At drupa, a special unit mounted on an Omet label press was shown to highlight the process wherein a specific metallic pigment in particle form is applied in a thin layer for the metallic decoration of labels and cartons instead of foil transfer. The label and carton samples shown at drupa were clearly impressive. It is claimed that the metallography technology is faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable than conventional cold foil and hot foil stamping application.

Altana is a market leader in chemicals, special pigments, coating and adhesives including Eckart, which is well known for metallic inks and is also an investor in Landa Nano. On acquisition, Landa will progressively transfer the remaining development and engineering work to Altana’s Actega coatings and sealants division for bringing the metallography technology to market in the coming years. The development work, as well as sales and distribution, will be done by the newly founded Altana company Actega Metal Print based in Lehrte near Hanover, Germany. Jan Franz Allerkamp has been named managing director of the new company.
