Esko launches XPS Crystal Certification program

‘The certification scheme was developed specifically to ensure the entire supply chain can meet the exacting needs and requirements of brands and converters in terms of predictable and accurate plate quality and the highest plate making consistency available, for any given photopolymer,’ said Pascal Thomas, director, flexo business at Esko. ‘It’s a confirmation of production excellence. Certified members can assure their customers of optimum quality and performance in their plates and resulting print.

‘Beyond the obvious external communication benefits, certified members will be able to verify their plate making process against the industry benchmark. This also serves to help track plate quality over time and catch potential issues before they occur on press.’

The new certification is offered as part of the XPS Crystal maintenance contract and the process can be started either on installation, during a preventative maintenance visit, or upon request. Certification is valid for 24 months and during this period Esko will support members’ quality control by verifying both imaging quality and the processing quality of equipment in comparison to the company’s ‘Certified Benchmark Reference’.

French company Medialliance Graphic has been elected to be among the first to undertake the certification process.

‘With more than 40 years in business, we are renowned for producing plates of the highest quality,’ commented Jonathan Schmitt, director of operations at Medialliance Graphic. ‘Any third-party endorsement like this underlines our reputation. The Esko Certification program is an excellent marketing tool for the business, enabling us to add value and promote an extra level of quality assurance to our customers, and additionally consolidates our relationship with what is the leading developer of integrated hardware and software solutions in our industry.’