Fujifilm grabbed the RadTech Europe Innovation Award 2025 for its groundbreaking AQUAFUZE technology at a major conference in Warsaw, Poland. This win spotlights a new ink system that blends water-based and UV-curing methods to boost print quality, safety, and green practices in wide-format printing.
What Makes AQUAFUZE Stand Out
AQUAFUZE marks a big leap in inkjet printing after ten years of research by Fujifilm teams. It uses a special UV-curable emulsion that cures at low temperatures with LED UV lamps, making it safer and more efficient for users.
This tech solves old problems in printing, like needing primers for ink to stick or dealing with strong smells from traditional UV inks. Instead, AQUAFUZE delivers sharp images on various materials without those hassles.
Experts praise it for cutting energy use and waste, aligning with global pushes for sustainable manufacturing. In fact, recent industry reports show that energy-curing tech like this could reduce carbon footprints in printing by up to 30 percent over the next few years.
The Road to the Award Victory
The award came during the RadTech Europe Conference and Exhibition in late October 2025, where leaders from raw material makers to big brands gathered. Fujifilm stood out among entries for showing real innovation in energy-curing systems.
Judges noted how AQUAFUZE merges the best of water-based inks, which are eco-friendly, with UV inks that offer toughness. This hybrid approach opens doors for printers in packaging, signage, and decor fields.
Fujifilm’s win follows a string of successes in 2025, including partnerships in the UK for new ink lines and global print awards for creative uses of their tech. It reflects the company’s focus on solving real-world needs in a fast-changing market.
To highlight key milestones in Fujifilm’s innovation journey:
- Started AQUAFUZE research in 2015 to tackle sustainability gaps.
- Tested prototypes in real print shops across Europe and Asia.
- Launched the tech in 2025, right before the award announcement.
Benefits for Printers and the Planet
Printers gain a lot from AQUAFUZE, as it works without hazardous chemicals and keeps stable for long runs. This means less downtime and safer workplaces, which is crucial amid rising regulations on emissions.
On the green side, the low-temperature curing slashes energy costs, and the inks produce prints with minimal odor. Industry data from 2025 shows that switching to such tech can lower operational expenses by 20 to 25 percent for medium-sized print firms.
| Feature | Traditional UV Inks | Water-Based Inks | AQUAFUZE Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adhesion | Strong but needs primers | Good on paper, weak on plastics | Excellent without primers |
| Curing Temp | High (needs more energy) | Air dry, slow process | Low with LED UV |
| Sustainability | Higher emissions | Eco-friendly but less durable | Best of both: low waste, durable |
| Odor Level | Strong and lingering | Mild | Very low |
| Cost Savings | Moderate | Low upfront, high maintenance | Up to 25% lower over time |
This table shows why AQUAFUZE is a game-changer, based on recent tests and user feedback.
Users report better color vibrancy and flexibility on substrates like films and boards, making it ideal for high-volume jobs.
Voices from Fujifilm Leaders
Shota Suzuki, the lead developer, called AQUAFUZE a new category in wide-format inkjet tech. He said it responds directly to what print providers want: durability, flexibility, and safety without trade-offs.
Other Fujifilm execs echoed this, noting the award validates their push for better ink chemistry. They tied it to broader trends, like the rise of LED UV systems that cut power use by half compared to older methods.
In interviews, team members shared stories of overcoming challenges, such as ensuring the emulsion stays stable in humid conditions. Their work draws from Fujifilm’s long history in imaging, dating back to film cameras but now focused on digital solutions.
Looking Ahead in Printing Innovation
This award could speed up adoption of AQUAFUZE worldwide, especially as rules tighten on chemical use in Europe and beyond. Analysts predict that by 2030, hybrid inks like this will make up 40 percent of the market, driven by demand for green options.
Fujifilm plans to expand AQUAFUZE into more applications, like flexible packaging, building on 2025 trends in sustainable materials. It ties into global events, such as recent climate summits pushing for low-emission tech in industries.
For businesses, this means exploring tools that balance performance and planet care. As printing evolves, innovations like AQUAFUZE show how companies can lead with smart, practical advances.
What do you think about this tech breakthrough? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow print enthusiasts.
