Flexo Technology
A sustainable shiſt in fl exo technology: Why it’s time to rethink plate mounting materials
The flexographic and corrugated packaging industry is entering a defining era, says Michael Owen, managing director at LeadEdge Flexo
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e’ve long focused on improving speed, print quality, and effi ciency, but now the conversation is changing. Sustainability is no longer
a marketing diff erentiator, it’s becoming a compliance requirement, and a measure of credibility within the supply chain. It’s not just about how well we print anymore, it’s about how responsibly we do it. The fl exo industry is witnessing a signifi cant shift in how printers and prepress providers are approaching environmental impact from a brand-led preference to a market-wide necessity.
With incoming regulations around carbon disclosures and Scope 3 emissions, particularly the UK’s sustainability reporting standards currently under consultation and likely to come into force from 2026, the pressure is rising further to account for more than just direct emissions. With Scope 3 including indirect emissions from a company’s value chain, materials and consumables, once considered too small to matter, are now part of the broader emissions picture.
This is exactly what led LeadEdge Flexo to develop cbak evolve, our latest innovation in closed-cell foam mounting materials. It represents not only a step forward in fl exo technology and industry- wide circularity, but a strategic tool for helping the corrugated printing industry respond to growing demands for accountability across the supply chain.
THE OVERLOOKED COST OF PLATE MOUNTING MATERIALS
Traditional plate mounting materials are rarely at the centre of sustainability conversations. But they should be. Many existing materials are made from high-emission, non-recyclable components that are discarded after a single use. They contribute to landfi ll waste and carry a carbon footprint that adds up, especially when scaled across hundreds or thousands of print jobs.
cbak evolve changes this. Over 30% of the synthetic fossil-based ingredients have been replaced with bio-based polyethylene – a key sustainable step forward for the corrugated printing industry – with data all backed up by third party C-14 certifi cation. Switching to cbak evolve also off ers an average 28.66% Global Warming Potential (GWP) saving. This
26 June 2025
sustainability data to remain competitive. Proactively off ering this information (rather than waiting to be asked for it) is one way for smaller businesses to stand out and show their commitment to shared environmental goals. This is where cbak evolve off ers a strategic advantage. By switching to a plate mounting material that comes with reliable scientifi c data, corrugated printers and prepress shops can position themselves as credible, future-ready partners in a low-carbon supply chain.
SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE GO HAND IN HAND
Innovation today must do more than reduce environmental impact. It must also improve effi ciency, productivity, and reliability. cbak evolve delivers across all fronts. It off ers excellent plate adhesion, stability and chemical resistance, resulting in fewer remounts, smoother production runs and less waste on press.
For corrugated converters and trade shops looking to reduce rework and boost operational consistency, while meeting sustainability targets, cbak evolve off ers a smart solution that doesn’t force a compromise between performance and purpose.
reduces environmental impact without sacrifi cing corrugated print performance, and critically, provides measurable data to help businesses track and report emissions more accurately.
SCOPE 3: FROM BIG BUSINESS MANDATE TO INDUSTRY-WIDE EXPECTATION Whilst it is likely that new UK standards including Scope 3 emissions reporting may only be mandatory for larger companies, a decision about which companies will be in scope, and what turnover thresholds might apply, is still under discussion. However, the impact won’t stop there. Smaller suppliers and service providers will still feel the eff ects, because these larger organisations will likely require emissions data from their supply chains to meet their own reporting obligations.
This means that even companies out of scope will be expected to provide transparent
FUTURE-READY MATERIALS FOR A FUTURE- FACING FLEXO INDUSTRY
At LeadEdge Flexo, we believe that materials innovation supports long-term transformation. cbak evolve is part of a broader shift in how the sector thinks about sustainability, not as a box- ticking exercise, but as an opportunity to improve accountability and take control. By making smarter material choices now, companies can stay ahead of reporting changes, strengthen their value within supply chains, and reduce their overall environmental footprint. Whether you’re a large brand or a small trade shop, the direction is the same: transparency, accountability, and innovation will defi ne the next chapter in fl exographic printing.
cbak evolve is available worldwide, with technical support and data to support the long-term sustainability strategy of prepress trade shops and corrugated printers.
www.convertermag.com
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