ACTEGA and Living Ink Technologies have entered into a collaboration to develop and commercialise an algae-based UV flexographic ink, introducing a bio-derived alternative to conventional carbon black pigments used in packaging printing. The partnership combines ACTEGA’s formulation and application expertise with Living Ink’s pigment technology derived from renewable algae sources.
The resulting product, ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, replaces fossil-based carbon black with a pigment produced from algae biomass waste. The material is generated through a controlled conversion process that transforms algae into a high-purity black pigment suitable for printing applications. This approach represents a shift in raw material sourcing for inks, moving from petrochemical inputs toward renewable feedstocks.
From a technical perspective, the ink has been developed as a drop-in solution for UV flexographic printing. It is designed to run on existing presses without requiring equipment modifications or process adjustments, maintaining compatibility with established label and packaging production workflows. This is a critical factor for converters, where operational efficiency and consistency remain key adoption criteria.
The innovation also reflects a broader industry focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions within packaging value chains. By addressing the pigment component—one of the core elements of ink formulations—the collaboration targets a material segment that has traditionally relied on fossil-derived inputs.
Initial commercial validation has been reported in label applications, particularly within beverage packaging, where black inks are widely used for text, barcodes, and design elements. While current availability is limited to black ink, further development into additional colours is expected as the technology matures.
The partnership signals ongoing efforts within the packaging industry to integrate alternative materials without disrupting production performance.