MUMBAI, India, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DuPont today announced the launch of the DuPont Customer Technical Center (CTC) here in partnership with the SIES School of Packaging. The DuPont CTC, through its state-of-the- art laboratories and innovative processing equipment, will offer DuPont(TM) Cyrel(R) flexographic printing technology and training to equipment manufacturers and industry partners in the domestic printing and packaging industry.

The new DuPont CTC, located at the SIES School of Packaging, also will demonstrate the efficacy of DuPont(TM) Cyrel(R) printing solutions, offer test and qualification facilities and provide services for equipment handling and plate-making. In addition, the DuPont CTC will provide students with the latest printing technologies and help study the cause and effect of plate making parameters.

The India center is the ninth CTC facility that DuPont operates or is affiliated with worldwide, and the third in the Asia Pacific region, after Shanghai, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"DuPont pioneered the digital revolution in flexographic printing by introducing the first digitally imaged plate and system, as well as the DuPont proprietary Cyrel(R) FAST thermal processing technology which eliminates solvent processing and improves productivity," said Barry Granger, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Imaging Technologies. "India is one of the fastest growing markets for flexographic printing technology. We are committed to supporting that growth, and our customers, with our state-of-the- art technology."

Cyrel(R) FAST is one of the fastest growing technologies for advanced packaging graphics, with installations in 26 countries and on six continents. The business has exceeded industry growth rates annually, targeting multi- billion dollar industries that include graphic arts and consumer packaging.

DuPont developed its totally integrated Cyrel(R) offering to cover the majority of flexo applications, which consists of the following products:

    -- Cyrel(R) FAST 1000TD, Cyrel(R) 1000 ECLF and Cyrel(R) Digital Imager,
       suitable for plates up to 90 x 120 cm and designed to bring the
       benefits of direct imaging to Tag and Label printers and lower volume
       trade shops, and;
    -- Cyrel(R) FAST TD4260, Cyrel(R) 2000 ECLF and Cyrel(R) Digital Imager,
       suitable for plates up to 106 x 152 cm and designed to bring the
       benefits of direct image exposure to flexible packaging printers and
       higher volume trade shops.

Cyrel(R) FAST is a dry, thermal technology for processing flexo plates exposed digitally by the Cyrel(R) Digital Imager or conventionally with film. The Cyrel(R) FAST system eliminates conventional chemical solvents and aqueous washout solutions. In addition to environmental benefits, this technology may reduce platemaking times by up to 70 percent, saving customers time and money compared to alternative processing methods.

DuPont is the global technology leader in flexographic printing systems. DuPont(TM) Cyrel(R) FAST is part of DuPont Imaging Technologies, which provides products for industrial print markets, commercial graphics, textile printing, packaging graphics, signage and electronic displays.

The DuPont relationship with India began in 1802 when it received its first shipment of raw materials from India to produce black powder for explosives. Today, DuPont India markets a wide range of products for varied market segments. With about 700 employees, DuPont India is growing at a rate of more than 25 percent annually. It has six production facilities in three locations representing DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Engineering Polymers, DuPont Refinish automotive paints and Pioneer Hi-Bred.

DuPont (NYSE:DD) is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and Cyrel(R) are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

Source: DuPont