Flexography is a popular printing method used in the packaging industry to print high-quality images on different materials. Flexo printing requires printing plates, which are the heart and soul of the printing process. Water Washable Flexo plates have become increasingly popular in recent years among the different types of printing plates available in the market.
The Toyobo Water Washable Flexo (WWF) plates were first introduced in India in 2015 & since then, the industry has adapted to them very well. Mr. Rohit Sachdev, the proprietor of Lucky Graphics, is the man behind introducing the WWF plates technology to India.
Advantages of Water Washable Flexo (WWF) Plates
- Environmentally friendly: These plates do not require harsh chemicals, so they are much safer for the environment and human health.
- Easy to use: The WWF plates are easy to handle and process, making them ideal for high-volume printing operations.
- Consistent print quality: These plates offer high resolution and consistent print quality throughout the entire print run.
- Reduced downtime: Water Washable Flexo plates require less time to process and clean, reducing the downtime between print runs.
Applications of Water Washable Flexo Plates
These plates are ideal for printing on flexible packaging materials such as plastic films, aluminium foil, and paper. The plate is preferred for printing high-quality food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical labels. It is also used in printing corrugated boxes used in packaging and shipping.
The flexo industry is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprint. One significant development in this regard is the adoption of Water Washable Flexo plates. These plates offer a range of benefits that improve printing efficiency and contribute to a greener and more eco-friendly printing process.
Water-based, Environmentally Friendly Solution
One of the primary reasons water washable flexo plates contribute to reducing the carbon footprint is their water-based processing. Unlike solvent-based plates that require toxic chemicals and solvents, Water Washable plates utilise water-based solutions for plate processing and cleaning. As a result, the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is reduced significantly, minimising air pollution and creating a healthier working environment.
Rohit Sachdev and Vaibhav Sachdev with team TOYOBO
Energy Efficiency and Reduced Downtime
Water washable flexo plates offer improved efficiency and reduced downtime, which contributes to lowering energy consumption in the printing process. The plate can be processed and washed quickly, allowing for faster turnaround times and increased productivity.
There is no need for specialised ventilation systems or drying equipment. By minimising energy consumption throughout the printing process, Water Washable Flexo plates help reduce the carbon emissions associated with energy production.
Sustainable Printing Applications
The Water Washable Flexo plates ensure high-quality printing on recyclable materials, contributing to a more sustainable packaging industry. By enabling the use of environmentally friendly materials and facilitating the recycling process, water washable plates further support efforts to reduce the carbon footprint.
WWF plates is becoming increasingly popular in the packaging industry, where sustainability and efficiency are critical drivers of business success. If you are looking for a printing solution that is safe, reliable, and optimised for high-volume production, WWF plates are an excellent choice.
Toyobo Cosmolight Water Washable Flexo plates offer significant advantages in terms of environmental sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint in the flexo industry. These plates align with the industry’s growing focus on eco-friendly practices through their water-based processing, reduced chemical waste, energy efficiency, and sustainable printing applications. Printers can contribute to a greener future by choosing Water Washable Flexo plates while maintaining high-quality printing outputs.
