Actega and Gallus strengthen Ecloleaf partnership

Actega and Gallus have strengthened their partnership to integrate Ecoleaf on-demand metallization technology with the Gallus One digital printing platform, expanding their two-year collaboration that began at the Gallus Experience Center.

The partnership combines Actega's specialty coatings and regulatory expertise with Gallus' printing innovations to deliver integrated printing workflows for label converters.

'Our collaboration with Actega is built on the shared mission to foster industry-wide innovation and drive smart, connected printing,' said Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group. 'By combining Ecoleaf technology and the Gallus One platform, printers and converters will gain new opportunities for creative, flexible and sustainable digital label production.'

The Ecoleaf technology uses on-demand metallization to minimize waste while delivering metallic effects. The system precisely places metal flakes only where needed, eliminating PET carrier films and foil reels.

'Ecoleaf reinvents the metallization process by using on-demand metallization, which minimizes waste while delivering a highly reflective and impactful metallic effect,' said Harald Jasper, general manager at Actega Metal Print.

The integration aligns with Gallus' System to Compose modularity concept, allowing converters to add, adjust or remove printing units as business needs evolve. The Gallus One platform can be expanded with conventional printing and embellishment units or upgraded with digital printing capabilities.

'The Gallus One is celebrated for its ability to adapt and scale to evolving market demands - adding partner technologies such as Ecoleaf enhances this and takes the concept even further,' added Urbinati.

Actega's coating portfolio supports diverse applications, including shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels. The company's regulatory expertise helps partners meet global safety and compliance standards.

'The complexities of modern label production require the combined expertise of industry leaders to create effective market solutions,' said Jasper.

The collaboration addresses sustainability challenges in metallic packaging design, particularly as regulations like the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation create stricter requirements.

'Traditional methods generate significant waste, leaving brands to choose between impactful metallic finishes or sustainability,' said Jasper.

The Ecoleaf system enables both flat and relief embellishments while allowing overprinting in any color to achieve metallic effects matched to brand colors. When integrated with digital workflows, it supports quick artwork changes and printing of different SKUs side by side.

The companies will demonstrate the integrated technology at Labelexpo Europe, with live demonstrations showing the combined Ecoleaf and Gallus One platform capabilities. Actega will also showcase its Signite decoration technology and coatings portfolio.