ACTEGA, a global specialist in inks and coatings, and Living Ink Technologies, a leader in bio-based pigment innovation, have announced the launch of ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, the first commercially available UV flexographic ink formulated with carbon-negative Algae Black pigment. 

The launch comes in tandem with its first commercial application: beverage labels printed by NextGen Label Group for the brand many consider to be the enviro-tech leader of the bottled water and larger beverage industry, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.

ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is the latest addition to ACTEGA’s popular ACTExact product family — flexographic inks designed for improved press performance, consistency, and ease of use. 

The new formulation integrates Living Ink’s Algae Black pigment, derived from discarded algae biomass and proven through a third-party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to be carbon-negative, with a net footprint of -4.16 kg CO₂-equivalent per kilogram of pigment.

Living Ink has spent years formulating and commercializing a range of Algae Ink systems in-house for conventional flexographic, screen, and offset printing applications. 

However, this joint development agreement with ACTEGA marks the company’s first formal collaboration with an industry-renowned ink manufacturer and its entrance into the UV flexo product category.

“Waiākea has tested and co-developed a number of sustainable inks and rigid materials over the last decade. None have met the performance standards and the carbon-reduction potential needed for widespread adoption. ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink finally checks both boxes, said Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages. “There was no better combination of partners whose excellence, dedication, and commitment to the mission could have brought this innovation to life.”

The ink was commercially validated by NextGen Label Group, whose technical team successfully integrated it into the beverage label production for their client, Waiākea, following a rigorous testing and press trial process. 

While Algae Black pigment is currently limited to black-only options, this project replaced 100% of Waiākea’s black ink with ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, marking a milestone example for brand adoption of emerging carbon-saving technologies in consumer packaged goods. 

ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is now available for trials and bulk ordering through ACTEGA and is compatible with conventional UV flexographic systems. 

Initial availability includes North America and the European Union, with additional geographic rollouts planned. 

Additional color innovations are under development, and early brand investment, like this first-use application, helps support Living Ink’s ongoing R&D efforts to scale a broader range of bio-based pigments in the future.