Actega launches Signite sustainable label technology

Depending on the decoration design, the technology can currently reduce label waste by over 50 percent compared to a similar footprint pressure sensitive label by eliminating the label matrix, reducing the decoration thickness to about a third of that of a typical clear pressure sensitive label and eliminating label media plastic in non-print areas, the company said.   

According to Actega, with Signite decorations comprising substantially less material mass than alternative modalities such as pressure sensitive labeling and shrink sleeves, this alternative is much more accommodating to current recycling processes. The expanding brand led container re-use programs beginning to dominate single-use glass packaging throughout the world.  

 

Signite offers an alternative to ‘no-label look’ labels, bringing the look and feel of direct to container screen or digital printing with the efficiency of pressure sensitive labeling. Today, the decorations are produced using slightly reconfigured narrow web flexo or hybrid digital printing processes running at standard narrow web printing speeds.   

 

Transfer of the Signite decorations to containers requires designed-for-purpose variations of pressure sensitive labeling equipment. The first Signite in-line applicators launched into the market for rigid cylindrical containers at lower throughput speeds.   

Subsequent system designs, that are in different stages of prototype development, will address aluminum and asymmetrical containers along with thin-walled container types requiring inflation for decoration transfer. High speed Signite applicator machines and corresponding decoration media are planned as an inherent part of the technology roadmap and are anticipated to move into prototyping in 2022.   

 

Anthony Carignano, technical director Marketing – Signite, Actega, said: ‘Brands are taking a leadership position on sustainable packaging solutions, with ambitious waste reduction goals and a drive to increase the efficiency and scale of container recyclability. At the same time, these companies are seeking ways to unlock new high-quality label aesthetics and tactile experiences for premium products.   

 

‘Signite offers these brands the best possible chance to meet all of these objectives. The technology is truly game-changing with no other technology delivering plastic waste reduction on this scale. Plus, as the solution advances and becomes compatible with other production processes, such as digital inkjet, the impact on the industry and ultimately, the environment, will only become more significant.’   

 

The technology is ideal for low volume contract decorators and specialty brand owners.    

 

‘In this first phase of the technology’s launch, we have a strong and clear focus on advancing it for the glass packaging sector. The end customers initially benefitting from this technology will therefore include producers of craft distilled spirits, micro- or mid-sized winery products, specialty food and non-alcoholic beverages, natural and nutraceutical pharma products, and home glassware, such as candles. With several beta customers already in operation working with glass containers, and additional versions of the technology targeted for rigid PET containers and aluminum beverage cans anticipated over the next few months, we expect the demand for this technology to accelerate its success and rollout across the industry.’ Carignano added.   

 

Thorsten Kröller, president of Division Actega, concluded, ‘This is an exciting time for Actega and the industry in general. We are developing and bringing to market a technology that helps brand owners achieve their sustainability targets as well as achieve unique aesthetics for premium labeling. Although it is still in its infancy, Signite represents a huge milestone for the industry and on Actega’s sustainability roadmap.’