Fuji launched the plate, which it said was suitable for commercial print and newspaper applications, in June this year.

At the time, it dropped its traditional 'chemistry-free' tag in favour of 'low-chemistry', which it said was a more accurate description.

Pali Sall, works director at Printing & Packaging, said that the plates had reduced chemistry usage by 60% at the Hinkley-Leicestershire based company, which manufacturers printed and cardboard PVC packaging.

"The savings to be made in terms of chemistry usage and chemistry spend, not to mention the positive environmental implications of the plate, are very impressive indeed.

"Also the removal of chemical replenishment will provide even more cost savings for us."

According to Fuji, the Brilla HD Pro-V plate is designed to simplify the pre-press process, using less chemistry and requiring less maintenance of the finishing unit.

The plate is capable of resolutions from 1-99% and the replenisher normally required to control the pH or conductivity of the bath is no longer required, the manufacturer said.