The Isle of Man-based company is now able to use Saphira chemistry-free plates, a move it said would help it to achieve ISO 14001 certification, which it hopes to do by the end of 2011.

Mark Green, managing director, said the company funded the platesetter investment with a Heidelberg pay-as-you-go consumables deal.

He said: "We did also look at Agfa products, but the Suprasetter seemed to give us better value and we have been impressed by Heidelberg service, which is important due to our location.

"Being based on an island, chemistry was difficult to dispose of, so this investment is attractive."

Words & Spaces uses around 1,000 plates a month to feed its B2 and B3 pressroom. The company's markets include financial, insurance and shipping clients and other local businesses.

Green was unavailable for further comment at this time.