'Waste' energy in the form of heat from production processes and compressed air generation via a bespoke new heat exchange system is used to provide 70 percent of the heating required for the factory. In addition, a new boiler plant has been installed which incorporates compact, modern, high efficiency modulating condensing boilers that use 40 percent less fossil fuels than conventional heating systems. Combine this with the latest figures from the site which show that only seven percent of the waste generated goes to landfill, with 23 percent going to energy recovery and 70 percent recycled, this means that effectively 93 percent is reused in some way, and the company’s ‘green’ ethos is easily apparent.

This work has played its part in Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems being accredited to the Environmental standard ISO14001, in addition to the Quality standard ISO9001. Accreditation to the Health and Safety Standard OHSAS 18001 will be complete by mid 2013.

Cutting edge mindset

In this fast paced environment, changes take place frequently and Fujifilm prides itself on staying at the forefront of any developments, particularly with regard to pigment dispersion equipment and post processing techniques.

This outlook dovetails perfectly with the company’s approach to always provide its own core technologies in both ink and printheads, and partner closely with OEMs such as Inca Digital to develop the best solutions tailored to the market’s needs.

Best Process Plant

In 2011 Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems won ‘Best Process Plant Award’ at the ‘Best Factory Awards‘, confirmation that Fujifilm’s digital inkjet wide format customers benefit from the best ink on the market. Key to this success was the control that Fujifilm had on its processes and its workforce buy in.

The judges were also particularly impressed with the Right First Time improvement that stands at over 99 percent in digital ink manufacture; the 5S housekeeping programme throughout the plant, and Visual Management which gives constant feedback to the manufacturing teams who work in a cellular system.