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Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Reading time: 3 minutes

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

Watch the Video

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

“It’s also proven technology,” Mr Wein continues. “Fujifilm has a long heritage in inkjet, and its imprinting solutions are tried and tested. They’re a strong and respected manufacturer and a financially robust and stable company that we know we can depend on over the long term.

“The fact that Fujifilm acquired Unigraphica in 2022 was also a factor in our investment decision. The combination of Fujifilm and Unigraphica inkjet systems integration expertise was a very attractive proposition.”

“Finally, Fujifilm was also able to provide a bespoke system as large as one metre wide. No one else we spoke to was able to do that. And furthermore, compared with our legacy system, the Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.”

Stefan Steinle, Sales & Business Development Manager, FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solutions, Europe comments: “We’re delighted that a company of Paragon’s reputation and standing has chosen to invest in Fujifilm inkjet imprinting technology. We look forward to boosting Paragon’s productivity, and reducing its costs for many years to come.”

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

Discover our Imprinting Systems

Case study: ApeosPro C Series

Emmerson Press

Case Study

Emmerson Press becomes first UK investor in Fujifilm’s ApeosPro C toner press

Emmerson Press

Kenilworth, UK

ApeosPro C Series

Reading time: 3 minutes

Highlights

  • Emmerson Press, a commercial printer based in Kenilworth, UK, has a history of being a first adopter of Fujifilm printing technology.
  • In 2016, they became the first UK printer to invest in the Jet Press 720S, later upgrading to the Jet Press 750S in 2019.
  • They are the first UK print business to invest in Fujifilm’s newly launched ApeosPro C810 toner press.
  • The decision to invest in the ApeosPro C810 was made after careful research and consultation with Fujifilm representatives.
  • Emmerson Press plans to use the new toner press for a wide range of applications, particularly ultra-short run work with quick turnaround times.
  • The investment is expected to provide a competitive edge, improve cost-efficiency, and complement their existing printing machines.

Emmerson Press, a respected commercial printer based in Kenilworth, UK, has been first before. A Fujifilm plates customer for nearly two decades, in 2016 they became the first printer in the UK to invest in the Jet Press 720S, later upgrading to the Jet Press 750S in 2019. Now, in 2023, they have now become the first UK print business to invest in Fujifilm’s newly launched ApeosPro C810 toner press.

The deal was formally agreed at a Fujifilm event in London’s docklands in May to celebrate the launch of Fujifilm’s toner technologies in the UK.

Jamie Emmerson, Director, Emmerson Press comments: “We had an existing toner machine that had reached end of life and we were looking for a new solution. After looking at the market, the ApeosPro C seemed like an ideal choice. We’d been researching it for some time but had to wait patiently until the official UK launch in April to speak to our Fujifilm representative. Following this conversation, we soon signed the deal. Despite it being newly launched in the UK, we did our homework and, being a long-term Fujifilm partner, we were confident that the technology had been tried and tested. Being the first in the UK to invest in Fujifilm technology once again, marks an exciting time for us and we are confident that this investment will give us a competitive edge.”

“We’ll use it to produce a wide range of additional applications – particularly any ultra-short run work that needs to be turned around instantly. And we’ll also use it as an office printer, which further helps with costs and efficiency. The small format size is very useful and overall, the price point, combined with the quality that can be achieved, makes this a truly exceptional machine that is well worth the investment.

“The ApeosPro C complements our existing machines well. Fujifilm is a trusted partner, who we enjoy working with – and having multiple solutions from one vendor makes things much simpler to manage, and the support from the Fujifilm team is always second to none.”

Martin Fairweather, National Digital Business Development Manager, Fujifilm UK comments: “We’re delighted to be further expanding our partnership with Emmerson Press. Their trust in us as a long-term partner is demonstrated by them becoming the first in the UK to invest in Fujifilm technology once again. Following the official recent ApeosPro C launch earlier this year, we’re excited to continue to drive this momentum forward and Emmerson Press is the perfect company to gain maximum benefits from this technology.”

ApeosPro C Series

Learn more about the ApeosPro C series of high quality light production printers

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Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Reading time: 3 minutes

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

Watch the Video

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

Soyang’s Open House event was hosted in partnership with Josero, a leading UK supplier of wide format printers, sign and print finishing equipment and printing supplies. Soyang, which bought the majority shares of Josero last year, has also partnered with Fujifilm to distribute the Acuity Prime flatbed printer in the UK.

Soyang customer Vincent Randall, co-owner of MediaCo Group, commented: “It was a pleasure to attend Soyang’s Open House event and it was great to see the Acuity Ultra R2 in-person. The fact that Fujifilm is making machines and designing them around users’ needs – and around their inks – is significantly important to companies like ours.”

Launched in mid-2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new Acuity wide format range, the Acuity Ultra R2 and Acuity Prime flatbed printers have each won iF, Good Design and Red Dot awards for their impeccable design features.

Andy Webb, UK Wide Format Sales Manager at Fujifilm, notes: “Our Acuity wide format machines were all fully developed by Fujifilm to maximise usability and ROI. We’re confident that Soyang’s extensive industry knowledge, expertise and customer base – all demonstrated at its recent Open House event – will help us to boost Acuity Ultra R2 and Acuity Prime sales across the UK.”

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

Discover our Imprinting Systems

World-first: Sustainable cleaning solution

Fujifilm reduces the carbon footprint of its inks with innovative cleaning technology at its Broadstairs ink manufacturing facility

Read the article

Reading time: 5 minutes

  • Fujifilm switched to a more environmentally friendly cleaning technology at its Broadstairs ink manufacturing facility.
  • The company partnered with Terrafend, which develops and supplies sustainable cleaning solutions.
  • Fujifilm becomes the first company in the world to install an Ambimization® Proteus machine.
  • Ambimization® technology provides a revolutionary approach to cleaning by combining chemical and mechanical engineering.
  • The water-based cleaning fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic.
  • Since installing the new technology, Fujifilm has significantly reduced its waste, carbon footprint and VOC emissions.

The FUJIFILM Specialty Ink Systems (FSIS) award-winning factory in Broadstairs, UK, manufactures high performance inks for a range of markets, including Uvijet wide format UV inkjet inks, and Sericol screen and flexo inks. The factory has implemented several sustainability initiatives over the last ten years and in the summer of 2022, it became the first ever company to trial the new-to-market Ambimization® fluids and Proteus pot wash machine from Terrafend.

Terrafend’s patented Ambimization® technology combines chemical and mechanical engineering to provide a revolutionary approach to cleaning. Ambimization® water-based fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. They work at ambient temperatures and can be used repeatedly before reaching end of life, thus reducing workplace risk, energy consumption, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Last year, Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® technology in its analogue ink department in Broadstairs to clean its UV, water-based and solvent-based ink pots. The use of Ambimization®, in turn enabled Fujifilm to implement the Proteus pot wash machine. These new innovations replaced legacy cleaning equipment that used chemical solvents.

The Proteus machine cleans pots with a water-based Ambimization® fluid in a time-efficient manner, facilitating cost and energy savings, as well as reducing the use of VOCs and creating a safer working environment. It is a green alternative that aligns with Fujifilm’s sustainability commitments.

Moving from solvent to water-based cleaning

Fujifilm’s old pot cleaning process involved solvents being sprayed on the walls of the mixing vessels at pressures in excess of 70 bars, thereby removing traces of the ink and decontaminating the surfaces of the pots. This method used around 72,000 litres of chemical-based solvent and generated around 22,000 litres of waste per year.

After the cleaning process, the used solvent, saturated with ink, was pumped into a 24,000 litre storage tank at the Broadstairs site. When full, the tank was drained by a specialist contractor and the solvent waste was removed from the site, via road tanker, to a chemical re-processor. At the re-processor, the waste was separated through distillation, enabling 75% of the solvent to be returned to Fujifilm and used again. A limitation of this method was its inefficiency, with 25% of the material being lost in the recycling process.

In stark contrast, the new Proteus machine and water-based fluids, generate minimal chemical waste and VOCs. With Ambimization®, Fujifilm has managed to reduce solvent waste output at its Broadstairs site. This is not only better for the environment, but safer and more pleasant for the on-site Fujifilm team who handle the ink pots before and after cleaning. Fujifilm has reduced its VOC emissions by 91% since switching to the Proteus and Ambimization® process.

Reduced fire risks & energy consumption

An additional safety benefit of Ambimization® is that it eliminates fire risk – and this is further facilitated by the Proteus machine. With the traditional cleaning method, the solvent formed fine aerosol particles during each cleaning event, because of the high pressure deployed. This created an explosive (ATEX) atmosphere. Although ATEX equipment was installed and steps were taken by staff to reduce this fire risk, the risk still posed a threat.

Moving forward with the Proteus machine, Fujifilm will be able to remove all ATEX rated equipment and save on time that would otherwise have been spent on ATEX health and safety measures within the pot wash area. The Proteus machine is also expected to reduce energy usage by 110,000 kWh per year, making it a hugely worthwhile investment.

Key takeaways

Fujifilm’s ink R&D and manufacturing facility in Broadstairs, Kent, has regularly made the news as a four-time winner of the UK’s Best Process Plant in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, but it is for its sustainability initiatives that it is now rapidly creating waves.

Fujifilm has paved the way for more ink and coating manufacturers to implement Ambimization® by being the first company in the world to pioneer the technology. Since Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® – and the Proteus pot wash machine – Terrafend has introduced the technology to seven additional international major coating and composite manufacturers.

Switching to Ambimization® has delivered the following objectives:

  1. Provided a green / sustainable pot cleaning process
  2. Reduced VOC emissions at the Broadstairs site
  3. Reduced energy consumption by approximately 110,000 kWh per year during the pot cleaning process
  4. Future-proofed the Broadstairs site’s pot cleaning capability
  5. Eliminated the Broadstairs site’s DSEAR risk

Gary Burgess, Manufacturing and CI Manager at FUJIFILM Speciality Ink Systems, comments: “We’re thrilled to be the first company in the world to have trialled an Ambimization® Proteus machine, installed at our Broadstairs ink manufacturing site. Although the digital ink market continues to grow, screen and flexo inks are still used for a number of printing applications. We’ve taken a step to reduce waste and energy when it comes to cleaning our ink pots. During the process, we’ve also reduced VOC emissions and eliminated the site’s largest risk.”

Emily Cassius, Head of Business Development at Terrafend, adds: “This cleaning technology has huge potential to help leading brands – like Fujifilm – to operate more efficiently while reducing risk, waste and carbon footprints. We are pleased to have helped them boost their sustainability credentials and look forward to a continued partnership.”

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Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

Watch the Video

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

Miguel Ángel Gómez Cano, Managing Director at Oedim, says: “At Oedim, wide format prints are our speciality. Many of our customers operate in the marketing and advertising sectors and require wide format prints – be it on textiles, vinyl, cardboard or tarpaulin. Our investment in an Acuity Ultra R2 has enabled us to prioritise personalisation and efficiency, while delivering on versatility and value – all while achieving growth.”

“Now, with an Acuity Ultra R2 included in our fleet of printers, we can offer our customers an even faster and more reliable service, particularly when delivering ‘superwide’ 5m prints. The machine is not only intuitive and easy to use, it is also reliable and offers exceptional quality. This is proven, as we use it predominantly to print on mesh and canvases and events canvases. ”

Cano says: “Our investment in yet another Fujifilm printer has enhanced our confidence in the company as a trusted and reliable partner.”

Joan Casas, Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Communications, Spain, comments: “We’re thrilled that the Acuity Ultra R2 is helping Oedim meet the needs of its customers and we thank them for being a loyal Fujifilm partner.” 

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

Discover our Imprinting Systems

Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

Hollins highlights that Fujifilm’s exceptional ink quality has enabled Nuneaton Signs to print high quality jobs on a variety of substrates. With a focus on the most sustainable substrates, Nuneaton Signs prints on: polypropylene; 100% recycled and recyclable cast acrylic sheets; polyester sheets; premium fibre structure paper board; recyclable aluminium composite material; lightweight foam board and many others. He also says that Fujifilm provided excellent training and support, further enhancing his trust in the brand.

Engineered from the ground up, with the operator in mind, the Acuity Prime 30 – released in 2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new blueprint for wide format – has won Red Dot, Good Design and iF awards for its impeccable design features.

Hollins continues: “We visited Fujifilm’s Broadstairs site (in Kent, UK), and were given an extensive demonstration of the Acuity Prime 30, which turned out to be the ideal printer for our business’s requirements. The service provided by Fujifilm was excellent and efficient. When the machine was installed, it was ready for use – factoring our training – within a week.”

Andy Kent, Division Manager, Fujifilm UK, adds: “We value all of our customers and their business requirements. We’re particularly pleased to see that our printer is supporting Nuneaton Sign’s team members with disabilities – ultimately enhancing their independence.”

Social enterprises like Nuneaton Signs trade for a social purpose and reinvest or donate a percentage of their profits to further their cause. In the UK, there are around 100,000 social enterprises, which employ nearly 2 million people.

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

Discover our Imprinting Systems

Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

Watch the Video

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

Miguel Ángel Gómez Cano, Managing Director at Oedim, says: “At Oedim, wide format prints are our speciality. Many of our customers operate in the marketing and advertising sectors and require wide format prints – be it on textiles, vinyl, cardboard or tarpaulin. Our investment in an Acuity Ultra R2 has enabled us to prioritise personalisation and efficiency, while delivering on versatility and value – all while achieving growth.”

“Now, with an Acuity Ultra R2 included in our fleet of printers, we can offer our customers an even faster and more reliable service, particularly when delivering ‘superwide’ 5m prints. The machine is not only intuitive and easy to use, it is also reliable and offers exceptional quality. This is proven, as we use it predominantly to print on mesh and canvases and events canvases. ”

Cano says: “Our investment in yet another Fujifilm printer has enhanced our confidence in the company as a trusted and reliable partner.”

Joan Casas, Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Communications, Spain, comments: “We’re thrilled that the Acuity Ultra R2 is helping Oedim meet the needs of its customers and we thank them for being a loyal Fujifilm partner.” 

Fujifilm Imprinting Systems

Find out more about Fujifilm Imprinting Systems – retrofitted to your analogue press for a multitude of applications

Discover our Imprinting Systems

Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

The Fujifilm imprinting system gives us more up-time, shorter set-up times and results in far less waste.

Bernd Wein | Paragon Germany

Watch the Video

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

Soyang’s Open House event was hosted in partnership with Josero, a leading UK supplier of wide format printers, sign and print finishing equipment and printing supplies. Soyang, which bought the majority shares of Josero last year, has also partnered with Fujifilm to distribute the Acuity Prime flatbed printer in the UK.

Soyang customer Vincent Randall, co-owner of MediaCo Group, commented: “It was a pleasure to attend Soyang’s Open House event and it was great to see the Acuity Ultra R2 in-person. The fact that Fujifilm is making machines and designing them around users’ needs – and around their inks – is significantly important to companies like ours.”

Launched in mid-2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new Acuity wide format range, the Acuity Ultra R2 and Acuity Prime flatbed printers have each won iF, Good Design and Red Dot awards for their impeccable design features.

Andy Webb, UK Wide Format Sales Manager at Fujifilm, notes: “Our Acuity wide format machines were all fully developed by Fujifilm to maximise usability and ROI. We’re confident that Soyang’s extensive industry knowledge, expertise and customer base – all demonstrated at its recent Open House event – will help us to boost Acuity Ultra R2 and Acuity Prime sales across the UK.”

“We are using it to produce not only food packaging but also toy and cosmetic packaging, due to customer health and safety concerns and regulations surrounding these products. Ultimately, it is helping us to run our business more efficiently and take on a broader range of work.”

Additionally, Ebro Color invested in the Jet Press 750S High Speed Model in October 2021.

Miguel Ángel Gómez Cano, Managing Director at Oedim, says: “At Oedim, wide format prints are our speciality. Many of our customers operate in the marketing and advertising sectors and require wide format prints – be it on textiles, vinyl, cardboard or tarpaulin. Our investment in an Acuity Ultra R2 has enabled us to prioritise personalisation and efficiency, while delivering on versatility and value – all while achieving growth.”

“Now, with an Acuity Ultra R2 included in our fleet of printers, we can offer our customers an even faster and more reliable service, particularly when delivering ‘superwide’ 5m prints. The machine is not only intuitive and easy to use, it is also reliable and offers exceptional quality. This is proven, as we use it predominantly to print on mesh and canvases and events canvases. ”

Cano says: “Our investment in yet another Fujifilm printer has enhanced our confidence in the company as a trusted and reliable partner.”

Joan Casas, Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Communications, Spain, comments: “We’re thrilled that the Acuity Ultra R2 is helping Oedim meet the needs of its customers and we thank them for being a loyal Fujifilm partner.” 

Hollins highlights that Fujifilm’s exceptional ink quality has enabled Nuneaton Signs to print high quality jobs on a variety of substrates. With a focus on the most sustainable substrates, Nuneaton Signs prints on: polypropylene; 100% recycled and recyclable cast acrylic sheets; polyester sheets; premium fibre structure paper board; recyclable aluminium composite material; lightweight foam board and many others. He also says that Fujifilm provided excellent training and support, further enhancing his trust in the brand.

Engineered from the ground up, with the operator in mind, the Acuity Prime 30 – released in 2021 as part of Fujifilm’s new blueprint for wide format – has won Red Dot, Good Design and iF awards for its impeccable design features.

Hollins continues: “We visited Fujifilm’s Broadstairs site (in Kent, UK), and were given an extensive demonstration of the Acuity Prime 30, which turned out to be the ideal printer for our business’s requirements. The service provided by Fujifilm was excellent and efficient. When the machine was installed, it was ready for use – factoring our training – within a week.”

Andy Kent, Division Manager, Fujifilm UK, adds: “We value all of our customers and their business requirements. We’re particularly pleased to see that our printer is supporting Nuneaton Sign’s team members with disabilities – ultimately enhancing their independence.”

Social enterprises like Nuneaton Signs trade for a social purpose and reinvest or donate a percentage of their profits to further their cause. In the UK, there are around 100,000 social enterprises, which employ nearly 2 million people.

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World-first: Sustainable cleaning solution

Fujifilm reduces the carbon footprint of its inks with innovative cleaning technology at its Broadstairs ink manufacturing facility

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The story of Fujifilm, since its founding in 1930s Japan, has been one of continuous innovation – sometimes incremental, sometimes radical, but always ongoing. Print is one of many sectors that has benefited from that innovation, especially over the past couple of decades as digital technology has made real inroads across the industry. That trend towards digitisation is apparent across the whole print market, but the pace of change differs dramatically from sector to sector.

Terrafend’s patented Ambimization® technology combines chemical and mechanical engineering to provide a revolutionary approach to cleaning. Ambimization® water-based fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. They work at ambient temperatures and can be used repeatedly before reaching end of life, thus reducing workplace risk, energy consumption, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Last year, Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® technology in its analogue ink department in Broadstairs to clean its UV, water-based and solvent-based ink pots. The use of Ambimization®, in turn enabled Fujifilm to implement the Proteus pot wash machine. These new innovations replaced legacy cleaning equipment that used chemical solvents.

The Proteus machine cleans pots with a water-based Ambimization® fluid in a time-efficient manner, facilitating cost and energy savings, as well as reducing the use of VOCs and creating a safer working environment. It is a green alternative that aligns with Fujifilm’s sustainability commitments.

We work with packaging producers whatever the stage of their journey; whether it’s helping them to optimise analogue production lines to maximise efficiency or introduce a digital capability. We don’t do one-size-fits-all – we do the right solution, for the right producer, at the right time. And all our solutions, whether analogue, digital or somewhere in-between, are designed to reduce waste and the use of environmentally harmful chemicals, minimise energy consumption and to be as sustainable as possible.

Moving from solvent to water-based cleaning

Fujifilm’s old pot cleaning process involved solvents being sprayed on the walls of the mixing vessels at pressures in excess of 70 bars, thereby removing traces of the ink and decontaminating the surfaces of the pots. This method used around 72,000 litres of chemical-based solvent and generated around 22,000 litres of waste per year.

After the cleaning process, the used solvent, saturated with ink, was pumped into a 24,000 litre storage tank at the Broadstairs site. When full, the tank was drained by a specialist contractor and the solvent waste was removed from the site, via road tanker, to a chemical re-processor. At the re-processor, the waste was separated through distillation, enabling 75% of the solvent to be returned to Fujifilm and used again. A limitation of this method was its inefficiency, with 25% of the material being lost in the recycling process.

First, there’s our Flenex FW water-washable flexo plates that eliminate environmentally harmful solvents often used in the plate-making process and are more durable than most alternatives, meaning fewer plate changes and less waste. And the sustainable benefits go hand-in-hand with greater press stability and therefore higher, more consistent quality. Then there’s our range of narrow web inks, which we have been supplying for many years, that have a deserved market reputation for both quality and versatility.

In addition, our retrofittable LED UV curing system, uniquely combining both LED UV curing hardware and a brand new range of LED UV inks, radically reduces energy consumption, eliminates harmful VOCs, requires lower maintenance and produces less waste. This results in lower costs, along with higher, more consistent quality, something that is a welcome bi-product of a lower energy system.

Reduced fire risks & energy consumption

An additional safety benefit of Ambimization® is that it eliminates fire risk – and this is further facilitated by the Proteus machine. With the traditional cleaning method, the solvent formed fine aerosol particles during each cleaning event, because of the high pressure deployed. This created an explosive (ATEX) atmosphere. Although ATEX equipment was installed and steps were taken by staff to reduce this fire risk, the risk still posed a threat.

Moving forward with the Proteus machine, Fujifilm will be able to remove all ATEX rated equipment and save on time that would otherwise have been spent on ATEX health and safety measures within the pot wash area. The Proteus machine is also expected to reduce energy usage by 110,000 kWh per year, making it a hugely worthwhile investment.

The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model has set a new standard for the quality that can be achieved with inkjet technologies. Well-known and highly respected in the commercial print sector, it is also designed to print short-run, folding-carton packaging at exceptionally high levels of quality, with many customers using it exclusively for this purpose.

Fujifilm also offers a wide range of scalable imprinting systems that bring the benefits of digital printing to analogue processes by combining Fujifilm’s proprietary technologies across printheads, ink and transport systems with the company’s in depth integration expertise. Based on Fujifilm’s world-leading Samba piezo-electric printbars, the company’s imprinting solutions allow digital inkjet printing to be integrated directly into existing analogue production lines for a broad range of industrial applications.

The Jet Press FP790 digital flexible packaging press features water-based inkjet technology, making it suitable for food packaging production. Built on decades of Fujifilm inkjet expertise, the Jet Press FP790 is designed to offer a digital alternative to flexo production for mainstream applications and print runs, and meets the strategic needs of businesses faced with the challenge of dealing with a widening variety of products – resulting in a proliferation of SKUs – and shorter delivery times.

Key takeaways

Fujifilm’s ink R&D and manufacturing facility in Broadstairs, Kent, has regularly made the news as a four-time winner of the UK’s Best Process Plant in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, but it is for its sustainability initiatives that it is now rapidly creating waves.

Fujifilm has paved the way for more ink and coating manufacturers to implement Ambimization® by being the first company in the world to pioneer the technology. Since Fujifilm onboarded Ambimization® – and the Proteus pot wash machine – Terrafend has introduced the technology to seven additional international major coating and composite manufacturers.

Our Flenex plates reduce waste and eliminate the use of environmentally harmful solvents altogether, and when combined with our PRC1 filtration unit, water use is also minimised. Our LED UV curing system slashes energy use, and our narrow web Inks are solvent-free and manufactured in the UK at our award-winning Broadstairs factory, where extreme care is taken to ensure all manufacturing and operational processes are as environmentally responsible as possible.

Switching to Ambimization® has delivered the following objectives:

  1. Provided a green / sustainable pot cleaning process
  2. Reduced VOC emissions at the Broadstairs site
  3. Reduced energy consumption by approximately 110,000 kWh per year during the pot cleaning process
  4. Future-proofed the Broadstairs site’s pot cleaning capability
  5. Eliminated the Broadstairs site’s DSEAR risk

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Case Study: Imprinting Solutions for Direct Mail Printing

Paragon

Case Study

Paragon Germany confirms investment in Fujifilm Imprinting Solution for direct mail printing

Paragon Germany

Schwandorf, Germany

Imprinting solutions

There are many ongoing challenges in the market, but Fujifilm is always a reliable partner that has enabled us to overcome these challenges and help us to grow

Tiago Yu | Floricolor

Highlights

  • Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
  • The company has installed a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars.
  • Fujifilm’s imprinting solutions replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail production line.
  • Fujifilm’s heritage and proven technology was a key reason for investment.
  • The new system provided Paragon Germany with increased uptime, shorter set-up times, and reduced waste compared to the legacy system.
  • Fujifilm is pleased with Paragon’s investment and looks forward to boosting their productivity and reducing costs in the long term.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

With more than 9,000 employees in 20 countries and an annual turnover of more than €1.2 billion, Paragon Group is a major global player in direct mail, transactional print, business outsourcing and packaging. Within that wider business, Paragon Germany employs more than 1,200 employees across eight locations in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.

Looking to replace legacy inkjet imprinting equipment on a direct mail printing production line in Schwandorf, Germany, the company has turned to Fujifilm and its industry-leading imprinting solutions, installing a pair of one metre wide Fujifilm imprinting bars to print to the front and the reverse of the web.

“There were a number of reasons we went with Fujifilm over rival systems,” explains Bernd Wein, Paragon Operations Director, Direct Mail. “We liked that they fully own all the technologies – the printheads as well as the integration technology. It gives us confidence to be dealing with one partner – a partner that we were confident could offer the service and support we need to ensure ongoing smooth operation and the swift resolution to any problems.

“Our main market used to be wedding albums, but in recent years we’ve seen the demand for this service decrease. Demand for wedding invitations, however, is still just as strong, so we saw an opportunity to compensate for this loss in wedding album production by entering the wedding invitation space, something which has only been possible with the investment in the Revoria press. It also enables us to print large wedding album covers that we were previously not able to, helping us to expand our product offering and increase our revenue.”

“With the Revoria PC1120, we have launched a new business venture named Studio 6. Under the Studio 6 brand, we print wedding invitations, thank you cards, business cards and special stationery for our customers. We use the PC1120, in combination with other finishing equipment, to offer our customers a range of unique products, using speial colours such as gold and silver varnishes.”

“The designers have been very impressed with the results that can be achieved from the Revoria press, particularly the special colours, textures and different substrates. Typically, it would be difficult to achieve a small run order of special colours, but with the Revoria PC1120, we are now able to do just that. All of our customers have been amazed with the quality and turnaround times.”

In addition to the special colours, the PC1120 enables us to print on substrates of many thicknesses, sizes and types, including plastic – something that we could not achieve with any comparable press on the market. The machine’s media handling is also particularly impressive.

Tiago Yu | Floricolor

“There are many ongoing challenges in the market, but Fujifilm is always a reliable partner that has enabled us to overcome these challenges and help us to grow. We have immense confidence in them to help us deliver print of the highest standard and we are looking forward to continuing to develop this relationship in the future.”

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Revoria Press PC1120

Find out more about the award-winning features of the Revoria Press PC1120

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Learn more about the Revoria Press PC1120 by downloading our product brochure.

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