Following the replacement of its AWP™ 4835P plate processor, the company has completed the installation of a new UTECO printing press, enabling the next stage of ECG-based production and future water-based applications.
Brussels, Belgium / Tokyo, Japan – 6 October 2026 – Ruey Chang Printing & Packing Co., Ltd. is strengthening its fully ECG-based flexographic production with the installation of a new CrystalCleanConnect (CCC4260) automated flexo platemaking solution, replacing its previous AWP™ 4835P plate processor. At the same time, the company has completed the installation of a new UTECO press, adding a further production line to its flexographic operations. While 100% of all print jobs are currently produced using UV-based ECG, the new printing line provides the technical platform for future ECG applications with water-based inks, positioning the company for the next stage of ECG-driven production.
Based in Taichung City, Taiwan, Ruey Chang Printing & Packing Co., Ltd. specializes in flexible packaging and follows a one-stop manufacturing approach covering prepress, printing, and converting. With a strong focus on UV ECG printing, the company positions itself as a technology-driven partner for customers seeking efficient, high-quality packaging solutions.
The newly installed CrystalCleanConnect (CCC4260) plate processor, commissioned in December 2025, replaces the previous AWP™ 4835P plate processor and supports a transition to higher automation and operational efficiency.
Ruey Chang currently operates UV-based ECG printing with an M6 press from Bobst. The company has now completed the installation of a new UTECO printing press, establishing an additional production line within its flexographic operations. While all current jobs are produced using UV-based ECG, the new line positions Ruey Chang to expand into ECG applications using water-based inks, further broadening its production flexibility. In parallel, Ruey Chang plans to progressively transition from AWP™-DEW plates to AWP™-CLFQ flat-top plates, initially validating CLFQ within its UV ECG workflow before expanding its use more broadly across production.
Two main factors drove Ruey Chang’s decision to invest in the CCC4260 system: productivity and automation. The previous plate processor limited efficiency in plate mounting and overall throughput, while the larger format and automated features of the CCC4260 are expected to significantly improve output and process stability. Increased automation also plays a key role in reducing manual workload for operators and creating a more ergonomic, consistent plate-making environment.
“Our investment strategy goes beyond maintaining our current UV ECG production,” says Roger Wang, Executive Assistant, Ruey Chang Printing & Packing Co., Ltd. “With 100% of our jobs already produced using ECG, the next logical step was to expand our production environment and prepare for additional ink systems. The new press line positions Ruey Chang for the next stage of ECG development, including water-based applications.”
The move toward UV Extended Color Gamut (ECG) printing reflects a broader industry shift toward workflow efficiency and standardized color management. By reducing the reliance on spot colors, ECG printing minimizes ink changeovers, shortens setup times, and reduces ink waste, advantages that are particularly relevant in flexible packaging production characterized by high job variability.
For decades, gravure printing was widely regarded as the quality benchmark in flexible packaging, while flexographic printing was often expected to match gravure standards in order to compete. Today, that perception is increasingly changing.
Advances in plate technology, screening methods, and UV printing workflows have significantly expanded the capabilities of flexographic printing. Rather than competing directly with gravure, flexo is increasingly recognized as a distinct, efficient, and quality-driven technology—particularly in applications requiring shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and greater production flexibility.
The planned introduction of AWP™-CLFQ flat-top plates represents the next step in Ruey Chang’s flexographic production development. While the initial focus is on further stabilizing the company’s UV ECG workflow, the investment is not limited to UV applications alone. With the new printing line now installed, Ruey Chang intends to validate AWP™-CLFQ plates within its expanded production environment, supporting both its established UV ECG production and its planned expansion into water-based ECG capabilities.
The company expects AWP™-CLFQ plates to contribute to more consistent print results, particularly in terms of solid ink density and improved white opacity, especially when combined with Quartz screening.
“Ruey Chang’s investment demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term ECG development,” says Masaki Matsumoto, Managing Executive, Asahi Photoproducts, “AWP™-CLFQ plates are designed to deliver consistent ink transfer and stable print performance in UV ECG today, while also providing a robust technical foundation for the next generation of water-based ECG applications.”
For further information about Asahi Photoproducts and its sustainable flexographic solutions, please contact hello@asahi-photoproducts.com or visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com.
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About Asahi Photoproducts
Founded in 1973, Asahi Photoproducts is a subsidiary of the Asahi Kasei Corporation, established in Japan in 1922. Asahi Photoproducts is a pioneer in the development of photopolymer flexo printing plates, committed to advancing flexographic printing through high-quality solutions and cutting-edge technologies.
Our flexo plates are engineered to deliver outstanding print quality while reducing waste in production and enabling faster press speeds for higher overall efficiency. These advancements are driven by our long-term sustainability strategy, focused on reducing solvent use and promoting a complete switch to water-wash technology.
We believe that sustainable innovation is key to the future of print — and we support our customers in being trailblazers in achieving both environmental and production goals.
Image captions
Images 1 & 2: CrystalCleanConnect (CCC4260) plate processor installed at Ruey Chang Printing & Packing Co., Ltd., Taichung City, Taiwan.
Image 3: Roger Wang, Executive Assistant, Ruey Chang Printing & Packing Co., Ltd.