Abstract: This invention pertains to an ultrafiltration process which maintains a constant developer strength in a printing plate developing operation. Such a process enables development of more plates than conventional processes while using less developer and generating less liquid waste. The ultrafiltration process is suitable for both batch and continuous plate development operations. By this process, used developer is filtered and the fluid portion returned to the working developer solution. The filtered out remainder mass is treated with an absorber to convert it into a solid.