- Acquisition of a technology portfolio and innovation team from U.S. based NuLabel Technologies, Inc.
- NuLabel develops engineering and material science solutions to improve packaging design while using significantly less material
The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA has acquired a technology portfolio and research and development platform from U.S. based NuLabel Technologies, Inc. It comprises innovative technologies for additive manufacturing of sustainable decoration solutions as well as novel technology for resealable packaging. The environmentally friendly technologies allow for unique packaging design that uses considerably lower quantities of consumable materials. The acquired technologies will be integrated into ALTANA’s ACTEGA North America division, where they are to be developed to market maturity. ALTANA also takes over an interdisciplinary team of researchers. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
“We are very pleased to have found a new owner in ALTANA who is in a position to integrate our innovation pipeline into its core business and to bring it to market readiness,“ said Benjamin Lux, President of NuLabel Technologies, Inc. “We know that our innovation team and our technology solutions are in the best of hands with ACTEGA, a company that has long-standing experience as a leader of new and sustainable technologies for the packaging industry.“ Mr. Lux will join the ACTEGA North America team and industry veteran Harold Schofield will continue leading NuLabel as interim CEO.
“NuLabel’s innovation team, intellectual property, and projects are an ideal addition to our growing portfolio,“ stated Mark Westwell, President and CEO of ACTEGA North America. “They have the potential to provide new growth opportunities to our customers in the packaging industry, and, at the same time, to make an important contribution to sustainability.“
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has 48 production facilities and more than 50 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group about 6,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2016, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 2 billion euros. About 6 percent of sales are invested in research and development every year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most innovative, fastest growing, and profitable chemical companies in the world.
About ACTEGA:
ACTEGA is a division of the internationally active specialty chemicals Group ALTANA. The division develops and produces coatings and sealants, printing inks and adhesives for flexible and rigid packaging and for the graphic industry. These products do not only lend an attractive appearance to materials such as paper, board, plastic, and metal, but also provide clearly defined technical properties, e.g. chemical and physical resistance to the materials’ surface.
The main customers for the products ACTEGA develops, manufactures and markets are in the packaging industry. ACTEGA is one of the market leaders in overprint varnishes and is the technological leader in the rapidly expanding sector of sealants for flexible packaging. ACTEGA products do not only ensure that the packaging will look appealing, but also help that the contents will remain fresh for a longer time.
ACTEGA is already one of the world’s leading vendors of sealants for closures and glass containers; ACTEGA is also the technological leader when it comes to water-based sealants for cans. These products are used to make seals between the contact surfaces, such as glass on metal (bottle closures) or metal on metal (can lids). They ensure that the contents and other substances such as CO2 remain inside the packaging while “locking out” all contaminants.
About NuLabel Technologies:
NuLabel Technologies was founded in 2009 in response to the challenge of creating an environmentally responsible labeling solution. Since then, their team of polymer chemists, chemical engineers, researchers, and technicians have pioneered the field of activatable chemistries for the packaging industry. NuLabel Technologies is located in East Providence, Rhode Island (U.S.).