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, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.
The innovation was sponsored and supported by Waiakea, which earlier this year announced it would be the first food and beverage brand globally to commercialize algae-based inks on its labels across its supply chain. The brand first began R&D with partner Living Ink Technologies five years ago, aiming to replace petroleum-based carbon black ink with an algae-derived alternative for all flexographic applications.
“Waiakea 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 Waiakea 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.”
Building on that concept, Actega and Living Ink Technologies entered into a joint development agreement in 2024 and collaborated with Waiakea to advance the formulation, combining the vision of bio-based pigment expertise with advanced coating technology, ink formulation capabilities, and a nationally distributed beverage brand to bring the idea to scale for wider industry use.
Their goal: to bring a high-performance, UV-curable flexo ink to market that meets the print industry’s rigorous technical demands while dramatically reducing carbon emissions.
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. These formulations have been used successfully across apparel, packaging, and publication projects with a growing list of sustainability-forward brands. 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 – an important step toward expanding access and scalability through trusted commercial supply chains.
“Algae Black pigment was developed to reimagine how color can serve the planet,” said Dr. Scott Fulbright, CEO and Co-founder of Living Ink Technologies. “Our long-term collaboration with Actega demonstrates how industry leaders can unite innovation and impact to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions.”
“ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink represents a meaningful advancement in both performance and sustainability,” said Ben Lux, CTO of Actega. “Guided by our unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, we’re proud to bring to market an ink that not only meets high production standards but also helps our customers reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for our industry.”
The ink was commercially validated by NextGen Label Group, whose technical team successfully integrated it into the beverage label production for their client, Waiakea, following a rigorous testing and press trial process. While Algae Black pigment is currently limited to black-only options, this project replaced 100% of Waiakea’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. 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.
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, with additional geographic rollouts planned. Packaging converters and brand teams can request samples and integration support directly from Actega.
