LA HULPE, BELGIUM, Nov. 5—Paris-based print house Imprimerie Grenier has reinforced its commitment to an eco-friendly operation by investing in KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates. The move will enable the company to eliminate chemical waste.
Driven by a desire to combine industrial performance with sustainable development, during the last five years Imprimerie Grenier has adopted an environmental approach. This resulted in the company being accredited with the Imprim’Vert label, followed by ISO 140001 certification.
“It took a lot effort to obtain the certification, but the results are worth it,” explains Christian Crouzevialle, CEO, Imprimerie Grenier. “We structure our objectives, implement technological monitoring and have moved towards cleaner production.”
KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Plates: a processless revolution
Imprimerie Grenier is extremely proud of its environmental credentials. The switch to chemical-free KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Plates represents a significant step forward, and fits perfectly with the company’s sustainable approach.
“Because of the no plate processing procedure, we’ve shortened the production cycle and eliminated developer, chemical and reprocessing costs,” says François Fessard, Plate Imaging Manager. “And because operators no longer have to maintain the developer, we’ve saved half a day’s work for two people.”
A smooth and successful transition
The THERMAL DIRECT Plate can be secured directly on the press after it has been imaged on to any 830nm thermal CTP on the market. Essentially, this technology eliminates any variables resulting from the development process, such as the appearance of small hickies.
KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates do not require any rinsing or gumming. “The plate is exposed normally on the CTP but doesn’t undergo any form of chemical development,” says Fessard. “The non-imaged parts remain soluble and are transferred to the first sheets once the water has softened their surface. Plus the THERMAL DIRECT Plate doesn’t generate any residue in the machine. In the beginning, our operators didn’t notice the transition and not a single plate was returned to the shop.”
The technology enables on-press development, with no contamination of the press by the plates. Imprimerie Grenier is impressed by the perfect compatibility of the plate and the two four-color offset presses that function with alcohol-free dampening.
What’s more, the imaging quality of a THERMAL DIRECT Plate is anything but inferior to that produced by previous techniques that involved development. It enables the use of KODAK STACCATO Screening, which can satisfy the most demanding jobs.
Powerful and reliable CTP and workflow
Imprimerie Grenier has a full set of plate imaging and proofing equipment managed by the KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow Software, including the advanced functions of preflight, normalization, color management, trapping and optimization.
This flexible workflow is helping Imprimerie Grenier streamline its processes and reduce production costs. The PRINERGY EVO Software is the backbone of production. It drives two 8-up thermal CTP units, including a KODAK TRENDSETTER 800 III Platesetter and a KODAK MAGNUS 800 Platesetter, with automatic loading of production runs in the order of 40 plates per hour. The MAGNUS 800 Platesetter is equipped with a reliable cassette unit and an advanced plate supply system, which places a new plate on standby while another plate is imaged.
The design and reliability of the CTPs have helped reduce downtime. “In the space of two years, the few problems we have encountered have been easily resolved over the phone with the help of Kodak technicians,” says Fessard.
Performing paper or digital proofing
Last spring Imprimerie Grenier acquired the KODAK INSITE Prepress Portal System, enabling remote proofing and validation.
“Digital proofing via the INSITE System helps us meet our customers’ demands regarding cost, responsiveness and user-friendliness. In today's cost-conscious times, customers are happy to use soft proofs, as hard proofs are considered too expensive for validating routine work,” concludes Fessard.
The company still uses the KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing System, which is required by customers with precision jobs and helps operators put the finishing touches to color adjustments.
About Kodak
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(Kodak, Thermal Direct, Trendsetter, Magnus, Matchprint, Staccato, Insite, Prinergy Evo and Quantum are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.)
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