TechNova and Asahi plates prove sustainable CI Flexo is a reality in India
The demonstration, spearheaded by TechNova, featured Asahi Kasei’s AEP-F photopolymer plates and delivered results comparable to traditional solvent-based printing, but without the environmental compromise
11 Feb 2026 | 126 Views | By Sai Deepthi P
A recent live demonstration at the PlastIndia expo has showcased that high-quality, stable, and sustainable CI Flexo printing using water-based inks is a commercially viable reality, thanks to innovation in plate technology.
The event addressed long-standing industry challenges faced by printers running water-based inks on high-speed CI Flexo presses, such as inconsistent ink transfer, low solid ink density, and poor dot stability. The objective was to prove that water-based CI Flexo could achieve high colour vibrancy, sharp detail, smooth tonal gradations, and operational stability.
The demonstration was conducted on a challenging PET film substrate using an Ishan International CI Flexo 1000 – GL Series press and water-based inks. At the core of the successful run were the Asahi AEP-F solvent-washable photopolymer plates, supplied by TechNova.
The plates, processed by leading Ahmedabad-based plate-making bureau Shilp Gravures, delivered clear, measurable benefits. As per Sunil Kokane of TechNova Imaging Systems, "quality gains achieved included a higher effective LPI capability, cleaner solids, sharper fine text, and tonal smoothness comparable to solvent-based printing." Kokane added, "The productivity and sustainability of the AEP-F workflow demonstrated significant operational advantages, including a 30% reduction in solvent consumption during plate processing, a 50% reduction in plate drying time, and faster press makeready."
The success has already prompted strong interest from customers to evaluate the Asahi AEP-F plates for commercial production. Industry experts note this demonstration marks a clear shift in perception, proving that water-based CI Flexo can meet the demanding quality standards of flexible packaging applications.
The key takeaway from PlastIndia is that plate technology is the true enabler of sustainable CI Flexo printing.
Kokane signed off, "With mounting sustainability demands and increasing investments by Indian converters, the success of this demonstration is a strong example of how innovation can accelerate CI Flexo adoption as a mainstream solution in the Indian market."