Actega Metal Print and AB Graphic have entered into a strategic partnership that will see the UK-based converting specialist handle sales and service of the new EcoLeaf metallisation technology in the EU and the UK.
Integrated inline on finishing equipment, analogue or digital printing presses, EcoLeaf combines a printed trigger image and a metallisation unit that applies only the precise and required amount of metal. Overprinting of the silver pigment results in a rainbow of metallic colours, including gold. EcoLeaf was formally known as Landa Metallography and was presented as a technology demonstration at drupa 2016.
Designed for a broad variety of markets, EcoLeaf is to be initially targeted at enabling profit-driving metallisation embellishments onto self-adhesive labels. Further packaging applications are under investigation and exploration by Actega Metal Print, a division of Actega, itself a subsidiary of Altana Group.
The deal agreed sees AB Graphic manage direct sales, marketing and customer service of Actega Metal Print’s EcoLeaf technology, starting first in the EU and the UK.
When sold through AB Graphic, EcoLeaf will be installed on new Digicon Series 3 digital finishing presses or retrofitted to existing presses in the field. Using only the precise amount of metal required for the printed area, EcoLeaf replaces the use of hot and cold foil rolls and their subsequent high impact on waste, as well as reduces the cost of metallic embellishments.
Jan Franz Allerkamp, managing director at Actega Metal Print, commented, ‘With over 65 years of print finishing expertise in the labels industry, 11,000 product installations and 2,500 customers, AB Graphic is clearly a great partner for us. What’s more, we’re thrilled that it not only sees a big opportunity with EcoLeaf, but shares our vision for a more sustainable print market. Hot on the heels of our recent first beta site announcement at Kolbe-Coloco, the appointment of AB Graphic is a key component to our roll-out plan.’
AB Graphic sales director Matt Burton commented, ‘We regard EcoLeaf as a new category of metallisation, that will enable our customers to differentiate themselves with new and exciting print embellishments.
‘As it should do, sustainability remains a high priority for businesses, and EcoLeaf is expected to make a huge and positive contribution towards that. As such, we consider the AMP technology to be a perfect complement to our product portfolio, and as a cost competitive solution for high-end decorations, one that will deliver economic value to our customers,’ said Mr Burton.
EcoLeaf was due to be commercialised in the summer around the time of drupa 2020, however with the show delayed until April 2021, Actega Metal Print is moving ahead with its commercialisation strategy for EcoLeaf.
Read more on EcoLeaf and other cutting-edge digital package printing technologies in the May/June issue of Digital Labels & Packaging; register here to receive the magazine for free
