How much have you really thought about the impact of inks in packaging recycling?
Be honest...you haven't thought a ton about it. All the focus on plastics and "infinitely" recyclable aluminum materials and very few people consider how the inks on the labels and cans really impact the process...
But they do. Big time.
I got a chance to sit down with Mell Bishop III from ACTEGA and he broke down why we need to continue to innovate on UV inks to make sure they are causing minimal to impact on the recycling streams, specifically for clear plastic containers.
You can watch/listen to the episode here, we did record it on the show floor and there was certainly some background ambient noise...but that's OK!
If you don't want to listen to the entire episode, here's what deciphr.ai thinks we talked about:
The Essential Role of UV Primers in Sustainable Labeling: Insights from Label Expo 2023
Key Takeaways from Label Expo 2023:
Introduction
In an increasingly eco-conscious world, the packaging industry is under immense pressure to develop sustainable solutions. At the forefront of this movement is Actega, a company making remarkable strides in the domain of labels and inks for packaging. During Label Expo 2023, Adam Peek and Mel Bishop III dive into the nuances and innovative steps Actega is taking to ensure that packaging not only looks great but also meets high sustainability standards. This article unpacks their conversation, focusing on the transformative role of UV primers, the broader impacts on recycling, and Actega’s commitment to sustainability.
The Critical Role of UV Primers in Recycling
Understanding UV Primers and Their Market Advantage
Actega’s recent innovation in UV primers is a game-changer for the recycling industry. Unlike traditional water-based solutions, Actega has developed a UV-based formula that simplifies the recycling process. Mel Bishop III explains, "We pivoted toward making an all UV solution so that it didn’t add complications to the market people’s presses." This represents a significant leap forward, primarily because it eliminates the need for additional drying stations and blends seamlessly with current UV and LED curing technologies.
This shift to UV primers ensures that the labels maintained their ability to wash off during the recycling process, thereby not contaminating the recycled plastic. Mel adds, "The ink bonds with the primer, but when that primer comes in contact with the wash solution, it deinks at the primer level." This innovation is crucial, given that contamination from inks is a significant barrier to producing high-quality recycled plastics.
Implications for Material Value and Recycling Efficiency
The impact of Actega’s UV primers extends far beyond the manufacturing floor; it reaches into the very heart of the recycling economy. In the recycling process, labels need to detach completely from PET bottles to avoid contaminating the recycled material. Adam Peek elucidates the importance, stating, "If the wash solution is tainted with some various color…that can impact the coloration of the clear plastic." Contaminated clear plastic is significantly less valuable, often fetching prices that are 60% lower than pristine, uncontaminated plastic.
Actega’s UV primer addresses this by ensuring that both the labels and inks deconstitute without affecting the plastic, maintaining its clear quality and high market value. This aligns perfectly with the company’s overarching objective of fostering a circular economy by minimizing the environmental impact and maximizing recyclability.
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Low Migration UV Inks: Quality and Safety
Balancing Sustainability and Safety
In addition to UV primers, Actega has set a high standard in the realm of low migration UV inks. The significance of low migration inks cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to food and beverage packaging. These inks prevent unwanted chemical interactions between the packaging and its contents, ensuring consumer safety. Mel Bishop shares, "From what we did, the raw material selection created what I think is the cleanest ink system for narrow web flexibles on the market."
By pushing the boundaries of raw material selection, Actega has ensured that their ink systems comply with the most stringent global regulations. This foresight protects against the evolving regulatory landscape and cements their position as industry leaders in both innovation and compliance.
Cross-Continental Sustainability Strategy
Actega’s approach isn’t siloed; it’s a global endeavor. Mel Bishop notes, "We see more growing into the radiation cure side of the business," highlighting that their strategies are designed to accommodate markets worldwide, including North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, China, and Brazil. This global strategy ensures that no matter where the packaging is produced or consumed, it meets the highest sustainability and safety standards.
Actega’s Expansive Role in the Industry
Market Leadership and Innovation
Mel Bishop's multifaceted role at Actega signifies the company's commitment to leading the charge in sustainable packaging. His dual responsibility as the Global Market Manager for Labels and the Vice President of Sales for North America underscores Actega’s holistic approach to integrating sustainability within their business model. Mel humorously mentions, "We push the envelope as far as we could into the future, the ink system. So we're not having to redesign each year based on new criteria," highlighting the company's proactive stance.
On-Ground Insights from Label Expo 2023
Label Expo 2023 was a testimony to the strides Actega is making, offering a platform for industry professionals to engage with the latest innovations. Adam Peek emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions and learning, stating, "We are live on day two at Label Expo…out here on the floor with the people." The show offered a firsthand experience of Actega’s extensive product line, showcasing how theoretical sustainability measures translate into tangible, market-ready solutions.
"This kind of stuff is like the real nitty-gritty of sustainability," Adam notes. These ground-level interactions are vital for understanding the broader implications of innovative solutions and pushing the industry forward.
The Broad Impact of Sustainable Innovation
Systemic Change Through Thought Leadership
As a thought leader, Actega isn't just contributing to incremental changes but is steering a systemic transformation in the packaging industry. By focusing on minute but crucial elements like UV primers and low migration inks, they're laying the groundwork for broader industry adoption of sustainable practices. "The ink bonds with the primer," ensuring no contamination, underscores the level of detailed attention Actega dedicates to every aspect of their solutions.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Sustainability in packaging isn't a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to innovation and improvement. Actega’s technology contributes significantly to maintaining the integrity and quality of recycled materials, thereby enhancing the entire recycling value chain. This continuous improvement model positions Actega as a resilient and forward-thinking leader capable of adapting to future sustainability challenges.
Mel Bishop encapsulates this ethos perfectly: "We got a great R&D team and it's minimizing that impact." Actega’s proactive measures ensure that they're not only compliant with today's standards but are also prepared for the sustainability standards of tomorrow.
Actega’s Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Within Actega’s multilayered sustainability strategy, they stress the importance of a comprehensive, bottom-up approach. Mel Bishop aptly describes, "We think about that responsibility to…your kids putting any type of packaging in their mouth." By targeting such granular aspects, Actega ensures a broader impact, encompassing health, safety, and environmental considerations.
Actega’s contributions at Label Expo 2024 bring to light a detailed vision for sustainable packaging. Through innovative UV primers, low migration inks, and a global strategy, they are redefining industry standards. Their leadership and commitment to sustainability serve as a beacon, guiding the packaging industry toward a more responsible and eco-friendly future.
Program Director - Preferred Design Recognition - APR
2 个月As someone who thinks about this on the daily, it was great to see ACTEGA and so many others showcasing recyclable solutions.