Trials on the new waterless plate began in June and the company's first waterless contract was for 7,000 copies of the Co-operative Group's 48pp Social Report.

The Uckfield-based firm stopped using waterless CTP in early 2003, following consistency problems.

"I think the fact that Beacon are back onto waterless will give people more confidence in it," said Litho Supplies managing director Gerry Mulvaney.

Litho Supplies picked up the deal to sell Toray plates last year, around the same time the Japanese plate manufacturer brought its dedicated CTP factory on-stream.

The fact that Litho Supplies has taken on the RGP plate was an important factor in Beacon's return to waterless, said managing director Peter Horrocks.

The firm will offer both waterless and conventional printing but doesn't rule out a return to 100% waterless "We're open minded about that." said Horrocks.

Story by Darryl Danielli