Asahi shares platemaking expertise in Asia

Asahi Kasei Corporation, one of the pioneers in flexographic photopolymer plate development, has hosted two events in Asia, one in Shanghai and one in Taiwan, to present customer successes in using Asahi products.

Li Xiaocheng, founder and CEO of Shanghai Hengze Printing Company, invited peers to tour his plant in conjunction with the recent Labelexpo Asia 2023. This label manufacturer is the first company to install CrystalCleanConnect in China, an end-to-end automated flexographic platemaking technology co-developed by Asahi, Esko and Kongsberg.

CrystalCleanConnect reduces flexo platemaking from 12 steps to one, reducing the potential for error and improving overall quality.

The company adopted Asahi AWP-DEF water-washable plates to boost quality and improve its competitive positioning.

Adding the CrystalCleanConnect line and switching to Asahi AWP-DEW water-washable plates optimized for use with CrystalCleanConnect took the company’s productivity, efficiency and sustainability to the next level.

During the event, visitors could see CrystalCleanConnect in action and experience presentations by Asahi, Esko and Kongsberg for a deep dive into its benefits. In addition, representatives from AVT explained how its inspection technology for label manufacturing boosts quality by detecting any faulty output during the printing process.

During the event, visitors could see CrystalCleanConnect in action and experience presentations by Asahi, Esko and Kongsberg for a deep dive into its benefits
During the event, visitors could see CrystalCleanConnect in action and experience presentations by Asahi, Esko and Kongsberg for a deep dive into its benefits

Tung Yi Color Reproduction Company, one of the largest repro houses in Taiwan, invited printers, repro houses and suppliers using gravure, offset and flexo to a seminar about the latest technologies for printing on flexible packaging as well as how to make their operations more sustainable.

Forty-five companies, represented by more than 120 people, attended the event held at the GIS Taichung Wenxin Conference Center on December 15 and heard educational presentations from a variety of customers and suppliers, including Esko, AsahiKasei, printing machine supplier LinkLabel, Idealliance, GMP Frimpeks, printer Chi Meng Industry and MPS.

‘These types of open house events are important as we work to educate the Asian market on the latest technologies and help it improve its sustainability position,’ said Yuji Suzuki, technical support professional at Asahi Kasei. ‘We appreciate Hengze and Tung Yi making their facilities and staff available for these events and thank them for their hospitality. We look forward to being able to do more of these types of events in 2024.’

Related content