Qualitätssicherung und sorgfältigen Fertigungsprozessen. Diese außergewöhnliche Design- und Fertigungsqualität ist in Bezug auf alle Leistungsaspekte der Maschine bemerkenswert, aber ein Bereich, der für die Acuity Prime Hybrid besonders relevant ist und sie als hervorragendes Beispiel einer „echten“ Hybriddruckmaschine auszeichnet, ist das Medienhandling. Die industrielle Fertigungsqualität der Acuity Prime Hybrid ermöglicht es, Rollen mit einem Gewicht von bis zu 100 kg zu handhaben, was weit über das hinausgeht, was eine modifizierte Flachbettmaschine bewältigen könnte. Und nicht nur das: Die Medien werden auch außergewöhnlich gut geführt, was bedeutet, dass die Maschine auch bei langen Druckaufträgen mit minimalem Bedienereingriff eingesetzt werden kann.

Druckfarben der Spitzenklasse

Im Hinblick auf Druckfarben und Härtung bietet die Acuity Prime Hybrid einen weiteren Vorteil gegenüber vielen ihrer Konkurrenten. Dank der Fujifilm-Druckfarben mit UV- und energiesparender LED-UV-Härtung ist die Acuity Prime Hybrid nicht nur schneller als viele ihrer Konkurrenten, sondern kann auch eine viel breitere Palette von Substraten bedrucken. Das bedeutet, dass empfindliche Medien viel einfacher verwendet und mit höheren Geschwindigkeiten bedruckt werden können, als dies sonst möglich wäre. Das Härten von Latex erfordert zum Beispiel ein heißeren Trocknungsprozess. Eine geringere Betriebstemperatur bringt natürlich auch einen geringeren Energieverbrauch mit sich, was wiederum zu niedrigeren Energiekosten führt. Das Resultat: Zusätzlich zu den potenziellen Kosteneinsparungen wird auch die Umwelt geschont – ohne Leistungseinbußen.

Die UV-Inkjet-Druckfarben von Fujifilm sind außerdem Greenguard Gold-zertifiziert und eignen sich daher für eine Reihe von Anwendungen im Innenbereich, beispielsweise Wandverkleidungen.

Echte Vielseitigkeit

Die Acuity Prime Hybrid zeichnet sich auch durch ihre Druckbreite von 2,05 m aus, eine Eigenschaft, die über die Standardbreite von 1,6 m der meisten Alternativen hinausgeht. Diese erweiterte Kapazität ist keine Premium-Funktion und macht die Maschine so zu einer realisierbaren Option für Unternehmen auf dem Weg zu neuen Zielen. Die größere Druckbreite der Maschine bietet die Freiheit, Rollen verschiedener Größen effizient zu bedrucken, sowie die Möglichkeit, mehrere Platten nebeneinander zu verarbeiten. Gleichzeitig sinkt die Notwendigkeit von Beschnitt oder Größenanpassung, was sowohl Zeit als auch Ressourcen spart. Diese Vielseitigkeit öffnet die Türen zu einer Vielzahl von Anwendungen, von der Beschilderung im Einzelhandel bis hin zu widerstandsfähigen Displays für den Außenbereich.

In einer Zeit, in der Anpassungsfähigkeit von entscheidender Bedeutung ist, stellt die Acuity Prime Hybrid eine ideale Lösung für Druckereien dar, die wettbewerbsfähig bleiben und auf den sich ständig verändernden Markt reagieren wollen.

Bewährte Lösung

Die Acuity Prime Hybrid hat sich bereits in realen Geschäftsumgebungen bewährt.

David Allen, Managing Director von Allen Signs im Vereinigten Königreich, hat im August 2023 als Erster in diese Maschine investiert. Er sagt, dass sich die Druckmaschine durch ihr hervorragendes Medienhandling nicht nur von den Mitbewerbern abhebt, sondern auch in der Lage ist, schwierige Substrate, z. B. Metallic-Material, kosteneffizient zu bedrucken.

O-Ton Allen: „Da wir uns mit Hybridmaschinen auskennen, sahen wir in der Acuity Prime Hybrid eine Möglichkeit, die Marke Fujifilm genauer zu erkunden. Mit der Maschine können wir jetzt unsere gewohnten Erzeugnisse mit minimalen Problemen, hervorragender Qualität und höchster Tintenleistung produzieren.“

Matt Ryder, Druckspezialist bei Allen Signs, fügt hinzu: „Wir haben einen Druckauftrag auf der neuen Fujifilm-Maschine ausprobiert und waren sofort überzeugt. Sie war perfekt. Was die Substrate angeht, so haben wir noch keines gefunden, das nicht funktioniert.“

Allen Signs ist das erste von vielen Unternehmen in Europa und auf der ganzen Welt, das von einer Maschine profitiert, die sowohl ein wirklicher Hybrid als auch ein echter Wegbereiter für den Großformatdruck ist.

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Entdecken Sie die revolutionäre Großformatmaschine, die sich für eine Vielzahl von kreativen Anwendungen eignet.

Entdecken Sie die Acuity Prime Hybrid

Das Beste von Inkjet und Toner

Zwei digitale Drucktechnologien. Mehrere Lösungen. Ein Partner.

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 7 Minuten

Auf dem kommerziellen Druckmarkt dominieren heute immer noch analoge Druckverfahren, insbesondere der lithografische Offsetdruck, was Volumen und Wert der gedruckten Materialien angeht. Dieses Volumen und dieser Wert sinken jedoch, da die Nachfrage nach personalisierten Materialien steigt, die auf Abruf und in kleineren, aber häufigeren Auflagen gedruckt werden. Diese Anforderungen können nur durch den Digitaldruck erfüllt werden.

Der Marktforscher Smithers sagt uns, dass der Digitaldruck im Jahr 2032 einen Wert von $230,5 Milliarden haben wird, was fast einem Viertel des weltweiten Wertes aller Drucke und bedruckten Verpackungen entspricht. Das sind etwas weniger als 3,0 Billionen A4-Drucke, ein Anstieg von 68,61 TP3T auf dem Markt im Jahr 2022. [1] Und innerhalb dieser Zahl für den Digitaldruck machte der Tintenstrahl im Jahr 2022 61,41 TP3T des Digitaldruckwerts mit 62,41 TP3T Volumen aus. Im Jahr 2032 wird dieser Wert auf 74,11 TP3T und 77,51 TP3T Volumen ansteigen.[2]

Da sich der kommerzielle Drucksektor weiter digitalisiert, haben Unternehmen die Wahl, welche Digitaldrucktechnologien am besten für sie geeignet sind. Für einige wird die Geschwindigkeit und Qualität des Tintenstrahls von größter Bedeutung sein, während für andere die zusätzliche Flexibilität des Toners und die Möglichkeit, spezielle Farben und Spezialeffekte für kreative Anwendungen zu drucken, von größerem Nutzen sein werden.

Für viele wird eine Kombination beider Technologien die Lösung sein.

Fujifilm ist einzigartig darin, erstklassige Lösungen und jahrzehntelange Erfahrung in der Entwicklung von Tintenstrahl- und Tonertechnologien anzubieten. Unabhängig davon, welchen digitalen Weg ein Unternehmen einschlägt, verfügt Fujifilm sowohl über das Produktportfolio als auch über das Fachwissen, das es unterstützen kann.

Darüber hinaus bedeutet Fujifilms Erfahrung im Bereich des analogen Drucks, dass das Unternehmen den Prozess und die Herausforderungen bei der Einführung digitaler Drucktechnologien in einem Unternehmen besser versteht als Konkurrenten, die nur auf digitale Technologien setzen.

Unter Berücksichtigung all dieser Faktoren gibt es keinen besseren Partner auf dem Markt, der Sie bei der digitalen Transformation unterstützen kann.

Die Inkjet-Geschichte von Fujifilm

Die Geschichte von Fujifilm und der Inkjet-Technologie ist in vielerlei Hinsicht eine Geschichte. Da sind die Druckköpfe; die UV- und wasserbasierten Inkjet-Tinten und die ausgefeilten Integrations- und Optimierungstechnologien, die alles miteinander verbinden. Fujifilm-Tintenstrahltechnologien treiben Drucklösungen wie die Jet Press 750S voran, die seit einem Jahrzehnt den Standard für Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit in der digitalen Druckproduktion im kommerziellen Bereich setzt, sowie eine Reihe von Inkjet-Produktionslösungen für Schilder, Displays und Etiketten und Verpackungsbranche.

Druckköpfe

Fujifilm Dimatix ist eine der bekanntesten und angesehensten Marken in der Entwicklung von Tintenstrahldruckköpfen. Das Unternehmen wurde 1984 als Spectra, Inc. gegründet und war ein sehr früher Pionier industrieller Tintenstrahldruckköpfe. Im Jahr 2005 änderte das Unternehmen seinen Namen in Dimatix, bevor es im folgenden Jahr von Fujifilm übernommen wurde. Fujifilm selbst ist für seine Innovationsgeschichte bekannt, insbesondere für die Art und Weise, wie das Unternehmen schnell diversifizierte, als Anfang der 2000er Jahre der Markt für Fotofilme einbrach. Dieser Innovationsdrang hält an und die Übernahme von Dimatix war Teil der Strategie von Fujifilm, die wohl stärkste und vielfältigste Inkjet-Technologieplattform der Branche aufzubauen.

Inkjet-Tinten auf Wasserbasis

Fujifilm ist eines der wenigen Unternehmen weltweit, das über umfangreiche Forschungs-, Entwicklungs- und Produktionskapazitäten sowohl für wasserbasierte als auch UV-Tinten für den kommerziellen, Großformat- und Verpackungssektor verfügt. Fujifilms Entwicklung von wasserbasierten Tinten insbesondere für kommerzielle Anwendungen begann ernsthaft im Jahr 2005 mit der Übernahme des Inkjet-Geschäfts von Avecia. Avecia (heute Fujifilm Imaging Colorants) ist ein Spezialist für die Entwicklung und Herstellung von Hochleistungsfarbstoffen, Pigmenten und Färbemitteln. Das Unternehmen wurde 1985 mit der Einführung der ersten Generation hochreiner Tintenstrahlfarbstoffe gegründet und hatte 1994 das weltweit größte digitale Unternehmen gebaut Produktionsstätte für wässrige Tinte in den USA.

Mit der Übernahme von Fujifilm im Jahr 2005 und den darauf folgenden massiven Investitionen in Forschung und Entwicklung haben neuere Entwicklungen eine Reihe neuer Möglichkeiten hervorgebracht, darunter Farbstoffe in Fotoqualität für eine Bildbeständigkeit von mehr als 50 Jahren, proprietäre reaktive Dispergiermitteltechnologien und die Entwicklung von Ultra- Hochleistungs-Wassertinten für Fujifilms Flaggschiff-B2-Tintenstrahldrucker, die Jet Press 750S.

Fujifilm Imaging Colorants hat sich dank dieser konsequenten und kontinuierlichen Innovation zum weltweit größten Hersteller von wässrigen Tintenstrahlflüssigkeiten entwickelt.

Die Geschichte des Fujifilm-Toners

Dem europäischen Publikum ist es vielleicht nicht allgemein bekannt, aber Fujifilm kann auf eine lange Geschichte der Einführung innovativer tonerbasierter Bürokopierer, Schwarzweißdrucker und kommerzieller Vollfarbdrucksysteme sowie bedeutender Dokumenten- und Unternehmensdienstleistungslösungen zurückblicken. Historisch gesehen wurde diese Technologie von der Tochtergesellschaft Fuji Xerox entwickelt, die heute FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corporation heißt.

Obwohl das Unternehmen zunächst ein Joint Venture mit Rank

In den letzten 60 Jahren hat Fujifilm weltweit führendes Know-how im Bereich tonerbasierter Technologien entwickelt, zu denen heute die leistungsstarken EA-Eco-Toner und Fixiersysteme, die Laserbebilderungs- und Registrierungssysteme, die Raster- und Glättungsalgorithmen sowie die Endbearbeitung gehören und Nachbearbeitungssysteme. Viele dieser Technologien sind erstklassig und führen zu einer branchenführenden Druckerleistung.

Fujifilm-Tonertechnologien

Genau wie bei seinem Inkjet-Angebot beruht Fujifilms Fähigkeit, preisgekrönte Tonerdrucklösungen auf den Markt zu bringen, auf seinem grundlegenden Technologie-Know-how und seiner Fähigkeit, diese zu führenden Produktionslösungen zusammenzuführen.

Diese neue Produktreihe nutzt die führende Tradition von Fujifilm in der tonerbasierten Druckproduktion sowie das umfassende Verständnis des Unternehmens für Offset- und Digitaldruck voll aus, um Produktionsdrucker zu entwickeln, die branchenführende Leistung bieten. Sie vereinen hohe Druckgeschwindigkeiten, hervorragende Endverarbeitungsflexibilität, branchenführende Farben und Verbesserungen und natürlich hervorragende Druckqualität.

Das Flaggschiff der Reihe ist die Revoria Press PC1120, die über eine fortschrittliche Druckmaschine und eine Auswahl von 10 Farben, darunter Gold, Silber, Weiß, Pink und Transparent, verfügt, die einfach in sechs Vor- und Nachher-CMYK-Stationen konfiguriert werden können. Mit branchenführender Druckqualität, unglaublicher Medien- und Endverarbeitungsvielfalt und dem größten Farbraum hat diese preisgekrönte Druckmaschine in der kurzen Zeit seit ihrer schrittweisen Einführung in Europa einen enormen Eindruck hinterlassen und Designern und Marken die Freiheit gegeben, hochwertige Drucke zu erstellen Sonderfarben in kleinen oder mittleren Auflagen. Mit den metallischen Silber- und Goldtönen sowie den verfügbaren Weiß- und Sonderfarben und -effekten können Designer die Anforderungen von Luxusmarken erfüllen, die nach Druckmaterialien mit Mehrwert suchen, die in sehr kleinen Auflagen wirtschaftlich produziert werden können. Darüber hinaus bedeutet die von Fujifilm entwickelte KI-Bildverbesserung, dass Fotos beim Drucken automatisch verbessert werden, was bedeutet, dass viel weniger Zeit für die manuelle Nachbearbeitung von Bildern benötigt wird.

Alles zusammenbringen

Auf dem modernen Druckmarkt besteht die einzige wirkliche Möglichkeit, wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben, darin, Mehrwert zu schaffen. Sei es durch kreative Anwendungen, Spezialeffekte oder einfach durch höchste Qualität. Da die Verbraucher ein neues Maß an digitaler Sättigung erreichen, bietet der Druck gezieltere und hochwertigere Möglichkeiten.

Bei Fujifilm liegt der Fokus darauf, sicherzustellen, dass wir unseren Kunden in der gesamten Branche dabei helfen, diese Möglichkeiten voll auszuschöpfen. Jedes Unternehmen hat einzigartige Herausforderungen und jedes wird unterschiedliche Technologie- und Supportanforderungen haben, um diese Herausforderungen zu meistern und zu meistern. Aus diesem Grund haben wir unser Portfolio so entwickelt, dass es den gesamten Markt abdeckt, von analog bis digital, von Toner bis Inkjet, sodass wir mit Druckunternehmen in jeder Phase ihrer Digitaldruckreise zusammenarbeiten können – auch mit denen, die noch nicht zum ersten Mal in den Digitaldruck investiert haben , an Unternehmen, die bereits vollständig aus der analogen Nutzung ausgestiegen sind.

Entdecken Sie das Beste des Tintenstrahls. Entdecken Sie den besten Toner. Entdecken Sie den Unterschied mit Fujifilm.

[1],[2] Die Zukunft des Digitaldrucks bis 2032, Smithers Information Ltd, 2022

Kommerzieller Druck

Klicken Sie hier, um unser konkurrenzloses Angebot an Tintenstrahl- und Tonerlösungen zu entdecken

Besuchen Sie den Sektor

╳

Die Zukunft flexibler Verpackungen ist digital

Introducing the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 7 Minuten

The future of flexible packaging is digital. The future of flexible packaging is inkjet. The future of flexible packaging is the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790.

While there’s no doubt that in the packaging sector, the adoption of digital print technologies has advanced much more slowly than in other print sectors, the direction of travel is unambiguous. A 2021 Allied Market Research (AMR) report estimated the global digital printed packaging market to be worth $20.6 billion (in 2021) and projected substantial CAGR of 9.1% over ten years, to reach $49.9 billion by 2031.[1]

The report singled out flexible packaging as the segment likely to grow the fastest (from the smallest base) and also indicated that inkjet would grow its share of the digital packaging market overall compared with other digital alternatives, thanks to the levels of quality and productivity that can now be achieved with leading inkjet technologies.

There are a number of trends driving these shifts, and Fujifilm has designed the Jet Press FP790 to address all of them head on. In this article we examine three of the most important of these trends and look at how Fujifilm inkjet technology, and the Jet Press FP790 in particular, is uniquely well suited to address them.

Megatrend One: Sustainability

The challenge of developing more sustainable production practices is being driven by a mix of consumer pressure, government regulation and an increasing sense of environmental responsibility on the part of brands and packaging producers.

Reducing waste and boosting recyclability is an increasing concern for packaging companies and this trend is a major driver behind the adoption of digital technology, as it offers a way to significantly reduce waste and the use of consumables associated with analogue print processes.

Going digital has significant environmental benefits here, as far fewer consumables are used before, during and after the production process compared to traditional flexo production, and there is virtually no waste, resulting in a much smaller ecological footprint.

The consumables required for platemaking and the cleaning of processing equipment, the additional packaging required for those consumables, and the additional energy and water use required for those processes are all eliminated.

Additionally, going digital means shorter runs can be printed economically, so you can print just what you need – leading to much less product waste.

Megatrend Two: Time to market  

Time is money, and modern businesses, and modern consumers, expect instant delivery. New product lines often need to be set up at a moment’s notice and the timescales involved in setting up an analogue production line can sometimes be prohibitive – especially for relatively short run jobs.

This is where digital in the form of inkjet really comes into its own. With no set-up time required, the job gets printed straight away and turnaround times are massively reduced.

Megatrend Three: Rapid rise in SKUs and reduced product lifecycles

The proliferation of SKUs is another factor behind the increasing popularity of inkjet. More unique product lines, combined with shorter product lifecycles, mean that companies frequently end up with excess inventory. This leads to logistics and storage challenges, as well as higher levels of waste and higher costs. Short run production, to print the exact quantity you need and no more, offers a way around this, but it is simply not viable using analogue processes.

Related to this, having the ability to quickly and efficiently produce extremely high quality samples is another benefit of inkjet.

Why the Jet Press FP790?

The trends above are driving the interest in digital production – but not all digital solutions are created equal. There are many solutions out there – but only one is a proven mainstream flexo packaging print alternative.

Built on years of Fujifilm inkjet and packaging sector expertise

It’s in the name. Fujifilm’s Jet Press has been synonymous with inkjet excellence in the commercial print and folding carton packaging sector for more than a decade, and Fujifilm’s expertise in printhead and ink development stretches back much further still.

Fujifilm also has a long history in the flexible packaging industry, developing flexo plates, inks, imprinting bars and LED curing solutions.

In the Jet Press FP790, Fujifilm has brought together that combination of inkjet technology and flexo packaging market knowledge to produce a digital flexible packaging press that is not only setting new standards for quality and productivity – but is also designed to fit seamlessly into a typical flexible packaging  production environment with ease.

High quality Fujifilm water based inkjet ink, with a double white option

Fujifilm is one of the world’s leading ink manufacturers and the water based ink in the Jet Press FP790 draws on that rich heritage. The inks also include a unique double white option in the Jet Press FP790, and this, in particular, sets it apart as a machine suitable for tackling everything from the simplest production that just needs to get done fast, through to jobs that require the very highest standards of quality.

Bewährte Lösung

It may be new to the market, but the Jet Press FP790 has already proven its value and its potential through the endorsement of some of the industry’s most respected software and finishing companies who have signed up as partners. These partners include Henkel and Nordmeccanica for coating and laminating solutions, and HYBRID Software for our XMF Packaging workflow solution which provides automated pre-press functionality to deliver accelerated turnaround times, maximum productivity and reduced operating costs.

These multiple partnerships with respected and experienced industry names are both a vote of confidence in the capabilities of the press, and a means of ensuring that it can fit easily and seamlessly into existing analogue production environments.

But the endorsements don’t stop there. An early UK beta customer had this to say:

“Sustainable packaging design is not just about material choice. It’s about sustainable production and that’s what the Fujifilm Jet Press 790 achieves for us. With high speed and high quality digital printing, the ability to cost-effectively produce short run lengths, and the elimination of plates and make-ready processes, all mean that the Jet Press 790 brings a host of benefits to our business. It enables us to deliver excellence in print performance, eliminate waste and exceed the needs of today’s flexible packaging market with complete flexibility and agility. We are delighted to be the first installation in Europe and we are confident that the press will provide us with significant advantages in what is a highly competitive market.”

No additional investment required

Most digital flexo packaging solutions require a lot more additional investment beyond the press itself. Special substrates that need special adhesives and laminates and considerable downtime for all the associated changeovers. The Jet Press FP790 is designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows and existing laminating and other finishing systems.

Overall, it’s clear that digital technologies are set to drive the future of flexible packaging. There are several trends causing this shift, and we will see this continue to grow further. Fujifilm is unique in its ability to combine decades of expertise in inkjet and flexible packaging, along with the support and knowledge of its partners, to provide an innovative solution that is truly future-proofing the flexible packaging market, with the Jet Press FP790.

[1] Digital Printing Packaging Market 2031: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/digital-printing-packaging-market-A08308

Jet Press FP790

Learn more about our revolutionary digital flexible packaging press.

Entdecken Sie den Unterschied

╳

Weltneuheit: Nachhaltige Reinigungslösung

Fujifilm reduces the carbon footprint of its inks with innovative cleaning technology at its Broadstairs ink manufacturing facility

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 6 minutes

  • Fujifilm switched to a more environmentally friendly cleaning technology at its Broadstairs ink manufacturing facility.
  • The company partnered with Terrafend, which develops and supplies sustainable cleaning solutions.
  • Fujifilm becomes the first company in the world to install an Ambimization® Proteus machine.
  • Ambimization® technology provides a revolutionary approach to cleaning by combining chemical and mechanical engineering.
  • The water-based cleaning fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic.
  • Since installing the new technology, Fujifilm has significantly reduced its waste, carbon footprint and VOC emissions.

The FUJIFILM Specialty Ink Systems (FSIS) award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen and flexo inks. The factory has implemented several sustainability initiatives over the last ten years and in the summer of 2022, it became the first ever company to trial the new-to-market Ambimization® fluids and Proteus pot wash machine from Terrafend.

Terrafend’s patented Ambimization® technology combines chemical and mechanical engineering to provide a revolutionary approach to cleaning. Ambimization® water-based fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. They work at ambient temperatures and can be used repeatedly before reaching end of life, thus reducing workplace risk, energy consumption, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Last year, Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® technology in its analogue ink department in Broadstairs to clean its UV, water-based and solvent-based ink pots. The use of Ambimization®, in turn enabled Fujifilm to implement the Proteus pot wash machine. These new innovations replaced legacy cleaning equipment that used chemical solvents.

The Proteus machine cleans pots with a water-based Ambimization® fluid in a time-efficient manner, facilitating cost and energy savings, as well as reducing the use of VOCs and creating a safer working environment. It is a sustainable cleaning solution that aligns with Fujifilm’s commitments to promote the use of green technology.

Moving from solvent to water-based cleaning

Fujifilm’s old pot cleaning process involved solvents being sprayed on the walls of the mixing vessels at pressures in excess of 70 bars, thereby removing traces of the ink and decontaminating the surfaces of the pots. This method used around 72,000 litres of chemical-based solvent and generated around 22,000 litres of waste per year.

After the cleaning process, the used solvent, saturated with ink, was pumped into a 24,000 litre storage tank at the Broadstairs site. When full, the tank was drained by a specialist contractor and the solvent waste was removed from the site, via road tanker, to a chemical re-processor. At the re-processor, the waste was separated through distillation, enabling 75% of the solvent to be returned to Fujifilm and used again. A limitation of this method was its inefficiency, with 25% of the material being lost in the recycling process.

In stark contrast, the new Proteus machine and water-based fluids, generate minimal chemical waste and VOCs. With Ambimization®, Fujifilm has managed to reduce solvent waste output at its Broadstairs site. This is not only better for the environment, but safer and more pleasant for the on-site Fujifilm team who handle the ink pots before and after cleaning. Fujifilm has reduced its VOC emissions by 91% since switching to the Proteus and Ambimization® process.

Reduced fire risks & energy consumption

An additional safety benefit of Ambimization® is that it eliminates fire risk – and this is further facilitated by the Proteus machine. With the traditional cleaning method, the solvent formed fine aerosol particles during each cleaning event, because of the high pressure deployed. This created an explosive (ATEX) atmosphere. Although ATEX equipment was installed and steps were taken by staff to reduce this fire risk, the risk still posed a threat.

Moving forward with the more sustainable cleaning solution provided by the Proteus machine, Fujifilm will be able to remove all ATEX rated equipment and save on time that would otherwise have been spent on ATEX health and safety measures within the pot wash area. The Proteus machine is also expected to reduce energy usage by 110,000 kWh per year, making it a hugely worthwhile investment.

Key takeaways

Fujifilm’s ink R&D and manufacturing facility in Broadstairs, Kent, has regularly made the news as a four-time winner of the UK’s Best Process Plant in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, but it is for its sustainability initiatives that it is now rapidly creating waves.

Fujifilm has paved the way for more ink and coating manufacturers to implement Ambimization® by being the first company in the world to pioneer the technology. Since Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® – and the Proteus pot wash machine – Terrafend has introduced the technology to seven additional international major coating and composite manufacturers.

Switching to Ambimization® has delivered the following objectives:

  1. Provided a green / sustainable pot cleaning process
  2. Reduced VOC emissions at the Broadstairs site
  3. Reduced energy consumption by approximately 110,000 kWh per year during the pot cleaning process
  4. Future-proofed the Broadstairs site’s pot cleaning capability
  5. Eliminated the Broadstairs site’s DSEAR risk

Gary Burgess, Manufacturing and CI Manager at FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems, comments: “We’re thrilled to be the first company in the world to have trialled an Ambimization® Proteus machine, installed at our Broadstairs ink manufacturing site. Although the digital ink market continues to grow, screen and flexo inks are still used for a number of printing applications. We’ve taken a step to reduce waste and energy when it comes to cleaning our ink pots. During the process, we’ve also reduced VOC emissions and eliminated the site’s largest risk.”

Emily Cassius, Head of Business Development at Terrafend, adds: “This cleaning technology has huge potential to help leading brands – like Fujifilm – to operate more efficiently while reducing risk, waste and carbon footprints. We are pleased to have helped them boost their sustainability credentials and look forward to a continued partnership.”

Learn more about our Label & Packaging solutions

Visit Sector

╳

Analog. Digital. Nachhaltig.

Fujifilm for packaging: a story in three parts.

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 6 minutes

The story of Fujifilm, since its founding in 1930s Japan, has been one of continuous innovation – sometimes incremental, sometimes radical, but always ongoing. Print is one of many sectors that has benefited from that innovation, especially over the past couple of decades as digital technology has made real inroads across the industry. That trend towards digitisation is apparent across the whole print market, but the pace of change differs dramatically from sector to sector.

One sector still in the comparatively early stages of that journey is packaging.

At Fujifilm, we understand how print can add value to packaging and are combining expertise in the very latest digital print technologies with an analogue heritage to create a product portfolio that supports the production of both analogue and digitally printed packaging.

We work with packaging producers whatever the stage of their journey; whether it’s helping them to optimise analogue production lines to maximise efficiency or introduce a digital capability. We don’t do one-size-fits-all – we do the right solution, for the right producer, at the right time. And all our solutions, whether analogue, digital or somewhere in-between, are designed to reduce waste and the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, minimise energy consumption and to be as sustainable as possible.

Analogue

With volumes typically far larger than other print sectors, digital is in its comparative infancy in the world of packaging. This means that not all producers are ready for significant digitisation of their printing operations and almost all that are will go hybrid, retaining significant analogue capability.

But continuing with analogue processes doesn’t mean the technology stands still – far from it. Technology and innovation have a huge role to play in the future of analogue package printing. Fujifilm is a key part of that future, with a constantly evolving analogue product portfolio designed to improve the performance and sustainability of analogue printed packaging.

First, there’s our Flenex FW water-washable flexo plates that eliminate environmentally harmful solvents often used in the plate-making process and are more durable than most alternatives, meaning fewer plate changes and less waste. And the sustainable benefits go hand-in-hand with greater press stability and therefore higher, more consistent quality. Then there’s our range of narrow web inks, which we have been supplying for many years, that have a deserved market reputation for both quality and versatility.

In addition, our retrofittable LuXtreme LED UV curing system, uniquely combining both LED UV curing hardware and a brand new range of LED UV inks, radically reduces energy consumption, eliminates harmful VOCs, requires lower maintenance and produces less waste. This results in lower costs, along with higher, more consistent quality, something that is a welcome bi-product of a lower energy system.

Digital

Fujifilm’s heritage and expertise in digital inkjet technology needs little introduction, but the detail of how this is being applied for packaging applications is less well known. Fujifilm has been a pioneer in inkjet technology since the late 1990s, with multiple solutions for wide format, commercial print and labels and packaging.

The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model has set a new standard for the quality that can be achieved with inkjet technologies. Well-known and highly respected in the commercial print sector, it is also designed to print short-run, folding-carton packaging at exceptionally high levels of quality, with many customers using it exclusively for this purpose.

Fujifilm also offers a wide range of scalable imprinting systems that bring the benefits of digital printing to analogue processes by combining Fujifilm’s proprietary technologies across printheads, ink and transport systems with the company’s in depth integration expertise. Based on Fujifilm’s world-leading Samba piezo-electric printbars, the company’s imprinting solutions allow digital inkjet printing to be integrated directly into existing analogue production lines for a broad range of industrial applications.

The Jet Press FP790 digital flexible packaging press features water-based inkjet technology, making it suitable for food packaging production. Built on decades of Fujifilm inkjet expertise, the Jet Press FP790 is designed to offer a digital alternative to flexo production for mainstream applications and print runs, and meets the strategic needs of businesses faced with the challenge of dealing with a widening variety of products – resulting in a proliferation of SKUs – and shorter delivery times.

Sustainable

As well as looking for a solution that’s the right fit for their business, modern packaging producers and the brands they serve are also looking for a solution that’s right for the planet. That’s why sustainability is one of the threads that links all of our packaging solutions, from analogue to digital and everything in-between.

Our Flenex plates reduce waste and eliminate the use of environmentally harmful solvents altogether, and when combined with our PRC1 filtration unit, water use is also minimised. Our LuXtreme LED UV curing system slashes energy use, and our narrow web Inks are solvent-free and manufactured in the UK at our award-winning Broadstairs factory, where extreme care is taken to ensure all manufacturing and operational processes are as environmentally responsible as possible.

Similarly, our imprinting solutions can breathe new life into an analogue production line, bringing additional functionality without the investment in a new line. Where a new investment is necessary to meet market needs, the Jet Press 750S and Jet Press FP790 digital presses eliminate many of the processes and consumables associated with traditional analogue production. Much has also been written about how the Jet Press 750S can contribute to a more circular economy.

Packaging producers, particularly multi-site global producers, are also looking for lasting partnerships with strong, innovative and highly capable suppliers with ambitions that match their own. Here Fujifilm’s legacy, technology portfolio, size and diversity gives the company a powerful platform to develop leading analogue and digital systems long into the future. With an ambition to support producers with their analogue production today, while leading the transition to digital over the long term, we are excited about our future in packaging and the partnerships we hope to develop.

We’re Fujifilm – we’re analogue, we’re digital and we’re always working to help packaging producers be more sustainable.

Learn more about our Label & Packaging solutions

Visit Sector

╳

Digitale Drucktechnologie für eine Kreislaufwirtschaft

This white paper has been published by Fujifilm as part of its commitment to deliver technically advanced and sustainable printing solutions for the print industry

Lesen Sie das Whitepaper

Lesezeit: 3 Minuten

Where does print fit in the circular economy?

From books, newspapers, magazines and brochures to folders, annual reports and packaging, print remains a vital and highly effective branding, marketing and communications tool. But in an age of heightened environmental concern and ‘net zero’ carbon reduction targets, how can print be used in the most efficient and responsible way? In this white paper, we take a look at how the latest digital printing technology is dramatically cutting waste and making recycling much easier.

Download white paper

Fill out the form to download the full 12 page White Paper

Download the full 12 page White Paper here

╳

We must do more

As part of the “European Green Deal” project, there is an action plan for the EU to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy, restore biodiversity and cut pollution, and be climate neutral by 2050. To achieve this goal, action must be taken at all levels. Switching to renewable energy will, on its own, reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by only 55%. The remaining 45% of emissions come from the way we make and use products, which means working smarter and wasting less.

Fujifilm is committed to fully integrating print into the circular economy. Net zero doesn’t have to mean online only – print will always have a vital role to play, and we’re committed to making sure it can always play that role efficiently, effectively and sustainably.

The way we print is changing

The graphics industry has many analogue techniques which, especially when used for bespoke or short run work, have an enormous impact on the environment.

Now, thanks to the latest developments in digital print technology, there are machines which can print while also:

• Massively reducing raw material use
• Using fewer and more sustainable consumables
• Needing far fewer parts replacing
• Producing less waste
• Consuming less water
• Producing 100% recyclable printed products

This technology is moving print from the linear to the circular economy in which everyone has a role to play in keeping our planet liveable and our prosperity intact.

Revoria PC1120 wins BLI 2022 Pro Award

Triumph for Fujifilm as Revoria Press PC1120 Wins Buyers Lab 2022 Pro Award

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 3 Minuten

Fujifilm’s new Revoria Press PC1120 recently earned the Keypoint Intelligence ‘Buyers Lab 2022 Pro Award’ in the ‘Outstanding High-Volume CMYK+ Production Device’ category. The Revoria Press PC1120 won the BLI 2022 PRO award for Outstanding High-volume CMYK+ Production Device due to:

  • Six colour stations with before – and after – CMYK capabilities that allow for a wider range of inline creative options than some competitors
  • Outstanding halftone image reproduction with the largest CMYK colour gamut tested to date and a range of speciality colours that help create a broad colour palette
  • Customisable and intuitive print server platform, which enables efficient device/remote management capabilities
  • Outstanding mixed-media workflow performance, with no productivity slowdown, which translates to more work being handled inline in a single job submission

An award-winning set of features

David Sweetnam, Keypoint Intelligence’s Director of EMEA/Asia Research & Lab Services commented: “The extra imaging stations before and after the standard CMYK units, along with the diverse range of toner options, make the device stand out amongst others in this digital arena”. Sweetnam was also impressed with the Revoria Flow PC11 Print Server, describing it as “providing a high level of media management, with seamless integration aided by an excellent user-friendly interface”.

Mark Lawn, Fujifilm Europe’s Head of POD Solutions, comments: “We’re delighted to have received this award, as it represents independent recognition of Fujifilm’s outstanding R&D within this area. Fujifilm has ambitious growth plans and this award fuels our drive to continue to work on our new portfolio of Revoria branded products. We know that many companies in the digital printing industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for hands-on testing. Their analyst experience is invaluable and for the Revoria PC1120 to be recognised with such an award marks a major milestone for us, and serves to energise us further in bringing the outstanding technologies in this press to customers to support their growth.”

About Keypoint Intelligence

Keypoint Intelligence is recognised as the industry’s most trusted resource for unbiased information and analysis, and its awards are highly respected due to its impartiality and decades of experience in digital printing.

 

Entdecke mehr

Download the summary report about why the Revoria PC1120 won the award here..

Download award summary

╳

Design for Environment

The FUJIFILM Group undertakes environmentally conscious product development based on its design for environment initiative.

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 4 minutes

As part of its wider global Sustainable Value Plan 2030 (SVP2030), Fujifilm undertakes environmentally conscious product development based on its design for environment initiative. This considers the entire lifecycle of a product, from procurement, manufacturing, transportation, use to the eventual disposal, to set targets from the perspective of climate change mitigation (reduced power use, etc.). From the design stage, the “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle” principle of resource saving, risk reduction of chemical substances, and biodiversity are all considered as part of the development process.

This approach is applied not only to materials and standalone equipment, but also to software and solutions in a bid to reduce environmental impact in the society as a whole. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted to achieve a quantitative and objective assessment of the environmental impact of a product. The environmental label is also used for active dissemination of information.

“Green Value Products” Certification Program

In an effort to “contribute to resolving environmental issues in society through our products and services,” as set out in the Sustainable Value Plan targeted for FY2030, Fujifilm introduced a “Green Value Products” certification program in FY2018.  This program compliments the company’s existing internal regulations on design for environment, and aims to clarify any product’s environmental values and involves the certification of products exhibiting outstanding environmental credentials.

This certification program sets certain priorities to the certification criteria according to the product category and the use and features of each product through its entire life cycle. Fujifilm then clarifies the environmental value of each product by conducting environmentally conscious design assessments based on such certification criteria at the time of product development. Certain products are then selected for certification based on the total score of each assessment item. These products are reviewed and approved by the Group Certification Council, and finally certified as a Fujifilm “Green Value Product”.

The certification criteria are determined for the entire life cycle of each product with a different weight for each assessment item, by comprehensively assessing the environmental items such as “measures for climate change,” “resource saving and recycling,” “risk minimisation for chemical substances,” and “biodiversity” as well as considering the social requirements for each business/product category.

This certification program is implemented in compliance with the requirements of the international standard “ISO14021 Self-declared Environmental Claims” and obtains the opinions of external experts in order to ensure the objectivity, reliability, and transparency of the program.

Certification ranking and criteria

Fujifilm classifies its products into three certification ranks (diamond, gold, and silver) according to the degree of their contribution to the reduction of environmental impact.

RankCertification criteria
DiamondProducts and services that user their respective industries’ innovative technologies to substantially contribute to reducing environmental impact
GoldProducts and services that reduce environmental impact at their respective industries’ highest level
SilverProducts and services that reduce environmental impact at a higher level than their respective industries’ standard

Product examples

In Fujifilm’s Graphic Arts business, the following products have been certified for their environmental performance:

Jet Press 750S High Speed Model:  GOLD

Effects on reduction of environmental impact:

  • Many of the consumables associated with conventional offset printing are eliminated
  • Significantly reduces the amount of wasted paper
  • Smaller footprint compared to previous models
  • The efficient drying mechanism reduces drying times, contributing to significantly higher speeds, and saving power
  • Excellent paper recycleability (de-inking ability)

Overall, there are significant reductions in resources, water use and waste compared to equivalent offset presses, with excellent paper recycling.

Revoria Press PC1120:                      SILVER

The requirements of major environment labels for energy consumption, hazardous substances, audible sound levels during operation and recyclable design are satisfied.

Revoria E1 Series:                             SILVER

The requirements of major environment labels for energy consumption, hazardous substances, audible sound levels during operation and recyclable design are satisfied.

Sustainability targets and the environment

Fujifilm has comprehensive targets relating to sustainability and the environment which lay the foundations for its business management strategies to achieve sustainable growth

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 5 minutes

Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030 (SVP2030)

The Fujifilm Group announced its Sustainable Value Plan 2030 (SVP2030) in August 2017. The new plan set targeting FY2030 as its long-term goal, which is expected to lay the foundations of the Group’s business management strategies for sustainable growth. One of the key pillars of the SVP2030 is dedicated to the environment.

The environment and sustainability

There are four priority issues, regarding the environmental part of the SVP2030, each with its own set of targets:

  1. Address climate change
  2. Promote the recycling of resources
  3. Address energy issues towards a decarbonised society
  4. Ensure product and chemical safety

1. Address climate change

Reduce the Fujifilm Group’s own CO2 emissions

Reduce CO2 emissions across the entire product life cycle*1 by 50% by FY2030, compared to the FY2019 level

So far (2020) the progress is 15%, 29% of the way towards the target

 

Reduce CO2 emissions from its operations (Scope 1 and 2) *2 by 50% by FY2030, compared to the FY2019 level, aiming to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by FY2040

So far (2020) the progress is 6%, 13% of the way towards the target

 

Convert 50% of purchased electric power to renewable energy-derived power by FY2030

So far (2020) the progress is 9%, 18% of the way towards the target

Contribute to reduce CO2 emissions in society through the use of Fujifilm’s products and services.

Contribute to a reduction in the CO2 emissions generated by society by 90 million tons by FY2030

 

Fujifilm has recently increased its target for contributing to reducing CO2 emissions generated in society from 50 million tonnes to 90 million tonnes.  The aim is to achieve this by replacing conventional products with products that are more sustainable.

So far (2020) the progress is 20 million tonnes, 23% of the way towards the target

 

Increase the % of products certified as “Green Value Products” to 60% of group-wide sales by FY2030.

The Fujifilm Group operates the “Green Value Products” certification scheme, a mechanism for continually creating superior environmentally conscious products and services. In fiscal 2020, 30 new products were certified, bringing the total to 166 (32%), and the company increased the target for the number of products certified to 60% of group-wide sales. As such, Fujifilm is over half-way towards this target.

So far (2020) the progress is 32%, 53% of the way towards the target.

*1 Including phases such as procurement of materials, and manufacturing, transportation, usage and disposal of products.

*2 Direct emission from the company at the manufacturing stage of the product (Scope 1) and indirect emission due to the use of electricity / steam supplied from other companies (Scope 2).

Promote the recycling of resources

Reduce the amount of water the Fujifilm Group uses by 30% by FY2030 (compared to FY2013 levels)

The result in FY2020 was 16%, so the company is over half-way towards the goal of 30% by FY2030.

Contribute to the treatment of 35 million tonnes of water per year in society by FY2030

The result in FY2020 was 8 million tonnes, so the company is around 23% of the way towards the goal of 35 million tonnes by FY2030.

Reduce the amount of waste produced by the Fujifilm Group by 30% by FY2030 (compared to FY2013 levels)

Fujifilm has managed to ensure that the amount of waste produced by the Group did not increase in FY2020, despite rising revenues and an expansion of the business, but has not yet managed to make the reductions planned.  This is a key area of focus for the future.

Achieve a recycling index*3 of more than 10 by FY2030 (was 6.5 in FY2020)

Achieve a valuables conversion index*4 of more than 1 in FY2030 (was 0.63 in FY2020)

*3 Recycling index = (Recycled volume + Valuable-converted volume) / Simple disposal volume

*4 Valuables conversion index = Valuable-converted volume / Recycled volume

Address energy issues towards a decarbonised society

By contributing to the creation and widespread use of renewable energies through advanced materials, Fujifilm aims to help address energy issues and the move towards a decarbonised society. In particular, a New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) started the development of an “all solid state lithium-ion battery” – a next generation storage battery for electric vehicles, under an industry-government-academia collaboration. Fujifilm is participating in the project as one of 23 manufacturers of cars and batteries.

Ensure product and chemical safety

Under this objective, Fujifilm’s aim is to minimise the adverse effect of chemical substances on human health and the environment. In particular, Fujifilm completed the replacement of 2 of 7 chemical substances within the high priority substances for risk management, a new classification established in 2020.  In addition, Fujifilm held online briefings for business partners and achieved 90% understanding of the chemSHERPA chemical information communication system, contributing to further improvement of management accuracy for hazardous substances used in products.

Nachhaltigkeit in der Herstellung

Fujifilm’s award-winning UV ink factory in the UK has implemented a wide range of initiatives to accelerate change towards a more sustainable operation

Lesen Sie den Artikel

Lesezeit: 6 minutes

Fujifilm’s award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen and flexo inks. The company has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives over the last ten years, and more recently the recruitment of Antonina Realmuto as Group Sustainability Director, and Craig Milsted as Sustainability Advisor for the site, has brought about a much greater focus to accelerate change towards more sustainable operations.

When it comes to sustainability and protecting the earth, it’s important for us all to do more. Whether it’s consuming fewer products, opting for products with less packaging, or reducing waste – we must all play our part.

Fujifilm’s ink R&D and manufacturing facility in Broadstairs, Kent, has regularly made the news as a three-time winner of the UK’s Best Factory Award in 2011, 2013 and 2015, but it is for its sustainability initiatives that it is now rapidly creating waves.

Craig Milsted outlines the initiatives that have been implemented so far: “With the recent changes in personnel, including my own role, there is now a renewed focus on sustainability, and therefore a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes to help us operate more sustainably. This work is ongoing, but we have made a number of notable recent changes to our equipment and processes which are enabling us to operate in a more environmentally friendly way.

Big energy savings

“Firstly, we have massively cut back on our conventional energy use and have instead turned to alternative energy sources to help power our site. Back in 2016, we started to buy renewable electricity to power our factory, and in the same year installed many solar panels on the grassy grounds of our site. But in March this year, we expanded our solar power generation with the addition of panels on our site roof.

“We have an ongoing objective to generate more solar power over time and steps towards achieving this goal include reviewing our current processes and equipment. Through these checks, we have found that the solar panels on the roof are more effective than the ones on the ground, so we have repaired and improved those on the grass, while also scoping out new areas on our site where panels can be installed to effectively generate more solar power in the future.

“Our efforts so far have been successful – this year in June alone, our solar panels produced 82,240 kW of power. This is enough to power a typical  UK household for 26 years and is also 181% more power than the 29,185 kW produced in June 2021.

Since 2013, we’ve significantly cut back on the waste produced at our ink factory, and last year (2021), 689.7 tonnes of waste produced on site went for recycling.

Craig Milsted | Sustainability Advisor, Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems

“Another way that we have saved on conventional energy is by turning our factory HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems off overnight, which achieved savings of £183,000 – and 1 million kW – per year. We have also upgraded our factory’s gas boilers – some of which were more than 50 years old – with condensing boilers, and replaced gas heaters in the International Logistics Centre with infrared heaters.

“Meanwhile, in our R&D facility, we operate our air conditioning on a timer system to save energy, as well as turning off equipment overnight, where possible, when it is not being used. Additionally, we have installed multiple free-to-use electric car charging points across the site for our team members to use.

Impressive waste reduction

“But it’s not only energy consumption that we have been targeting.  Since 2013, we’ve significantly cut back on the waste produced at our ink factory, and last year (2021), 689.7 tonnes of waste produced on site went for recycling.

“Other initiatives include: 100% of our raw materials packaging is reused and recycled; we return 1000 litre IBCs for cleaning and reuse, rather than disposing of them; and a number of moulded components used as part of our ink pouches are made from recycled materials. Additionally, we now secure our pallets with straps rather than using shrink wrap, which reduces our waste by around 8 tonnes annually. We are also in the process of swapping plastic tape for paper tape.

“In R&D we have also achieved a 50% reduction in glass jar testing; a 38% reduction in end container testing for one litre bottles; a 74% reduction in end testing for five litre cubitainers; and we have cut back on the use of one, two and three litre pouches by 29%, 33% and 20% respectively. We are literally looking at every single part of our operation and making changes to reduce our environmental impact.

Smart cutbacks on solvents

“Overall, thanks to the printers we sell becoming more technologically advanced over the years, less ink is required during the printing process.  This is obviously a better and more sustainable situation in itself. However, you can’t print without ink – it’s the most crucial element of printing. So for the inks that we produce at our factory, previously we would typically use around 140,000 litres of oil-based solvents to clean the vessels used in our ink-making and mixing equipment.

“However, very recently we replaced our oil-based solvent cleaner with an 80% water-based (aqueous) cleaning solution, manufactured by a company called Safe Solvents. Coinciding with this, a first-of-its-kind pot washing machine, also supplied by Safe Solvents, was installed at the factory.

“Suitable for use with the new aqueous cleaning solution, the machine offers a significantly more efficient pot washing solution on our site. The aqueous cleaner and pot wash machine combo makes it possible for us to separate solvent and aqueous waste, and in the future, it could enable us to reuse the pots after they have been cleaned, and then when they are beyond reuse, have the clean plastic shredded and sent for further recycling.

Measuring and analysing is key

“The recently installed pot washing machine at Broadstairs is a world-first, so we look forward to reviewing our credentials in the future and seeing the difference it has made. The most important thing is that we continue to measure and analyse everything, as only by measuring can you improve.

“It really is a painstaking, but ultimately very rewarding process – we have achieved a great deal in the last 12 months with our renewed focus, but we are confident we can continue to make iterative improvements all over the site, across all areas of energy, waste and material reductions, to make this award-winning factory a world-class, sustainable one too.”

de_DEGerman
en_GBEnglish fr_FRFrench it_ITItalian pl_PLPolish pt_PTPortuguese es_ESSpanish cs_CZCzech nl_NLDutch jaJapanese zh_CNChinese thThai viVietnamese ko_KRKorean de_DEGerman