DuPont expands Cyrel ReNew portfolio with two low-carbon flexo plates

A practical step toward sustainable platemaking

The flexographic printing industry continues to face mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact without sacrificing the high-quality output brands demand. In a significant move to address this challenge, DuPont Cyrel Solutions has expanded its award-winning Cyrel ReNew portfolio with the introduction of two new flexographic plates: the DuPont Cyrel EASY ESXR and the DuPont Cyrel EASY FAST EFXR. Unveiled at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago, these additions extend the ReNew line across both solvent and thermal platemaking workflows.

The core innovation lies in the material composition. The photopolymer used in these new plates contains more than 50% ISCC PLUS-certified bio-circular raw material. By utilizing a mass balance approach, DuPont integrates renewable feedstocks into existing manufacturing processes. This method not only reduces reliance on virgin fossil-based resources but also ensures traceability of renewable inputs throughout the supply chain, a critical factor for converters looking to validate their sustainability claims.

Performance meets environmental responsibility

For packaging and label converters, the transition to sustainable materials often raises concerns about potential compromises in print quality or operational efficiency. DuPont has engineered these new plates to function as true drop-in solutions. The Cyrel EASY ESXR is a digital solvent-processing plate featuring built-in flat-top dot technology, designed for high ink transfer, robustness, and a wide tonal range. Its smooth surface makes it particularly suitable for micro-screening and special print effects.

On the thermal side, the Cyrel EASY FAST EFXR is tailored for the Cyrel FAST thermal system. It delivers the print performance of the Cyrel EASY platform while offering the speed of thermal processing—plates can be ready in under an hour with no drying step required. Notably, the Cyrel FAST EASY EFXR is the first thermally processable plate certified for the advanced Esko Quartz workflow, allowing tradeshops to combine high-precision imaging with the environmental benefits of solvent-free processing.

Industry recognition and future outlook

The expansion of the ReNew portfolio builds on the success of the initial Cyrel ReNew LSH plate, which recently earned the Sustainability Excellence Award at the FTA FORUM INFOFLEX 2026. According to Tucker Norton, Vice President & General Manager of DuPont Printing & Films, the goal is to make sustainability practical by providing solutions that deliver measurable environmental benefits while maintaining the consistency and productivity customers depend on.

As we move through 2026, the demand for lower-carbon solutions in packaging production is no longer a niche requirement but a baseline expectation. By offering options for both solvent and thermal workflows, DuPont is providing converters with the flexibility to improve their environmental footprint regardless of their current equipment setup.

The integration of bio-circular materials into flexo plates represents a pragmatic approach to sustainability—one that aligns with the operational realities of modern print shops. Will the mass balance approach become the standard for introducing renewable materials across all prepress consumables? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai