In 2024, DuPont™ Cyrel® brand commemorates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century since the introduction of its initial photopolymer plate to the flexographic printing sector in 1974. Over the years, Cyrel® has consistently been at the forefront of industry innovation.
Tucker Norton, Global Business Director for DuPont™ Cyrel® Flexographic Solutions, remarked on this milestone, stating, “This is a significant moment for DuPont and the entire Cyrel® team. Throughout our journey, we have brought numerous innovations to the market, always prioritising collaborative developments with our customers.”
Noteworthy achievements over the past five decades include the transformation of the flexo prepress workflow in the 1990s with the introduction of the Cyrel® Digital Imager (CDI). This digital workflow replaced analog methods, eliminating the need for an extra consumable and advancing print quality, reproducibility, and productivity with the innovative laser ablative mask system (LAMs).
In 2000, DuPont pioneered the Cyrel® FAST system, becoming the first flexographic plate manufacturer to implement a thermal workflow, reducing plate-processing time and providing environmental benefits, as highlighted in their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
The subsequent decade witnessed intensified innovation, with DuPont launching the Cyrel® EASY Plate in 2015, featuring a flat top dot directly in the plate, simplifying the prepress process and enhancing productivity. The Cyrel® EASY-R Plates, introduced later, further advanced performance on press and improved ease of handling in the plate room.
In 2018, DuPont addressed ink transfer challenges with the introduction of Cyrel® EASY Brite screens, optimising ink laydown in high-volume applications and leading to ink savings on press.
On the corrugated side, Cyrel® DLC plates were launched in 2019, specifically designed for printing on recycled low top liner weight cardboard, aiming to achieve quality printing with reduced board crush.
More recently, the Cyrel® Lightning Plate series was introduced, receiving the 2022 Flexographic Technical Association Innovation Award and setting new standards for technical excellence in the industry. Reflecting on the milestone, Tucker Norton emphasised their commitment to continuous innovation and expressed anticipation for further advancements in the coming decade in collaboration with partners and customers.
Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
