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GREENER PRINTING PLATES

Despite the digital focus of the modern world, print is still a significant part of our daily lives. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of that beautiful full-colour brochure you’re reading?

The fact is, the printing industry has long been associated with heavy water usage, chemical waste and carbon emissions, and is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.

Among the leading companies responding to this call for change is FUJIFILM, whose innovation in greener printing plates is helping reshape their societal impact, as well as the broader landscape of sustainable print technology.

What Are Printing Plates, and Why Do They Matter?

In offset printing—the most common commercial printing process—images are transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface. These plates are essential components in producing newspapers, magazines, packaging, brochures, and countless other printed materials.

Traditionally, printing plates required chemical processing and significant amounts of water, energy, and developer chemicals. This process not only consumed resources but also generated harmful waste that had to be treated and disposed of, often at a significant environmental cost.

Enter a true FUJIFILM innovation: processless printing plates, which are designed to reduce or eliminate many of these resource-heavy steps.

FUJIFILM’s Commitment to Sustainable Innovation

FUJIFILM has long been a leader in imaging and information technologies, and its commitment to sustainability has grown stronger over the past two decades. With initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and minimising waste, the company’s strategy goes beyond just producing green products—it aims to embed sustainability into every part of its operations.

In the printing sector, this commitment has culminated in the development of Superia—FUJIFILM’s pioneering line of processless and low-chem printing plates. These advanced plates represent a significant step forward in making commercial printing more environmentally friendly without compromising quality or productivity, and have been recognised for their effectiveness with an A List rating from the global NPO Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

The Superia Line: At the Forefront of Eco-Friendly Printing

Superia ZX – Processless Plates

One of FUJIFILM’s latest innovations is the Superia ZX plate, a truly processless plate that eliminates the need for chemical processing altogether. Here’s how it contributes to sustainability:

– No Processing Equipment Required: Traditional plate processing involves machines that consume energy and need regular maintenance. Superia ZX eliminates this, reducing energy use and freeing up space in the print room.

– No Developer or Water Usage: Superia ZX plates are imaged on a platesetter and then go straight to press. There’s no need for developer chemistry, water rinsing, or gum, which drastically reduces resource consumption and waste generation.

– Lower Carbon Footprint: By removing multiple steps in the production process, these plates cut emissions associated with manufacturing, transportation, and waste disposal.

In addition to environmental benefits, Superia ZX plates also offer excellent image quality, durability on press, and ease of use, making them a win-win for both sustainability and performance.

Superia LH-S2 and Other Low-Chem Plates

For print environments that require processed plates, FUJIFILM offers innovative low-chem solutions like the Superia LH-S2. These plates significantly reduce the amount of chemicals needed while still delivering high-quality results.

Key benefits include:

– Reduced Chemistry Consumption: Compared to conventional plates, low-chem plates can reduce chemical usage by up to 70%.

– Longer Bath Life: The chemicals used last longer before needing to be replenished, leading to less frequent disposal and fewer environmental hazards.

– A Cleaner Working Environment: Less chemicals means less odour, less spillage, and a safer, cleaner workplace for press operators.

Quantifying the Environmental Benefits:
What it Means for Businesses

To understand the real-world impact of FUJIFILM’s greener printing plates, let’s look at some measurable benefits reported by printing companies that have adopted them:

– Water Savings: A mid-sized printing operation using processless plates can save over 300,000 litres of water per year.

– Chemical Waste Reduction: By eliminating developer and rinsing chemicals, some companies have reduced waste output by more than 60%.

– Lower Power Consumption: With no need for plate processors, energy use can drop significantly—reducing both operating costs and carbon emissions.

– Waste Disposal Cost Savings: Fewer chemicals mean lower hazardous waste disposal costs and compliance burdens.

These improvements not only help the planet—they also make good business sense.

FUJIFILM: Sustainability Without Compromise

One of the main concerns printers have when switching to greener solutions is whether they’ll sacrifice quality, speed, or productivity. FUJIFILM’s innovation proves that this doesn’t have to be the case. Superia plates are engineered to meet the high standards of modern commercial printing:

– High Resolution: Superia plates support resolutions up to 1–99% at 200 lpi and even FM screening, ensuring sharp, high-fidelity images.

– Long Run Lengths: With run lengths of up to 150,000 impressions (or more with baked plates), these plates are built for performance.

– Press Compatibility: FUJIFILM’s greener plates are compatible with both conventional and UV inks, making them versatile across press types.

Experience Processless Plates at the FUJIFILM Technology Centre in Dubai.

Now you can experience all the innovations of FUJIFILM’s products at the FUJIFILM Technology Centre in Dubai – an immersive showcase of FUJIFILM’s latest technologies in printing, photography, medical imaging and more.

Visit us and discover more about processless plates and how they can maximise your cost efficiencies and minimise your environmental impact.

To book a tour of the FUJIFILM Technology Centre, contact <email> or <phone number>.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Eco-Friendly Printing?

FUJIFILM’s innovation doesn’t stop at greener plates. The company is also investing in automation, digital workflow optimisation, and inkjet innovation to further reduce waste and energy use across the entire print production chain.

As AI, smart manufacturing, and digital integration continue to evolve, we can expect even more efficient, cleaner sustainable printing solutions that help print businesses thrive in a low-carbon economy.

In Summary

FUJIFILM’s greener printing plates are more than just a technical advancement—they represent a commitment to a more sustainable future for print. By eliminating chemical processing, cutting water and energy use, and reducing environmental waste, these FUJIFILM innovations are helping transform printing into a cleaner, more responsible industry.

For printers seeking to lower their environmental impact without sacrificing performance, FUJIFILM’s Superia plates are a proven path forward. As the world demands greener solutions across every industry, the print world’s answer is clearer than ever— think green, print smart and go processless, with FUJIFILM.

For more on FUJIFILM’s printing plate technology, visit fujifilm.com/ae.