Actega, a supplier of specialty coatings and printing inks, will present its latest developments in the field of metal packaging at Metpack 2026 in Essen. These innovations aim to increase production efficiency while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint.
A trade fair highlight is the new UV and UV/LED curable coatings under the ACTNext brand. These coatings make it possible to significantly reduce energy consumption in production, as they render the use of large drying ovens unnecessary. This not only leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions but also to an improved production line without any loss of quality.
For the production of food and beverage closures, Actega offers a PVC and plasticiser-free solution with its Provalin compound, which has been specially developed for sensitive products such as baby food. In combination with ACTEcoat and ACTEbond inner coatings, this solution offers maximum compatibility and process reliability.
Regulatory requirements and new technologies
EU Regulation 2024/3190 calls for a shift towards BPA-free coatings. Actega is responding to this with its BPA-NI and PFAS-NI lacquers, which have been specifically developed for crown caps and aluminium closures. These solutions not only offer regulatory compliance but also a reduction in steel consumption, thereby lowering both costs and environmental impact.
Another innovative approach is the Intellox product range, which allows QR codes to be securely integrated into crown caps, while the Oxygen Scavenger technology optimally protects the contents.
Digital printing technologies
Digitalisation is opening up new possibilities in packaging design. Actegas Innocan technology enables digital printing in offset quality on metal packaging. This innovation, developed in collaboration with HP Indigo and Vislo, allows for cost-effective small print runs and full serialisation. This offers manufacturers the flexibility to react quickly to market changes.
Advanced solutions for beverage cans
Actega is also presenting its Artistica Sealants for beverage cans, which are made from renewable raw materials and contain no VOCs. These sealants offer material savings of up to 20 percent and have been awarded Cradle to Cradle Material Health Platinum certification.
Additionally, Rotarflow technology enables precise control of the application volume of these sealants, leading to a reduction in waste and a faster procurement of quality decisions.
Source: Actega
Actega at Metpack 2026: Hall 3, Stand C55
