The Beacon Press has become the first UK company to install Technotrans environmentally-friendly solvent recycling system, eco.clean.

"When we put in our Heidelberg Speedmaster 102 our solvent use soared, but like a fairy godmother Technotrans came along with the answer," said Mark Fairbrass, chairman of the Uckfield-based printer.

The firm had previously been using 13,000 litres of solvent and 7,000 litres of de-mineralised water a year.

Eco.clean takes contaminated blanket wash from the press and removes ink, paper dust, powder and waste water impurities, allowing around 90% of the solvent to be reused.

The firm estimates that the system is saving it around 25,000 a year because it doesnt have to pay for the disposal of 19,000 litres of hazardous waste.

Eco.clean was designed after consultation with the Environment Agency. The Beacon Press is now exempt from the Waste Management Licensing Regulations.

By Andy Scott