Kodak commemorates two decades since the pioneering launch of its process-free printing plates, a milestone heralding its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in the printing industry.
The journey began in 2004 with Kodak’s successful beta testing, leading to the commercial debut of the KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plate in 2005. This breakthrough was followed by the introduction of the KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plate in 2012, marking the first generation of SONORA Plates.
In 2014, Kodak celebrated a significant achievement as the 1000th print shop joined the SONORA Plate user community. By 2019, this number surged to over 4000 printers globally, and today, more than 6000 sheetfed and web offset printers worldwide rely on SONORA Plates.
As 2024 unfolds, Kodak proudly celebrates two decades as the foremost manufacturer and supplier of authentic process-free printing plates worldwide. The latest innovation, the KODAK SONORA XTRA Process Free Plate, embodies Kodak’s enduring commitment to sustainable plate technology. This advancement, driven by extensive investment in materials research and plate formulation, elevates the benefits of process-free technology to unprecedented levels. The SONORA XTRA Plate offers faster imaging speeds, enhanced image contrast, and improved handling robustness, facilitating an effortless transition from wet processed to process-free plates for printers.
SONORA Process Free Plates emerge as the preferred choice for printers seeking to bolster sustainability efforts and reduce costs in prepress and the pressroom without sacrificing quality or efficiency. They mitigate defects and variability associated with traditional plate processing, minimizing press stops and plate remakes. Moreover, SONORA Plates streamline press makereadies, reduce waste, and expedite job turnaround times, fostering a healthier and safer work environment for employees.
Furthermore, users benefit from Kodak’s state-of-the-art plate manufacturing facilities in Japan, the USA, and Germany. These facilities adhere to stringent sustainability and quality standards, utilizing responsibly sourced, high-quality aluminum and other materials. Regional manufacturing ensures reliable, swift supply of high-quality SONORA Plates with minimal carbon footprint for transportation.
Jim Continenza, Executive Chairman and CEO of Kodak, expressed pride in Kodak’s 20-year journey with process-free plates, attributing the success to the innovative prowess of its R&D teams and unwavering pursuit of excellence. He underscored the KODAK SONORA XTRA Process Free Plates as the new benchmark in the print marketplace, reaffirming Kodak’s commitment to advancing unparalleled process-free technology for printers worldwide.
