A B Graphic (ABG) has formalised its exclusive global agreement with Actega Metal Print (AMP) for the management of direct sales, marketing and customer service of the EcoLeaf metallisation technology.

This builds on the partnership formed by ABG and AMP nearly two years ago and follows successful beta testing of the technology at printers in Germany and Italy.  VollherbstDruck was the first company to purchase an EcoLeaf unit, which was installed on the company’s ABG Digicon Series 3 converting machine. EcoLeaf units are now being sold in Europe and the UK.

Designed for a broad variety of markets, EcoLeaf is a new digital option for creating profit-driving metallisation embellishments on self-adhesive labels. Using only the precise amount of metal required for the printed area, EcoLeaf eradicates the use of hot and cold foil rolls, reducing waste created when embellishing labels, and reducing the cost of metallic embellishments.

The basis of the technology is a silver pigment that can be overprinted, resulting in a rainbow of metallic colours, including gold. Integrated inline on finishing equipment, analogue or digital printing presses, the process sees a trigger image printed and a metallisation unit then applying only the precise and required amount of metal to the trigger image.

Matt Burton, ABG global sales director, said, ‘We regard EcoLeaf as a new category of metallisation, that will enable our customers to differentiate themselves with new and exciting print embellishments. As it should do, sustainability remains a high priority for businesses, and EcoLeaf is expected to make a huge and positive contribution towards that.

‘As such, we consider the AMP technology to be a perfect complement to our product portfolio, and as a cost competitive solution for high-end decorations, one that will deliver economic value to our customers.’