following imagewise exposure of a sandwiched photopolymer layer , the outer layers between which the photopolymer is interposed are separated in a manner that leaves some photopolymer on each of the separated layers . the photopolymer remaining on one layer contains the raised pattern that will carry ink , and may be subjected to further exposure to actinic radiation in order to complete the curing process without the need for washing ; the photopolymer remaining on the other layer can be removed and reused . as a result , waste is minimized or eliminated .