In a significant step forward for sustainable packaging, ACTEGA and Living Ink Technologies have introduced ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink—the first commercially available UV flexographic ink formulated with a carbon-negative, algae-derived pigment. The innovation has made its commercial debut on beverage labels for Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.
At the core of the development is Living Ink’s Algae Black pigment, created from discarded algae biomass. Verified through a third-party life cycle assessment, the pigment carries a net carbon footprint of -4.16 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram, positioning it as a breakthrough material in reducing the environmental impact of printing inks.
From Concept to Commercial Reality
The launch follows a joint development agreement between ACTEGA and Living Ink Technologies in 2024, aimed at bringing algae-based pigment into UV flexographic applications. This marks Living Ink’s first entry into the UV flexo segment through a commercial ink manufacturing partnership.
Waiākea, a long-time advocate of sustainable innovation, played a key role in accelerating commercialization. After five years of collaboration with Living Ink on algae-based alternatives, the brand sponsored the final development phase and became the first food and beverage company globally to implement the technology across its supply chain.
Label production was executed by NextGen Label Group, which successfully integrated the ink into its operations following press trials. The transition resulted in the complete replacement of conventional black ink in Waiākea’s beverage labels.
Balancing Performance with Sustainability
One of the biggest challenges in sustainable ink development has been achieving high-performance standards alongside measurable environmental benefits. According to Waiākea’s leadership, this innovation finally bridges that gap.
Ryan Emmons, Co-founder and CEO of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, noted that previous sustainable ink solutions often fell short on either durability or scalability. With ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, both performance and carbon-reduction targets have been achieved.
Dr. Scott Fulbright, CEO and Co-founder of Living Ink Technologies, emphasized the broader vision behind the innovation—redefining how color materials can contribute positively to the planet. The collaboration highlights how cross-industry partnerships can drive scalable sustainability solutions.
Ben Lux, CTO of ACTEGA, added that the ink represents a meaningful advancement not only in environmental impact but also in meeting the demanding requirements of modern production environments.
Designed for Industry Adoption
ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is fully compatible with conventional UV flexographic printing systems, enabling seamless adoption without the need for major equipment changes. This lowers the barrier for converters and brands looking to transition toward more sustainable materials.
The ink is currently available for trials and bulk orders in North America and the European Union, with further regional rollouts planned.
A Step Toward Carbon-Conscious Printing
As brands and converters continue to prioritize sustainability, innovations like algae-based pigments signal a shift toward carbon-conscious printing solutions. By combining negative carbon impact with commercial-scale performance, this development sets a new benchmark for the label and packaging industry.