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‘Zero to Landfill’ certification for ink site

Fujifilm’s Broadstairs ink manufacturing site receives Valpak ‘Zero to Landfill’ certification

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Fujifilm’s ink manufacturing site, based in Broadstairs, UK, has received ‘Zero to Landfill’ certification from Valpak, a leading provider of environmental compliance and recycling solutions.

The award-winning factory* manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen inks. The company has steadily implemented new systems, technologies and processes at the site to monitor and measure its progress, as it takes steps to further reduce its environmental impact.

The Valpak certification is a significant milestone that confirms the site is sending zero packaging, production or hazardous waste to landfill. It also highlights the company’s commitment to continuously improving its waste management through reducing, recycling and reusing resources.

The certification process involved a comprehensive audit, carried out by Valpak, of Fujifilm’s waste management practices on site, including its waste and recycling initiatives.

During the audit, Fujifilm demonstrated how it is measuring and monitoring a wide range of key performance indicators, including:
• Waste in each department is properly and responsibly disposed of in the correct bins
• Hazardous waste containers are sealed, once full, and removed by the onsite waste management team
• Balers are used for plastic polythene and cardboard
• The canteen has separate bins for metal cans, coffee cups, food and general waste
• Food waste is composted
• There are mixed recycling bins in place across the site
• Importantly, Fujifilm records its waste data via an online system to measure and improve its practices.

In addition, Paul Dannahy, Goods Team Leader at the site in Broadstairs, played a key role in identifying waste processing companies which allowed Fujifilm to move waste from incineration to recycling centres, and in other areas, generate value from the waste. (For example, pallets were broken down into pellets for fuel. The pellets were then sent away from the site, sold and reused in other applications).

Fujifilm proved (from 1 April, 2023 to 31 March, 2024) that in addition to sending zero waste to landfill, it achieved a recycling rate of 53.64%. In addition to increasing the amount of waste being recycled, Fujifilm also reduced the overall waste being produced.

 

Paul Dannahy, Goods Team Leader comments: “We are honoured to receive ‘Zero to Landfill’ certification from Valpak. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to reducing our environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.”

Craig Milsted, Sustainability Advisor at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, Broadstairs, adds: “Looking forward, we are confident that we can continue to make iterative improvements all over the site, across all areas of energy, waste and water reductions, to maintain our position as an award-winning, world-class and sustainable factory.”

 

Bronwynn Harris, Waste & Resource Traceability Consultant at Valpak, adds: “We are delighted to certify Fujifilm’s Broadstairs site with ‘Zero to Landfill’ status. The company’s commitment to sustainability and the team’s proactive approach to waste management serve as an exemplary model for other companies to follow. The achievement highlights the significant impact that dedicated waste management practices can have on our planet.”

* Winner of ‘Best Factory’ award in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017

Acuity Prime Hybrid

La véritable solution d’impression hybride

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Le marché de la signalétique et de l’affichage, qui évolue rapidement, a besoin de solutions flexibles pour suivre le rythme de la demande. Si des améliorations sont encore apportées à la vitesse et à la qualité, elles sont de plus en plus marginales, tandis que les possibilités de réelle différenciation se situent désormais dans les domaines du rapport qualité-prix et de la polyvalence.

Cette demande de polyvalence toujours accrue découle en partie de la pandémie de Covid, quand les fournisseurs de services d’impression, en particulier ceux qui étaient très spécialisés dans le passé, ont été contraints de s’adapter et d’investir dans de nouvelles technologies afin de servir de nouveaux marchés avec une gamme d’applications plus diversifiée.

Cette tendance s’est notamment traduite sur le marché par un intérêt significatif porté aux imprimantes hybrides et à leurs avantages évidents sur le plan de la flexibilité et de la souplesse. Lorsque Fujifilm a entièrement repensé et relancé sa gamme d’imprimantes grand format Acuity en 2021, c’était en partie pour mieux répondre à ce type d’évolution. Les modèles Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED et Acuity Prime Hybrid témoignent déjà de l’efficacité de cette stratégie.

Cet article se penche plus particulièrement sur l’Acuity Prime Hybrid pour analyser en profondeur ce qui la distingue de la concurrence, et offrir un aperçu de sa véritable capacité hybride et de sa place dans l’industrie de l’impression en pleine évolution.

 

fujifilm wide format printer

Une véritable plateforme hybride

Qu’entend-on par « véritable plateforme hybride » ? Au-delà de l’évidence – être capable d’imprimer sur une large gamme de supports rigides et souples – qu’est-ce qui définit une imprimante « véritablement hybride » ? Un premier élément de réponse consisterait peut-être à se pencher d’abord sur ce qu’elle n’est pas. Ce n’est pas une table d’impression complétée par une fonction rouleau, ni même une machine bobine-bobine dotée d’une table d’impression en option. De telles machines ont bel et bien leur place, mais uniquement dans des environnements où cette fonctionnalité supplémentaire n’est requise qu’occasionnellement. Sur le marché actuel de l’impression, où il est primordial de pouvoir fournir un éventail de travaux aussi large que possible, ces « semi-hybrides » ne sont souvent plus suffisants.

Avec un véritable hybride, vous obtenez des performances exceptionnelles, que vous imprimiez sur des supports rigides ou en rouleau, car la machine a été conçue en tenant compte des deux types de supports, l'un d'entre eux n'étant pas un simple ajout. Et si la qualité de construction de la machine est suffisamment bonne, ces performances exceptionnelles restent constantes même sur des travaux de très longue durée, que ce soit sur rouleau ou sur support rigide, ce qui offre une flexibilité optimale.

Une véritable imprimante hybride offre une série de possibilités aux imprimeries à la recherche d’opportunités de croissance. Elle peut produire davantage, plus rapidement.

Conception et fabrication

La gamme Acuity de Fujifilm associe une conception britannique primée à une assurance qualité japonaise et à des processus de fabrication méticuleux. Cette conception et cette qualité de construction exceptionnelles se retrouvent dans toutes les performances de la machine, mais sa capacité de traitement des supports est un atout particulièrement significatif pour l’Acuity Prime Hybrid, qui la distingue comme un exemple parfait de « véritable hybride ». La qualité de construction industrielle de l’Acuity Prime Hybrid lui permet de manipuler des rouleaux pesant jusqu’à 100 kg, soit bien plus que ce qu’une table d’impression adaptée pourrait gérer. Par ailleurs, le support avance exceptionnellement bien, ce qui permet de laisser la machine imprimer de longs travaux avec un minimum d’intervention de la part du conducteur.

Des encres à la pointe de la technologie

En ce qui concerne les encres et le séchage, l’Acuity Prime Hybrid présente un autre avantage par rapport à la plupart de ses concurrentes. Grâce aux encres UV et aux encres à séchage UV LED à faible consommation d’énergie de Fujifilm, l’Acuity Prime Hybrid est non seulement plus rapide que nombre de ses concurrentes, mais elle imprime également sur une gamme beaucoup plus large de supports. En effet, le séchage à faible consommation d’énergie est également synonyme de température réduite, ce qui facilite l’utilisation de supports sensibles, comme le latex, et permet d’imprimer à des vitesses supérieures, ce qui serait impossible avec les systèmes de séchage qui nécessitent des températures plus élevées. La faible consommation d’énergie se traduit aussi par une baisse des coûts énergétiques, d’où des avantages pour l’environnement et des économies potentielles, sans pour autant compromettre la production.

Autre point important, les encres jet d’encre UV de Fujifilm sont également certifiées Greenguard Gold, ce qui les rend compatibles avec toute une série d’applications intérieures, y compris les revêtements muraux.

Une vraie polyvalence

L’Acuity Prime Hybrid se distingue également par sa laize d’impression de 2,05 m, qui dépasse le standard de 1,60 m de la plupart des autres solutions. Cette capacité élargie est proposée de série, ce qui en fait un choix pratique pour les entreprises qui cherchent à explorer de nouveaux horizons. La laize supérieure de la machine permet d’imprimer efficacement des rouleaux de différents formats, ainsi que de produire plusieurs panneaux côte à côte, tout en réduisant le besoin de rognage ou de redimensionnement, pour gagner du temps et économiser des ressources. Cette polyvalence ouvre la voie à une multitude d’applications, de la signalétique commerciale à l’affichage extérieur durable.

Dans un contexte où la capacité d’adaptation est vitale, l’Acuity Prime Hybrid constitue une solution idéale pour les imprimeries qui souhaitent rester compétitives et réactives sur un marché en perpétuelle évolution.

Une solution éprouvée

L’Acuity Prime Hybrid fait déjà ses preuves dans des environnements professionnels réels.

David Allen, directeur général d’Allen Signs, au Royaume-Uni, a été le premier au monde à investir dans cette machine, à l’automne 2023. Selon lui, l’excellente gestion des supports de l’imprimante lui permet non seulement de se démarquer de ses concurrents, mais aussi d’imprimer sur des supports exigeants, tels que les matériaux métallisés, de manière rentable.

M. Allen affirme : « connaissant bien les plateformes hybrides, nous avons considéré l’Acuity Prime Hybrid comme une opportunité d’explorer pleinement la marque Fujifilm. Elle nous permet à présent d’assurer notre production normale avec un minimum de problèmes, et avec une qualité et des performances de l’encre exceptionnelles. »

Matt Ryder, spécialiste de l’impression chez Allen Signs, ajoute : « nous avons testé un travail sur la nouvelle machine Fujifilm... et elle a suivi instantanément. Tout était parfait. En ce qui concerne les matériaux, nous n’avons pas encore trouvé de support qui ne fonctionne pas. »

Allen Signs est la première d’une longue série d’entreprises en Europe et dans le monde à bénéficier d’une machine qui est à la fois une véritable machine hybride et une authentique révolution dans le domaine de la production imprimée grand format.

Acuity Prime Hybrid

Découvrez l’imprimante hybride grand format qui change la donne pour une multitude d’applications créatives.

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Le meilleur du jet d'encre et du toner

Deux technologies d'impression numérique. Plusieurs solutions. Un partenaire.

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Aujourd'hui, sur le marché de l'impression commerciale, les procédés d'impression analogiques, en particulier l'offset lithographique, dominent encore en termes de volume et de valeur des matériaux imprimés. Cependant, ce volume et cette valeur diminuent à mesure que la demande augmente pour des documents personnalisés imprimés à la demande et en nombres plus petits mais plus fréquents. Ces exigences ne peuvent être satisfaites que par l'impression numérique.

L'étude de marché Smithers nous apprend qu'en 2032, l'impression numérique vaudra $230,5 milliards, soit près d'un quart de la valeur mondiale de tous les imprimés et emballages imprimés. Cela représente un peu moins de 3 000 milliards de tirages A4, soit une augmentation de 68,61 TP3T sur le marché 2022. [1] Et dans ce chiffre pour l'impression numérique, le jet d'encre représentait 61,4% de valeur d'impression numérique avec 62,4% de volume en 2022. Cela passera à 74,1% de valeur et 77,5% de volume en 2032.[2]

Alors que le secteur de l’impression commerciale continue de se numériser, les entreprises ont le choix entre les meilleures technologies d’impression numérique pour les faire progresser. Pour certains, la vitesse et la qualité du jet d'encre seront primordiales, tandis que pour d'autres, la flexibilité accrue du toner et la possibilité d'imprimer des couleurs spéciales et des effets spéciaux pour des applications créatives seront d'une plus grande utilité.

Pour beaucoup, une combinaison des deux technologies sera la solution.

Fujifilm est unique en offrant les meilleures solutions de sa catégorie et des décennies d'expérience dans le développement de technologies à jet d'encre et de toner. Ainsi, quelle que soit la voie numérique empruntée par une entreprise, Fujifilm dispose à la fois du portefeuille de produits et de l'expertise nécessaire.

De plus, l'héritage d'impression analogique de Fujifilm signifie qu'elle comprend le processus et les défis liés à l'introduction des technologies d'impression numérique dans une entreprise d'une manière que ses concurrents uniquement numériques ne peuvent pas.

Lorsque tous ces facteurs sont pris en compte, il n’existe pas de meilleur partenaire sur le marché pour accompagner la transformation numérique.

L'histoire du jet d'encre Fujifilm

L’histoire de Fujifilm et de la technologie jet d’encre est une histoire en plusieurs parties. Il y a les têtes d'impression ; les encres jet d'encre UV et à base d'eau, ainsi que les technologies sophistiquées d'intégration et d'optimisation qui relient le tout. Les technologies jet d'encre Fujifilm alimentent les solutions d'impression comme la Jet Press 750S, qui établit la norme en matière de qualité et de fiabilité dans la production d'impression numérique dans le secteur commercial depuis une décennie, ainsi qu'une gamme de solutions de production jet d'encre pour la signalétique, l'affichage et l'étiquette. et les secteurs de l'emballage.

Têtes d'impression

Fujifilm Dimatix est l'une des marques les plus reconnaissables et respectées dans le domaine du développement de têtes d'impression à jet d'encre. L'entreprise a débuté ses activités en 1984 sous le nom de Spectra, Inc., l'un des premiers pionniers des têtes d'impression à jet d'encre industrielles. En 2005, elle change de nom pour Dimatix avant d'être rachetée par Fujifilm l'année suivante. Fujifilm lui-même est réputé pour son histoire d'innovation, en particulier pour la façon dont il s'est rapidement diversifié lorsque le marché du film photographique s'est effondré au début des années 2000. Cette volonté d'innover s'est poursuivie à un rythme soutenu, et l'acquisition de Dimatix faisait partie de la stratégie de Fujifilm visant à construire sans doute les plates-formes technologiques jet d'encre les plus solides et les plus diversifiées du secteur.

Encres jet d'encre à base d'eau

Fujifilm est l'une des rares entreprises au monde à disposer d'importantes capacités de R&D et de fabrication d'encres à base d'eau et UV pour les secteurs commerciaux, grand format et de l'emballage. Le développement par Fujifilm d'encres à base d'eau destinées aux applications commerciales en particulier a véritablement commencé en 2005 avec l'acquisition de l'activité jet d'encre d'Avecia. Spécialiste du développement et de la fabrication de colorants, pigments et colorants haute performance, Avecia (aujourd'hui Fujifilm Imaging Colorants) a été fondée en 1985 avec le lancement de la première génération de colorants pour jet d'encre de haute pureté et, en 1994, elle avait construit le plus grand appareil numérique au monde. usine de fabrication d'encre aqueuse aux États-Unis.

Avec l'acquisition de Fujifilm en 2005 et l'investissement massif en R&D qui a suivi, des développements plus récents ont produit une série de nouvelles capacités, notamment des colorants de qualité photo pour une permanence d'image de plus de 50 ans, des technologies exclusives de dispersants réactifs et le développement de ultra- encres aqueuses hautes performances pour la presse à jet d'encre B2 phare de Fujifilm, la Jet Press 750S.

Fujifilm Imaging Colorants, grâce à cette innovation constante et continue, est une entreprise qui est devenue le plus grand fabricant mondial de fluides aqueux pour jet d'encre.

L'histoire du toner Fujifilm

Il n'est peut-être pas largement connu du public européen, mais Fujifilm a une longue histoire d'introduction de copieurs de bureau innovants à base de toner, d'imprimantes monochromes et de systèmes d'impression commerciale couleur, ainsi que d'importantes solutions de documents et de services commerciaux. Historiquement, cette technologie était développée par l'intermédiaire de sa filiale Fuji Xerox, désormais appelée FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corporation.

Bien qu'initialement une coentreprise avec Rank Xerox (plus tard Xerox), l'entreprise a été consolidée au sein du groupe Fujifilm en 2001 lorsqu'elle a acquis 75% du capital, et est devenue une filiale en propriété exclusive de Fujifilm en 2019 lorsqu'elle a acquis le dernier 25%.

Au cours des 60 dernières années, Fujifilm a développé une expertise de pointe dans les technologies basées sur le toner, qui incluent désormais les toners et systèmes de fusion EA-Eco hautes performances, les systèmes d'imagerie et d'enregistrement laser, les algorithmes de tramage et de lissage et les systèmes de finition. et systèmes de post-traitement. Bon nombre de ces technologies sont les meilleures de leur catégorie, ce qui se traduit par des performances d'imprimante à la pointe du secteur.

Technologies de toner Fujifilm

Tout comme pour son offre jet d'encre, la capacité de Fujifilm à commercialiser des solutions de presse à toner primées découle de son expertise technologique fondamentale et de sa capacité à les rassembler dans des solutions de production de pointe.

Cette nouvelle gamme tire pleinement parti de l'héritage de Fujifilm en matière de production d'impression à base de toner, ainsi que de la profonde compréhension de l'entreprise en matière d'impression offset et numérique, pour créer des imprimantes de production offrant des performances de pointe. Ils combinent des vitesses d'impression élevées, une superbe flexibilité de finition, des couleurs et des améliorations de pointe et, bien sûr, une superbe qualité d'impression.

La presse phare de la gamme est la Revoria Press PC1120, dotée d'un moteur d'impression avancé et d'un choix de 10 couleurs, dont l'or, l'argent, le blanc, le rose et le transparent, facilement configurables en six stations CMJN avant et après. Avec une qualité d'impression de pointe, une incroyable polyvalence de supports et de finition et la plus large gamme de couleurs, cette presse primée a eu un impact énorme dans le court laps de temps qui s'est écoulé depuis son lancement progressif en Europe, donnant aux designers et aux marques la liberté de créer des impressions de grande valeur en utilisant couleurs spéciales sur des tirages courts ou moyens. Avec les métaux argentés et dorés, ainsi que les couleurs et effets blancs et spéciaux disponibles, les designers peuvent répondre aux demandes des marques de luxe à la recherche de supports imprimés à valeur ajoutée pouvant être produits de manière économique en très petits tirages. De plus, l'amélioration de l'image par l'IA conçue par Fujifilm signifie que les photographies sont automatiquement améliorées au stade de l'impression, ce qui signifie que beaucoup moins de temps est nécessaire pour retoucher manuellement les images.

Rassembler tout cela

Sur le marché moderne de l’impression, la seule véritable façon de rester compétitif est d’ajouter de la valeur. Que ce soit via des applications créatives, des effets spéciaux ou simplement grâce à des niveaux de qualité ultra élevés. Alors que les consommateurs atteignent de nouveaux niveaux de saturation numérique, l’imprimé offre des opportunités plus ciblées et à forte valeur ajoutée.

L'objectif de Fujifilm est de garantir que nous aidons nos clients de tous les secteurs de l'industrie à tirer pleinement parti de ces opportunités. Chaque entreprise est confrontée à un ensemble unique de défis et chacune aura des exigences différentes en matière de technologie et de support pour relever et surmonter ces défis. C'est pourquoi nous avons développé notre portefeuille pour couvrir l'ensemble du marché, de l'analogique au numérique, du toner au jet d'encre, afin de pouvoir collaborer avec les entreprises d'impression à chaque étape de leur parcours d'impression numérique – de celles qui n'ont pas encore réalisé leur premier investissement dans l'impression numérique. , aux entreprises qui ont déjà complètement abandonné l'analogique.

Découvrez le meilleur du jet d'encre. Découvrez le meilleur du toner. Découvrez la différence avec Fujifilm.

[1],[2] L'avenir de l'impression numérique jusqu'en 2032, Smithers Information Ltd, 2022

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L’avenir de l’emballage flexible est numérique

Introducing the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790

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Temps de lecture: 7 minutes

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.

Une solution éprouvée

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 Logiciel HYBRIDE 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

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Première mondiale : solution de nettoyage durable

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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Analogue. Numérique. Durable.

Fujifilm for packaging: a story in three parts.

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Temps de lecture: 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.

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Technologie d'impression numérique pour une économie circulaire

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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Temps de lecture: 3 minutes

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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Temps de lecture: 3 minutes

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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Temps de lecture: 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

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Temps de lecture: 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.

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