- Innovative formulation for UV-curing printing inks based on PVD and alcohol-based silver dollar pigments
- New printing inks already in use across many markets around the world, especially in food packaging
Wesel/Hartenstein, July 29, 2025 – The ALTANA Innovation Award is presented annually to recognize the most promising new developments within the global specialty chemicals group. This year, the award went to an interdisciplinary team from ALTANA’s ECKART division, the world’s leading supplier of effect pigments.
The team developed a new high-performance, environmentally friendly formulation for UV-curing printing inks. This formulation incorporates alcohol-based silver dollar pigments along with ultra-thin METALURE® effect pigments from ECKART’s latest generation. These pigments are produced using a specialized physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, enabling smooth, non-flaking surfaces and high-gloss mirror or chrome effects on packaging.
Glossy effect, sophisticated in application
For customers, the innovative formulation marks a significant advancement, unlocking new possibilities for the demanding further processing of effect pigments. In printing, these pigments can present challenges such as smearing or poor adhesion to overprinted coatings. To address these issues, the award-winning team spent two years developing the new formulation based on PVD and alcohol-based silver dollar pigments.
“This innovative formulation for UV-curing printing inks is a first for the entire market. It delivers exceptional technical performance and complies with regulatory requirements for indirect food contact. Such a successful product development was only possible thanks to an interdisciplinary team with a strong customer focus,” explains Dr. Harald Weiß, Chief Technology Officer at ECKART.
The new formulation ensures robust printability even at high printing speeds. Its precisely balanced viscosity enables excellent ink transfer and reliable curing. The result is maximum brilliance in colors that remain easy to overprint. This is achieved through a stabilized pigment paste, based on a newly developed combination of components. Food safety, health, and environmental compatibility are fully assured – the formulation meets all FPG (Food Packaging Grade) and EH&S (Environmental, Health & Safety) standards for indirect food contact.
“With this development, the winning ECKART team has delivered an impressive project that embodies ALTANA’s dynamic culture of innovation,” says Dr. Petra Severit, Chief Technology Officer, ALTANA AG. At the same time, the growing global demand for effect pigments produced with this formulation highlights our colleagues’ strong customer orientation.”
The ALTANA Innovation Award honors outstanding research achievements by employees. In addition to innovation, criteria such as creativity, economic viability, and sustainability are also considered. The winning product developments must also have already achieved market success.
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The winning team of the ALTANA Innovation Award together with Dr. Harald Weiß:
Top row, from left: Günther Speckner, Dr. Harald Weiß, Dr. Oliver Struck, Günter Dunkl; bottom row, from left: Isabell Gassner, Martina Steinhäußer
Image credit: ALTANA AG
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, ECKART, ELANTAS, and ACTEGA, 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 66 production sites and 69 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group more than 8,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2024, ALTANA achieved sales of over 3 billion euros. Around 7 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.
www.altana.com
About ECKART:
ECKART, a company of ALTANA AG, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of effect pigments for a wide range of industries, including coatings and paints, printing, plastics, aerated concrete, and cosmetics. The company’s portfolio includes high-quality effect pigments based on aluminum, gold bronze, stainless steel, zinc, and synthetic pearlescent materials, as well as finished metallic printing inks. In addition to decorative solutions, ECKART also develops metal powders for functional applications such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and thermal management. The company has a global presence in more than 70 countries and a workforce of around 2,100 employees.
www.eckart.net