The Brisbane printer upgraded its ECRM Mako 4matic in mid-February by adding an Agfa VCF85 processor and moving from silver plates to Agfa’s Azura Vi range.

Tennyson managing director Mitchell Simpson told ProPrint the company had chosen the chemistry-free solution because it wanted to be “much cleaner”.

He said the new plates were cheaper and used about 85% less chemicals.

Simpson admitted processless plates would have been an even greener option, but he wasn’t convinced they came with the desired service levels or offered enough value for money.

The Agfa device was supplied by G2 Solutions, which said upgrading the processor rather than wholly replacing the platesetter was a good option, and one many businesses failed to consider.

“Quite often they think that their only option is to buy new. However, in most cases we can make good use of the hardware they already have,” said G2 director Bernie Hockings.

“Installation of the Agfa VCF85 means that Tennyson will dramatically decrease the amount of time spent cleaning and maintaining the processor.”

Tennyson has been undergoing the Printing Industries Association of Australia’s SGP programme and expects to reach level three certification some time this year, according to Mitchell.

Simpson said environmental credentials were increasingly important to its public sector clients.

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