As the first UK customer to install the new Azura process-free platesetter Crown Litho, Guildford, has earned local and international praise from prominent environmentalists.

Agfa approached Crown Litho earlier in the year as an ideal candidate to participate in the final stage of the development programme for the Azura chemical-free plate. In the process, it became one of four sites throughout the world to install the Acento B2 format thermal platesetters using Azura plates. At a special open-day in October, Crown were visited by Winnie D’Ath, Acting Corporate Communications Director of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the environment, local MP Sue Doughty. 

The event was to support the company’s participation in the Environmental Assessment Scheme; in 2003 they achieved their objective with accreditation to BS/EN/ISO 14001. The business was founded in 1976 by Managing Director, Robert Avery and employs 9 staff. It operates 12 hours a day, 6 days a week for customers who include WWF, Cancer Relief, National Garden Scheme, Royal Horticultural Society, Thames Water, B&Q Warehouses and Surrey University. 

"With companies such as Agfa and Crown Litho working together, and with the support of the WWF, Sue Doughty said, “Eliminating harmful chemicals is adding greatly to the Environmental Assessment Scheme. Crown Litho is setting a fine example to the rest of the printing industry." Mike Loose, Agfa product manager for plates, says: "The pioneering work has enabled us to not only release the product in the B2 segment but to extend the programme into the larger format B1 market later in the year." 

As a memento of the occasion, both the distinguished visitors were presented with an another environmentally ‘clean’ product; a wind-up radio! Caption: L to R Sue Doughty MP for Guildford and Lib/Dem Environmental Spokesperson Mike Loose, Agfa Graphic Product Manager Bob Avery, Director Crown Litho Winnie De'Ath, Acting Corporate Communications Director WWF 

Philip Miller