Print in the Channel - issue #18

NEWS

Paragon ID UK partners with Fujifilm

Paragon ID UK, a global leader in identification solutions, has invested in LuXtreme, Fujifilm’s LED UV curing system, and CuremaX, Fujifilm’s LED UV inks. The solutions were supplied by Fujifilm in conjunction with IST, which has recently partnered with Fujifilm to become the key supplier for the LuXtreme LED UV system for the narrow web market. Paragon ID UK is primarily a flexographic label print manufacturer with additional capability in production of RFID labels & access cards. Paragon ID, as a wider group, designs, develops and delivers secure contactless identification solutions including bank cards, mobile payment technology and train tickets based on smart technologies. The partnership began when Paragon ID UK’s production site in Hull, driven by their own internal sustainability targets, decided to switch to Fujifilm’s Flenex water wash plates, which were supplied by Fujifilm partner, Creation Repro in 2023. The relationship developed further when Paragon ID were introduced to Fujifilm‘s LuXtreme LED UV curing systems just prior to Labelexpo 2023. Paragon ID’s interest in the sustainability benefits of this solution led to the signing of three retrofit installations during the event. Additionally, prior to the first installation, Paragon ID tested Fujifilm’s CuremaX inks and

was delighted with their performance. This prompted Paragon ID to initiate the transition to CuremaX inks before the curing system installations began. "Our investment in Fujifilm's LuXtreme and CuremaX technologies underscores our commitment to driving sustainability and innovation in print solutions,” said Jamie Parker, head of operations at Paragon ID’s Hull site. “At our production site in Hull, we have spearheaded efforts to eliminate solvent emissions from magnetic stripes, transitioned to LED technology for energy savings and embraced water-based solutions in relation to plate supply. By leveraging Fujifilm's expertise and cutting-edge technologies, we are now able to deliver unparalleled value to our customers while maximising our environmental credentials. The investments have enabled us to realise a range of energy, time and cost savings while achieving unparalleled performance and productivity.” Ian Isherwood, segment manager EMEA - analogue packaging, Fujifilm Europe, added: "We are thrilled to partner with Paragon ID UK in their journey towards sustainability and innovation in print technology. By combining Paragon ID's industry expertise with Fujifilm's advanced solutions, we are confident in our ability to deliver comprehensive and sustainable print solutions to customers worldwide."

Jamie Parker head of operations

paragon-id.com

Half of IT decision makers still think laser printers are more sustainable than inkjets

New data shows there is a common and potentially costly misconception among IT decision makers about which printing technology is more sustainable: laser or inkjet. In a survey carried out by analyst firm Quocirca, 47% of respondents across the UK, US, France and Germany believed laser printers are the more sustainable choice in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, consumables and total cost of ownership. Those at larger businesses with more than 1,000 employees were more likely to hold the misconception compared to their counterparts at smaller firms, with 57% suggesting laser technology was more sustainable compared to 21% saying inkjet. “At a time when electricity costs are high, power use is rising and global warming is a

critical challenge, misconceptions about printing technology can cost organisations dearly,” said Karl Angove, vice president, Office and Home Print Division, Epson Europe. “Both in terms of energy bills and increased CO2 emissions. “Given more respondents at larger businesses incorrectly believe laser printers are more sustainable than inkjets, they could be wasting significant amounts of power and money and adding unnecessarily to emissions. These organisations can have hundreds of printers. Such a misconception and a poor choice in printing technology could have a real impact.” Epson Heat-Free inkjet printers use no heat in the printing process, and no heat means less energy consumed, reducing use cost and CO2 emissions. Heat-free inkjets also have

Karl Angove Vice president, Office & Home Print Division, Epson Europe B.V.

epson.co.uk

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