In a pivotal advancement toward eco-friendly packaging, ACTEGA and Living Ink Technologies have unveiled ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink—the pioneering UV flexographic ink featuring a pigment derived from algae that is carbon-negative. This innovative product has made its commercial launch on beverage labels for Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.
Central to this breakthrough is Living Ink’s Algae Black pigment, crafted from repurposed algae biomass. A third-party lifecycle assessment confirms that the pigment boasts a net carbon footprint of -4.16 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram, marking a significant step in diminishing the ecological footprint of printing inks.
From Idea to Market Launch
This product launch follows a collaborative development agreement established in 2024 between ACTEGA and Living Ink Technologies, aimed at integrating algae-based pigments into UV flexographic printing. This venture marks Living Ink’s inaugural foray into the UV flexographic space, made possible through a partnership focused on commercial ink production.
Waiākea, a strong proponent of sustainable practices, has been integral in expediting the commercialization process. After five years of research and development with Living Ink on algae-based options, the brand supported the final stages of development, becoming the first global food and beverage company to deploy this technology within its supply chain.
The production of labels was managed by NextGen Label Group, which successfully adapted the ink to its operations post-press trials. This adaptation led to a complete transition from traditional black ink to the innovative algae-based ink for Waiākea’s beverage labels.
Achieving a Balance of Performance and Sustainability
Developing sustainable inks that meet high-performance specifications while delivering environmental advantages has been a major challenge. Leadership at Waiākea expresses that this new innovation finally reconciles that dichotomy.
Ryan Emmons, Co-founder and CEO of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, commented that prior sustainable ink alternatives often compromised either durability or scalability. With ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, they have successfully met both performance benchmarks and carbon-reduction objectives.
Dr. Scott Fulbright, CEO and Co-founder of Living Ink Technologies, highlighted the broader implications of this innovation—aiming to redefine how color materials can positively impact the environment. This partnership illustrates how collaboration across industries can foster scalable sustainability solutions.
Ben Lux, CTO of ACTEGA, stated that this ink represents a significant advancement, addressing both environmental concerns while also satisfying the stringent requirements prevalent in today’s production settings.
Designed for Easy Integration
ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is fully compatible with existing UV flexographic printing systems, facilitating effortless integration without necessitating major changes to equipment. This feature lowers the entry barriers for converters and brands eager to transition to more sustainable materials.
Currently, the ink is available for testing and bulk orders in North America and the European Union, with plans for further regional expansions.
Embracing Carbon-Conscious Printing
As brands and manufacturers increasingly prioritize eco-consciousness, innovations such as algae-derived pigments represent a noteworthy movement toward carbon-conscious printing solutions. By merging negative carbon impact with commercially viable performance, this development establishes a new standard within the label and packaging sector.
