The Kidderminster-based company said it had been having some issues with the plate material from its previous supplier “and Fujifilm's Flenex solution looked like a promising alternative to us”.

It trialled the plates in May and has since adopted them permanently. A Fujifilm C-Touch processor and new UV-LED JJ inks from the manufacturer also formed part of the investment.

Aztec Label managing director Colin Le Gresley said: “We already had a strong working relationship with Fujifilm, having used their inks for some time, and the Flenex trial was an instant success, immediately remedying the problems we were facing.

“We achieved excellent plate washout in half the time with no sludge build up in the processor. Platemaking is faster now, and there are far fewer plate failures, so it was an easy decision.”​

Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK divisional manager Andy Kent added: “Flenex FW plates provide both exceptional print quality and productivity, while significantly lowering the cost-in-use compared to thermal, solvent or even other water-wash alternatives.

“We're delighted to bring this technology to Aztec Label, both helping them to improve their service to customers, and further enhance their environmental credentials.”

Aztec has been making water-wash plates for nearly a decade as part of its commitment to sustainability and the environment.

The business also made a major investment in solar power several years ago, with the installation of solar panels across the factory roof, and was an early adopter of the BPIF’s Zero Labels 2 Landfill scheme in 2017.

Established in 1993, Aztec Label manufactures a wide range of self-adhesive label and tag products for customers in the UK and abroad. It employs 25 staff at its 1,850sqm site and turns over £3.6m.

Around a year ago the business had a Benford UV drying system retrofitted to its refurbished 250mm-wide two-colour Rotopress printer.