Essex-based printing specialists, Collective Colour, recently upgraded its plate processor, by investing in a FUJIFILM FLH-Z 125 processor with optional water recirculation unit. In doing so, it has reduced water usage by 90% and chemistry spend by 20%, while improving the quality and consistency of its plate output.

Gary Law, director at Collective Colour, is very happy with the upgrade: "We have been using FUJIFILM Brillia HD LH-PJE plates for the past seven years and have a strong relationship with the company.  When the time came to upgrade our processor, we were looking for something that offered consistent high quality, and immediately went to FUJIFILM to see what it could offer.  When we learned of the savings this processor offers both in terms of chemistry and water, it was an easy decision to make."

Law says the upgrade has already provided massive cost savings and environmental advantages to the business: "Since moving premises from the 2012 Olympic site to West Thurrock in Essex, our water usage is monitored by a water meter instead of being charged on an annual basis.  With Fuji's ZAC processor and additional water recirculation unit giving us a 90% saving in water used - from on average of 250,000 litres a year to 25,000 litres a year - we are not only making a significant impact on our environmental footprint, but are also saving a considerable amount of money on our monthly water bill. On top of this, we have also achieved chemistry savings of around 20%."

The FLH-Z 125 is a CTP plate processor designed primarily for use with FUJIFILM Brillia HD LH-PJE positive working thermal CTP plates. It incorporates FUJIFILM's latest intelligent 'ZAC' microprocessor control system which helps to achieve consistent, high quality plate production with minimal chemistry usage - therefore also getting the environmental "tick" next to its name.

Graham Leeson, marketing manager for FUJIFILM Graphic Systems, UK says: "We are delighted that printers such as Collective Colour are reaping the benefits that our ZAC processor can bring. In today's climate, such a large reduction in water & chemistry and the associated costs is extremely important, especially as printers' margins continue to be squeezed.  We're seeing more and more companies realising that by making a relatively small investment in a piece of kit such as the ZAC processor, they too can make these cost savings while reducing their environmental footprint."

He continues "And, for those printers who want to be more environmentally responsible and are looking to update their environmental credentials, the greenprinter website (http://www.greenprinter.co.uk/) launched earlier this month, offers independent information and advice that will help them keep up-to-date with important environmental issues and legislation. "

To compare how different plate processor solutions match up in terms of environmental performance, visit http://www.howgreenareyourplates.com/.