It says that the installation of resolution enhancement software, a mid platesetter and workflow software have all helped to enhance the production process and achieve the solvent-free goal.

"We were previously producing flexo plates conventionally and the implementation of the new platemaking line has resulted in huge benefits, particularly in terms of the definition and quality of images that can be consistently created between shifts," said repro director Robin Barker.

"The Hyperflex Resolution Enhancement Technology has allowed us to achieve excellent halftones and vignettes, with the result that customers are supplying us with much more complex designs", Barker added.

New investment ups labelling quality

Barker added that the production changes have already made a significant difference to the labelling processes, allowing greater design complexity.

The screening technology enables the plant to create extremely small dots on the plate and hold the dot, allowing greater resolution quality.

As well as the cosmetics field, the company also supplies flexo printed labels to a wide range of markets from dairy and food to household and includes major high street names among its client list.

Production efficiency increased

The company, which employs 75 staff and operates its pressroom 24 hours a day, says that the significant improvement in efficiency in prepress facilities - throughput capacity has been quadrupled - means that the prepress department can operate a double day shift.

"Our recent investment in leading edge KODAK platemaking facilities has enabled us to achieve all of these aims, and offer more added value services to our customers plus greater flexibility," Barker added. "This has already led to winning new business."