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Acuity Prime Hybrid

La verdadera solución de impresión híbrida

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Un mercado de señalización y expositores en rápida evolución necesita soluciones flexibles para seguir el ritmo de los cambios en la demanda. Aunque se siguen introduciendo mejoras en la velocidad y la calidad, estas son cada vez más modestas, y es en los ámbitos de la relación calidad-precio y la versatilidad donde existen oportunidades de diferenciación real.

Parte de este cambio hacia una demanda cada vez más versátil es consecuencia de la pandemia del Covid, en la que los proveedores de servicios de impresión, sobre todo los que en el pasado habían estado muy especializados, se vieron obligados a adaptarse e invertir en nuevos tipos de tecnología, para servir a nuevos mercados con una gama más variada de aplicaciones.

Una de las respuestas del mercado a estos cambios ha sido el aumento significativo del interés por las impresoras híbridas y las ventajas evidentes que aportan por su flexibilidad y versatilidad. Cuando Fujifilm rediseñó y relanzó su gama Acuity de impresoras de gran formato en 2021, fue, en parte, para responder mejor a este tipo de cambios del mercado. Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED y Acuity Prime Hybrid son la prueba de que esta estrategia funciona exactamente como estaba previsto.

Las verdaderas impresoras híbridas abren todo un abanico de posibilidades para las agencias de impresión que buscan oportunidades de crecimiento. Es capaz de producir más trabajos y más rápido.

 

fujifilm wide format printer

Una plataforma verdaderamente híbrida

¿Qué entendemos por una plataforma «verdaderamente híbrida»? Aparte de lo obvio (ser capaz de imprimir en un amplio surtido de sustratos tanto rígidos como flexibles), ¿qué define a una impresora «verdaderamente híbrida»? Quizá podamos empezar a responder a esa pregunta hablando primero de lo que no es. No se trata de una impresora plana con una unidad de bobina añadida, ni tampoco de una máquina de bobina a bobina con una mesa plana como extra opcional. Las máquinas como esta tienen su sitio, pero ese sitio es simplemente un entorno en el que esa funcionalidad adicional se necesita ocasionalmente. En el mercado actual de la impresión (en el que es primordial ser capaz de adaptarse y producir trabajos lo más variados posible), estas «híbridas a medio camino» a menudo ya no son lo suficientemente buenas.

Con una máquina híbrida de verdad, obtendrá un rendimiento excepcional, tanto si imprime sobre soportes rígidos como de bobina, ya que la máquina se ha diseñado teniendo en cuenta ambos, en lugar de que uno de ellos sea simplemente un accesorio adicional. Y si la calidad de fabricación de la máquina es lo suficientemente buena, ese rendimiento excepcional se mantiene incluso en trabajos muy largos, ya sea en rollo o en soportes rígidos, lo que proporciona la máxima flexibilidad.

Las verdaderas impresoras híbridas abren todo un abanico de posibilidades para las agencias de impresión que buscan oportunidades de crecimiento. Es capaz de producir más trabajos y más rápido.

Diseño y fabricación

La gama Acuity de Fujifilm combina el galardonado diseño británico con la garantía de la calidad japonesa y sus meticulosos procesos de fabricación. Este excepcional diseño y calidad de fabricación es notable en todos los aspectos del rendimiento de las máquinas, pero un área especialmente relevante para Acuity Prime Hybrid, que la distingue como un excelente ejemplo de «verdadera híbrida», es su capacidad de manejo de soportes. La calidad de construcción industrial de Acuity Prime Hybrid le confiere la capacidad de manejar rollos de hasta 100 kg, muy por encima de todo lo que podría administrar una plataforma plana modificada. No solo eso, sino que el soporte también se desplaza excepcionalmente bien, lo que significa que la máquina puede dejarse imprimiendo trabajos largos con una intervención mínima del operario.

Tintas de primera calidad

en lo que se refiere a tintas y curado, la Acuity Prime Hybrid cuenta con otra ventaja sobre muchos de sus competidores. Las tintas de curado UV y LED UV de bajo consumo propias de Fujifilm hacen que la Acuity Prime Hybrid no solo sea más rápida que muchas de sus competidoras, sino que también imprime en una variedad mucho más amplia de sustratos. Esto se debe a que el curado de baja energía equivale a bajo calor, lo que significa que se pueden utilizar soportes sensibles con mucha más facilidad, e imprimir a velocidades más altas de lo que sería posible de otro modo, algo imposible con los sistemas de curado que requieren un proceso de secado más caliente, por ejemplo el látex. Un menor calentamiento también significa, por supuesto, un menor uso de energía, lo que a su vez implica menores costes energéticos, lo que aporta beneficios medioambientales así como un ahorro potencial de costes, sin reducir la producción.

Y lo que es más importante, las tintas de inyección de tinta UV de Fujifilm también cuentan con la certificación Greenguard Gold, lo que las hace adecuadas para diversas aplicaciones en interiores, incluidos los revestimientos murales.

Verdadera versatilidad

la Acuity Prime Hybrid también se distingue por su anchura de impresión de 2,05 m, una característica que supera los 1,6 m estándares de la mayoría de las alternativas en el mercado. Esta capacidad ampliada no tiene un coste elevado, lo que la convierte en una opción práctica para las empresas que buscan explorar nuevos horizontes. La mayor anchura de impresión de la máquina ofrece la libertad de imprimir rollos de varios tamaños de forma eficaz, así como la capacidad de imprimir varias planchas una al lado de la otra, reduciendo al mismo tiempo la necesidad de recortar o redimensionar, lo que ahorra tiempo y recursos. Esta versatilidad abre las puertas a un sinfín de aplicaciones, desde la señalización para comercios hasta los expositores duraderos para exteriores.

En una época en la que la capacidad de adaptación es vital, Acuity Prime Hybrid ofrece una solución ideal para que las empresas de impresión sigan siendo competitivas y respondan a los constantes cambios del mercado.

Solución probada

Acuity Prime Hybrid ya está demostrando su eficacia en entornos empresariales reales.

David Allen, director general de Allen Signs, en el Reino Unido, fue el primero del mundo en invertir en esta máquina, en otoño de 2023. Afirma que el magnífico manejo de soportes de la impresora hace que no solo destaque entre sus competidoras, sino que sea capaz de imprimir en soportes difíciles, como los metálicos, de forma rentable.

Allen afirma: «Como ya estábamos familiarizados con las plataformas híbridas, fuimos a buscar Acuity Prime Hybrid como una oportunidad para explorar más a fondo la marca Fujifilm. La impresora nos ha permitido llevar a cabo nuestra producción normal minimizando los problemas y con una excelente calidad y rendimiento de la tinta».

El especialista en impresión de Allen Signs, Matt Ryder, añade: «Probamos un trabajo en la nueva máquina Fujifilm y la adaptación fue instantánea. Fue perfecto. En cuanto a los materiales, todavía no hemos encontrado un sustrato que no funcione».

Allen Signs es la primera de muchas empresas en Europa y en todo el mundo que estand por beneficiarse de una máquina que es a la vez un verdadero híbrido, y que supone un auténtico cambio en las reglas del juego de la producción de impresión de gran formato.

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Descubra la revolucionaria impresora híbrida de gran formato adecuada para multitud de aplicaciones creativas.

Descubra Acuity Prime Hybrid

Lo mejor en inyección de tinta y tóner

Dos tecnologías de impresión digital. Múltiples soluciones. Un socio.

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Tiempo de leer: 7 minutos

En el mercado actual de la impresión comercial, los procesos de impresión analógicos, especialmente el offset litográfico, siguen dominando en términos de volumen y valor de los materiales impresos. Sin embargo, ese volumen y valor están cayendo a medida que aumenta la demanda de materiales personalizados impresos bajo demanda y en cantidades más pequeñas pero más frecuentes. Estas demandas sólo pueden satisfacerse mediante la impresión digital.

El investigador de mercado Smithers nos dice que en 2032 la impresión digital tendrá un valor de $230,5 mil millones, lo que representa casi una cuarta parte del valor global de todas las impresiones y envases impresos. Esto es un poco menos de 3,0 billones de impresiones A4, un aumento de 68,6% en el mercado de 2022. [1] Y dentro de esa cifra para la impresión digital, la inyección de tinta representó 61,41 TP3T de valor de impresión digital con 62,41 TP3T de volumen en 2022. Esto aumentará a 74,11 TP3T de valor y 77,51 TP3T de volumen en 2032.[2]

A medida que el sector de la impresión comercial continúa digitalizándose, las empresas tienen la opción de elegir las mejores tecnologías de impresión digital para avanzar. Para algunos, la velocidad y la calidad de la inyección de tinta serán primordiales, mientras que para otros, la flexibilidad adicional del tóner y la capacidad de imprimir colores y efectos especiales para aplicaciones creativas serán de mayor utilidad.

Para muchos, una combinación de ambas tecnologías será la respuesta.

Fujifilm es única al ofrecer las mejores soluciones de su clase y décadas de experiencia en el desarrollo de tecnologías de inyección de tinta y de tóner, por lo que sea cual sea el camino digital que tome una empresa, Fujifilm tiene tanto la cartera de productos como la experiencia para respaldar.

Además, la herencia de impresión analógica de Fujifilm significa que comprende el proceso y los desafíos de introducir tecnologías de impresión digital en un negocio de una manera que sus rivales exclusivamente digitales no pueden.

Cuando se consideran todos estos factores, no hay mejor socio en el mercado para apoyar la transformación digital.

La historia de la inyección de tinta Fujifilm

La historia de Fujifilm y la tecnología de inyección de tinta es una historia en muchas partes. Están los cabezales de impresión; las tintas de inyección UV y a base de agua, y las sofisticadas tecnologías de integración y optimización que lo unen todo. Las tecnologías de inyección de tinta de Fujifilm impulsan soluciones de impresión como la Jet Press 750S, que ha estado estableciendo el estándar de calidad y confiabilidad en la producción de impresión digital en el sector comercial durante una década, así como una gama de soluciones de producción de inyección de tinta para letreros, expositores y etiquetas. y embalaje.

Cabezales de impresion

Fujifilm Dimatix es una de las marcas más reconocidas y respetadas en el desarrollo de cabezales de impresión de inyección de tinta. La empresa comenzó en 1984 como Spectra, Inc., uno de los primeros pioneros en cabezales de impresión de inyección de tinta industriales. En 2005 cambió su nombre a Dimatix antes de ser adquirida por Fujifilm al año siguiente. La propia Fujifilm es reconocida por su historia de innovación, particularmente por la forma en que se diversificó rápidamente cuando el mercado de películas fotográficas tocó fondo a principios de la década de 2000. Ese impulso por innovar ha continuado a buen ritmo, y la adquisición de Dimatix fue parte de la estrategia de Fujifilm para construir posiblemente las plataformas de tecnología de inyección de tinta más sólidas y diversas de la industria.

Tintas de inyección a base de agua

Fujifilm es una de las pocas empresas en el mundo con importantes capacidades de I+D y fabricación de tintas a base de agua y UV para los sectores comercial, de gran formato y de embalaje. El desarrollo de tintas a base de agua por parte de Fujifilm para aplicaciones comerciales en particular comenzó en serio en 2005 con la adquisición de Inkjet Business de Avecia. Avecia (ahora Fujifilm Imaging Colorants), especialista en el desarrollo y fabricación de tintes, pigmentos y colorantes de alto rendimiento, se fundó en 1985 con el lanzamiento de la primera generación de colorantes de inyección de tinta de alta pureza y, en 1994, había construido la mayor impresora digital del mundo. Planta de fabricación de tintas acuosas en EE. UU.

Con la adquisición de Fujifilm en 2005 y la inversión masiva en I+D que siguió, los desarrollos más recientes han producido una serie de nuevas capacidades, incluidos tintes de calidad fotográfica para una permanencia de la imagen de más de 50 años, tecnologías patentadas de dispersantes reactivos y el desarrollo de tintas acuosas de alto rendimiento para la impresora de inyección de tinta B2 insignia de Fujifilm, la Jet Press 750S.

Fujifilm Imaging Colorants, como resultado de esta innovación constante y continua, es una empresa que ha crecido hasta convertirse en el mayor fabricante de fluidos acuosos para inyección de tinta del mundo.

La historia del tóner de Fujifilm

Puede que no sea muy conocido para el público europeo, pero Fujifilm tiene una larga trayectoria en la introducción de innovadoras fotocopiadoras de oficina basadas en tóner, impresoras monocromáticas y sistemas de impresión comercial a todo color, junto con importantes soluciones de servicios empresariales y de documentos. Históricamente esta tecnología se desarrolló a través de su filial Fuji Xerox, ahora llamada FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corporation.

Aunque inicialmente era una empresa conjunta con Rank Xerox (más tarde Xerox), el negocio se consolidó en el Grupo Fujifilm en 2001 cuando adquirió 75% del capital social y se convirtió en una subsidiaria de propiedad total de Fujifilm en 2019 cuando adquirió el 25% final.

En los últimos 60 años, Fujifilm ha desarrollado una experiencia líder mundial en tecnologías basadas en tóner, que ahora incluyen los tóneres y sistemas de fusión EA-Eco de alto rendimiento, los sistemas de registro e imágenes láser, los algoritmos de tramado y suavizado, y el sistema de acabado. y sistemas de postprocesamiento. Muchas de estas tecnologías son las mejores de su clase, lo que da como resultado un rendimiento de impresora líder en la industria.

Tecnologías de tóner Fujifilm

Al igual que con su oferta de inyección de tinta, la capacidad de Fujifilm para llevar al mercado soluciones de prensas de tóner galardonadas se deriva de su experiencia tecnológica fundamental y de su capacidad para combinarlas en soluciones de producción líderes.

Esta nueva gama aprovecha al máximo la herencia líder de Fujifilm en producción de impresión basada en tóner, junto con el profundo conocimiento de la empresa tanto en impresión offset como digital, para crear impresoras de producción que ofrecen un rendimiento líder en la industria. Combinan altas velocidades de impresión, excelente flexibilidad de acabado, colores y mejoras líderes en la industria y, por supuesto, excelente calidad de impresión.

La prensa insignia de la gama es la Revoria Press PC1120, que cuenta con un motor de impresión avanzado y la opción de 10 colores, incluidos oro, plata, blanco, rosa y transparente, fácilmente configurables en seis estaciones CMYK antes y después. Con una calidad de impresión líder en la industria, una increíble versatilidad de soportes y acabados y la gama de colores más amplia, esta prensa galardonada ha tenido un gran impacto en el poco tiempo transcurrido desde su lanzamiento gradual en Europa, brindando a los diseñadores y marcas la libertad de crear impresiones de alto valor utilizando Colores especiales en tiradas cortas o medias. Con los metálicos plateados y dorados, y los colores y efectos blancos y especiales disponibles, los diseñadores pueden satisfacer las demandas de las marcas de lujo que buscan material impreso con valor añadido que se pueda producir de forma económica en tiradas muy cortas. Además, la mejora de imágenes mediante IA diseñada por Fujifilm significa que las fotografías se mejoran automáticamente en la etapa de impresión, lo que significa que se requiere mucho menos tiempo para retocar las imágenes manualmente.

Reuniéndolo todo

En el mercado de la impresión moderno, la única forma real de seguir siendo competitivo es añadiendo valor. Ya sea mediante aplicaciones creativas, efectos especiales o simplemente mediante niveles de calidad ultra altos. A medida que los consumidores alcanzan nuevos niveles de saturación digital, la impresión ofrece oportunidades más específicas y de alto valor.

El objetivo de Fujifilm es garantizar que ayudamos a nuestros clientes de toda la industria a aprovechar al máximo esas oportunidades. Cada negocio tiene un conjunto único de desafíos y cada uno tendrá diferentes requisitos de tecnología y soporte para enfrentar y superar esos desafíos. Es por eso que hemos desarrollado nuestra cartera para abarcar todo el mercado, desde analógico hasta digital, desde tóner hasta inyección de tinta, para poder asociarnos con empresas de impresión en cada etapa de su recorrido por la impresión digital, desde aquellas que aún no han realizado su primera inversión en impresión digital. , a empresas que ya han eliminado por completo lo analógico.

Descubra lo mejor de la inyección de tinta. Descubre lo mejor del tóner. Descubra la diferencia con Fujifilm.

[1],[2] El futuro de la impresión digital hasta 2032, Smithers Information Ltd, 2022

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El futuro del embalaje flexible es digital

Introducing the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790

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Tiempo de leer: 7 minutos

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.

Solución probada

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.

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Novedad mundial: solución de limpieza sostenible

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

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  • 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.”

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Término análogo. Digital. Sostenible.

Fujifilm for packaging: a story in three parts.

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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.

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Tecnología de impresión digital para una economía circular

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

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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.

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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

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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.

 

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

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Design for Environment

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

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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

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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.

Sostenibilidad en la fabricación

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

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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.”

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