Nike Uses Algae-Based Flexo Ink For New Shoebox BY GREG KISHBAUGH
AWT Labels & Packaging Acquires American Label AWT Labels & Packaging Inc. (AWT), Minne- apolis, Minnesota, has acquired American Label Technologies (ALT), Garner, North Car- olina, a provider of RFID and label solutions for healthcare, retail, warehousing, and auto- motive markets across North America.
With a design philosophy of “Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, and Adapt,” Nike sub-brand ISPA recently introduced a new shoebox it hopes will demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability and innova- tion. Rather than using ink made from petroleum-derived carbon black to print the footwear box, Nike is decorating the package with Living Ink Technologies’ water-based, algae-pigmented ink, flexographic al- gae ink.
ALT offers a wide suite of RFID and NFC printing technologies. The business will con- tinue to operate as American Label Technolo- gies, an AWT Company. “RFID is definitely a strategic product we’ve wanted to add to our portfolio to con- tinue to bring value-added solutions to our customers,” said Bruce Hanson, CEO of AWT.
The ISPA box is flexo printed with illustrations of various types of algae.
As Living Ink explains, traditional carbon black is a powder pigment made from fossil fuels that adds color and structural stability to inks, textiles, plastics, and rubber. Despite its effectiveness, however, its use of fossil fuels results in both environmental and human health risks, said the company. With these challenges in mind, Living Ink developed a bio-based, carbon-negative black pigment called Algae Black made from renew- able algae waste and other agricultural wase sources. Through a pro- prietary process, the company repurposes the leftover algae and bio- mass from farms into a powder or liquid suspended form that is used to color a variety of industrial products, including its Algae Ink. According to Living Ink Director of Partnerships Devon Murrie, a life-cy- cle analysis conducted by Sustainability Science and Colorado State Uni- versity in January 2023 showed that the production of Algae Black pig- ment is a carbon-negative process calculated to reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 200 percent compared to carbon black pigment.
Registration Opens For Labelexpo India 2024
Labelexpo Global Series has announced that registration is now open for Labelexpo India 2024. The show takes place November 14 – 17 November at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. Labelexpo India 2024 is set to be the larg- est edition yet with this year’s show securing 16,000 square meters of floorspace, an in- crease of 20 percent from the 2022 edition. More than 250 exhibitors will be partici- pating. Suppliers exhibiting for the first-time include Cosmo Films, Siegwerk and Xsys.
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