ACTEGA Launches Signite, Contributing to a Zero-Waste Future
23 June 2021: ACTEGA, manufacturer of specialty coatings, inks, adhesives and sealing compounds for the print and packaging industry, has launched Signite – a revolutionary, ACTEGA-patented, premium quality decorating solution, designed to significantly reduce and one day, eliminate waste in label production. Depending on the decoration design, the technology can currently reduce label waste by over 50% compared to a similar footprint pressure-sensitive label by elimination of 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.
Furthermore, with Signite decorations comprising substantially less material mass than alternative modalities such as pressure sensitive labeling and shrink sleeves, this novel alternative is much more accommodating to current recycling processes and the expanding brand led container reuse programs beginning to dominate single-use glass packaging throughout the world. The groundbreaking Signite decorations represent a true 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. Small to mid-sized brands have the potential to utilize these new or modified variations of their printing assets immediately, therefore allowing for relatively seamless scaling of their decoration production as the Signite technology continues to commercialize.
“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,” explains Anthony Carignano, technical director marketing – Signite, ACTEGA. “At the same time, these companies are seeking ways to unlock new high-quality label aesthetics and tactile experiences for premium products.
Thorsten Kröller, President Division ACTEGA, concludes, “This is an exciting time for ACTEGA and the industry in general. We are developing and bringing to market a solution 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.”
