Plastiscene will use Loudwaters newly installed seven-colour (6/1) Mitsubishi Diamond 3000, which has been modified for plastics, and its eight-colour Heidelberg Speedmaster 102.

The group has spent the past few weeks carrying out vigorous tests on various synthetic materials, some of which have been "bloody awkward", said managing director Marc Cox.

"We want to make sure weve tested everything. Its not straightforward. Weve spent days on press using different inks, different drying powers, just learning," Cox said.

But Cox is confident the new division will be a hit and will help the group expand beyond the greetings card market.

"Were just starting to turn on the tap and the phone hasnt stopped ringing. Its going to be big," said Cox, who is predicting sales for Plastiscene of between 3m and 5m within three years.

The Plastiscene sales team will be headed by Barry Mutton, formerly of Lutons White Crescent Press. Two of his White Crescent colleagues, Peter Kirby and Kevan Peters, have joined him at Plastiscene.

Plastiscene is Loudwaters second new venture this year. In March it launched cardboard and plastics engineering division Atomic (PrintWeek, 22 March).

Story by Lauretta Roberts