Redacción Alabrent
McKinsey’s research shows that products making sustainability-related claims saw 28% cumulative growth over five years, outpacing conventional alternatives. Europe leads this trend, with 51% of consumers prioritising sustainable packaging and many willing to pay a premium for it. Yet while price and quality remain decisive for consumers, brands are facing mounting pressure to balance these traditional drivers with the need for greener, more responsible packaging options.Regulatory Change Meets Premium Demand
Amidst this dynamic backdrop, legislation such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is setting ambitious targets, requiring all packaging to be recyclable by 2030. And yet, consumer demand for convenience and aesthetics remains essential, with premiumization and the “shelf effect” of eye-catching packaging holding considerable sway. For forward-thinking companies like Reynders label printing, a leader in high-quality labelling solutions, these challenges are catalysts for innovation. With market demand for both sustainability and standout designs remaining unrelenting, Reynders is uniquely positioned to help bridge the gap between compliance, environmental responsibility, and premium aesthetics. By harnessing innovations like ECOLEAF, a cutting-edge on-demand metallization technology, they are redefining what’s possible in eco-friendly labelling.
Rooted in Legacy, Fuelled by Innovation
Reynders is a family-owned pioneer with roots reaching back to 1956 in Mortsel, Belgium. It has spent nearly 70 years turning technical precision and creativity into a global name in the label printing industry. Its journey has been one of measured growth, spanning eight production sites across Europe and Asia, and boldly venturing into markets from personal care to cosmetics, automotive, food & beverage, luxury and pharmaceuticals
With a team of around 650 dedicated professionals, the company generates an impressive turnover of approximately 173 million euros.
What sets Reynders apart is its seamless blend of technical perfection and human ingenuity. This personalised approach has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Whether it’s self-adhesive labels, sophisticated booklets and shrink sleeve solutions, flexible packaging, or in-mould labels, Reynders continually pushes the boundaries of what's possible. The company’s third generation now shares leadership in a collaborative approach, emphasising agility and trust in expertise.
Marco Van Hooff, CCO of Reynders, describes the company’s ethos aptly, stating, “We believe in being small enough to move with speed, yet large enough to operate in the Champions League of label printing. Our strength lies in how we unite technical know-how with a tailored touch.”
Recognising emerging megatrends and tightening regulation, Reynders has made sustainability not just a requirement, but a pillar of their value proposition - investing early in automated processes, renewable energy, and forward-thinking partnerships to meet brand owners' ambitious needs. It was this future-focused mindset that led Reynders to partner with ACTEGA, a leading manufacturer of coatings, inks, adhesives and technology for the print and packaging industry, and launch S-Sential - utilising ACTEGA’s on-demand metallization technology, ECOLEAF, to offer an innovative solution that balances stunning label embellishments with true sustainability.
“Sustainability and on-demand metallization go hand in hand with ECOLEAF. It allows us to deliver shiny, standout labels while significantly cutting waste and carbon impact,” says Marco. “Our partnership with ACTEGA has turned S-Sential into a game-changer for brands looking to stand out both visually and environmentally.”
S-Sential: Where Connection Meets Sustainability - Redefining Value for Brands and Consumers
In 2023, Reynders encountered ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF, on-demand metallization technology during Labelexpo Europe and was immediately drawn to its promise of metallic embellishments with minimal environmental impact. Utilising ECOLEAF, Reynders’s S-Sential delivers ultra-shiny metallic effects with far less environmental burden, standing out as the answer to the industry's challenge: how to combine creative label design with true sustainability. With ECOLEAF at the heart of their S-Sential solution, Reynders has moved beyond traditional embellishment to a new standard that merges premium design with responsible production. Developed to rethink metallic embellishment at its core, ECOLEAF delivers metallic effects precisely where needed, eliminating the need for PET carrier film and foil and reducing environmental impact significantly. The numbers are compelling: just 1 kg of ECOLEAF flakes can replace a staggering 3,000 kg of traditional foil, slashing carbon footprint by over 80%. Beyond reducing raw material intensity, ECOLEAF’s on-demand metallization process offers brand owners flexibility in late-stage differentiation and the ability to create a full palette of metallic finishes - without the sustainability trade-offs.
Designed with premium sectors in mind, S-Sential is a versatile platform that enables brand owners across industries, from cosmetics and body care to food & beverages, and beyond, to express their identity, engage consumers, and meet shifting regulatory and market demands. For brands in these markets, label design isn’t just packaging - it’s an integral part of the product experience.
“It’s also the quick turnarounds and the creative possibilities to use shiny on-demand metallization to differentiate the products,” Marco adds.
Whether through its haptic effect that invites touch or the visual punch of ultra-reflective metallics, S-Sential enhances both functional and emotional engagement of the labels. Supported by validated life cycle analysis in line with ISO standards, it helps brand owners to measure - and communicate - their impact.
Some of the company’s global customer brands are already using S-Sential on their labels and Marco Van Hooff is confident that many others will follow soon.
This September, at Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, some of those decision makers considering whether switch to on-demand metallization may be persuaded to make that move after seeing the Reynders’ S-Sential samples on ACTEGA’s booth 3D41. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore samples of the next generation of metallic label decoration, spanning diverse applications such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and healthcare. As Marco Van Hooff says, “We believe in walking the talk. At Labelexpo, it’s not only about presenting sustainable label samples to the wider industry but inspiring a new chapter for the world of labels. Visitors can explore how ECOLEAF technology blends cutting-edge design with environmental accountability.”
Looking Forward: Leading the Charge for a Sustainable Tomorrow
“We are thrilled to collaborate with ACTEGA and are committed to building a strong, long-term partnership,” Marco shares. “ACTEGA has consistently proven to be a dependable partner, offering cutting-edge solutions in coatings, inks, adhesives, compounds and sealants. Together, we are perfectly aligned in our shared vision to stay ahead of the market, driving innovation and setting new standards for sustainable, impactful solutions. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this collaboration.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Harald Jasper, Managing Director of ACTEGA Metal Print, ACTEGA notes, “Reynders’ unwavering commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is redefining what’s possible in label embellishment. With S-Sential and ECOLEAF’s on-demand metallization, we’re pioneering a new era - demonstrating that sustainable practices can seamlessly deliver a luxury, premium look. This partnership proves that bold ideas and ecological solutions can harmonise to deliver exceptional results - combining responsibility with aesthetic like never before.”
As consumer preferences, competitive pressures, and regulatory requirements are evolving at an unprecedented speed, the collaboration between Reynders and ACTEGA provides a proven path forward: bold innovation grounded in partnership, credible data, and a willingness to lead. The S-Sential platform brings together every element – premium design, sustainability, speed, and compliance - challenging the wider value chain to accelerate the transition to packaging that is as responsible as it is beautiful.
For Reynders, the message is clear: those who act boldly today will define the landscape of tomorrow. Marco concludes with an inspiring call to action, “The future of packaging demands action, not hesitation. True leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment - it’s about embracing innovation and driving transformation, even when the path is evolving. Don’t wait - be the one to set the pace for transformation.”
Reynders’ groundbreaking work with S-Sential is indeed leading the way, proving that the winning formula in today’s market combines aesthetic brilliance with unwavering sustainability.