Aztec Label, a UK-based manufacturer of a wide range of self-adhesive labels and tags, has invested in water-based technology based on TOYOBO Flexographic plates . In doing so, the printer has reinforced the company's strategy for sustainability.
Aztec Label managing director Colin Le Gresley said: "It is clear that despite the current focus on the coronavirus pandemic, the environmental agenda is still at the forefront of the minds of many brand owners and their consumers. By eliminating solvents from our printing plates production process seven years ago, we took a milestone step to minimize the environmental impact of our operations. Our latest investment in TOYOBO water-washable plate technology has significantly improved processing efficiency and quality over the polymers we used previously. TOYOBO Flexographic plates are easy to process and use, providing us with a significant reduction in production downtime. We have minimized the amount of chemical waste water. It's safe to say that the water-based solution meets the needs of our company, customers and the environment. In addition, the water-washable Flexographic plates can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making the solution even more cost-effective and efficient."
Shaun Stevens, director of Evolve Solutions, which is the UK distributor of TOYOBO's water-washable panel technology, comments on the investment process as follows: "We were pleased to work with the Aztec Label team to implement our technology. With many packaging printers in the UK looking for "Net Zero" solutions as a carbon target, it becomes crucial to look for the best alternative to solvents wherever possible. Of course, with the current COVID-19 situation also causing big increases in ethanol prices, using Flexographic plates water-solvent is also extremely cost-effective. In terms of CO2 emissions and minimizing production waste, TOYOBO plates are second to none. "
