Bath-based Emtone, which counts The Soil Association and The International Institute for Environment and Development among its clients, said that the investment was part of its ongoing environmental strategy.

John Coward, managing director of the £1.8m-turnover printer, said: "For many years, we have been very aware of our corporate responsibility.

"We have implemented a number of environmental initiatives, including FSC accreditation, and the majority of our staff live here in Bath and either walk or cycle to work."

The 17-staff company, which also produces work for Bath Rugby Club, images more than 1,400 plates a month, meaning the switch to chemistry-free plate production has significantly reduced its environmental impact.

Coward added: "We have a good working relationship with Agfa and the Azura chemistry-free plate was the obvious next step. We particularly liked the clear, defined image and the fact that the Azura TS plate can be left press-ready in the pressroom."