Actega has developed Signite, a new decoration technique claimed to offer a 50% reduction in label waste.
Signite has been designed with the idea to, ‘significantly reduce, and one day eliminate, waste in label production,’ according to the company. Depending on the decoration design, the technology can currently reduce label waste by over 50% 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 result is an alternative to ‘no-label look’ labels, and bringing the look and feel of direct to container screen or digital printing with the efficiency of pressure-sensitive labelling, stated Actega.
Signite 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 utilise these new or modified variations of their printing assets immediately. Transfer of the Signite decorations to containers requires designed-for-purpose variations of pressure-sensitive labelling equipment. The first Signite inline applicators launched into the market address rigid cylindrical containers at lower throughput speeds. Subsequent system designs, that are in different stages of prototype development, will address aluminium 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 for Signite at 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.’
With Signite decorations said to comprise ‘substantially’ less material mass than existing alternatives such as pressure-sensitive labelling and shrink sleeves, the process is noted as ‘much more accommodating’ to current recycling processes and the expanding brand-led container reuse programmes beginning to dominate single-use glass packaging throughout the world.
Mr Carignano continued, ‘Signite offers these brands the best possible chance to meet all of these objectives. The solution 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.’
At launch, Signite is suited for small volume contract decorators and speciality brand owners looking for a differentiator that strengthens their competitive edge. In the future, Signite promises to be a ‘pioneering solution’ for numerous market sectors and to support high-volume production as required by bigger brands.
Mr Carignano said, ‘In this first phase of the technology’s launch, we have a strong and clear focus on advancing this solution for the glass packaging sector. The end customers initially benefitting from this solution will therefore include producers of craft distilled spirits, micro- or mid-sized winery products, speciality 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 aluminium beverage cans anticipated over the next few months, we expect the demand for this solution to accelerate its success and rollout across the industry.’
Thorsten Kröller, Actega president, commented, ‘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 labelling. Although it is still in its infancy, Signite represents a huge milestone for the industry and on Actega’s sustainability roadmap.’
At the same time, Actega Metal Print continues to develop and commercialise EcoLeaf, and has recruited Paolo Grasso to further this aim.
