Flexographic photopolymer plate developer Asahi Photo has announced it has achieved carbon neutral certification in partnership with the Carbon Trust for its AWP-DEW CleanPrint water-washable flexo plates in compliance with PAS 2060.
This certification is renewed on a regular basis; with each renewal period, carbon reduction requirements escalate, with the goal of reducing the actual carbon footprint of the certified product, from sourcing raw materials through packing and shipping the product, its use at the customer site, and its disposition at end of life.
Dieter Niederstadt, Asahi Photoproducts technical marketing manager, said, ‘We are proud to have achieved this important milestone in our sustainability journey. We understand the importance of accountability and continuous improvement in carbon footprinting, and we are grateful to the Carbon Trust for their expert guidance and oversight.’
Formal certification comprises two stages. First, the Carbon Trust works with applicants to establish an accurate measurement of their current carbon footprint. The second part of the process is compliance with the PAS 2060 standard, which is achievement of Carbon Neutral status.
Mr Niederstadt added, ‘At Asahi Photoproducts, we have been producing water-washable flexo plates since 1973 in the form of APR liquid resin plates for corrugated board. And today, we have the full support of our parent company, Asahi Kasei, in creating the necessary cultural change to ensure we achieve even more balance in our flexographic products.’
Asahi Kasei aims to attain carbon neutrality status for 30% of its operations by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
