"Its time we started marketing the fact that it doesnt use any harmful chemicals," said Jones.

The south-east London printer installed the worlds first 12-colour waterless press, a Mitsubishi Diamond 300 series, last October. Jones then said he would open his doors to other firms looking at the process.

The talks are also being backed by Toray, which supplied temperature control and humidification systems and CTP waterless plates to Hyway. Graham Whittle, Torays sales and marketing executive, said: "Some print buyers are interested in waterless, but very few. I dont think people realise how dirty the industry is."

Liverpool-based Printfine, Uckfields The Beacon Press, Seacourt Press in Oxford and Park Lane Press in Wiltshire were all set to be involved in the talks.

* Hyway operations manager Andy Dixon has left the firm and is believed to have joined CTD Capita. Overseer Ian Wagland has stepped up to replace him.

Story by Gordon Carson