Redacción Alabrent
1. Can you share the vision behind the ACTEGA-Gallus partnership and how it aligns with both companies’ mission to drive innovation in the label industry?HJ: ACTEGA's expertise in specialty coatings, inks and innovative technologies aligns seamlessly with Gallus's capabilities, allowing both companies to push the boundaries of the industry. Two years ago, ACTEGA joined the Gallus Experience Center as a partner, bringing our specialist knowledge in regulatory compliance and high-quality specialty coatings. The Gallus Experience Center is at the heart of a vision to reshape the print and packaging industry with smart, connected printing technologies.
DU: Absolutely – and fundamentally, we recognize that this industry transformation isn’t a job for just one company. Real, meaningful change doesn’t happen in isolation. Success in this industry requires collaboration across the value chain, and the more expertise, ideas and ambition we have in the mix, the greater the opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Our collaboration with ACTEGA is built on the shared mission: to foster industry-wide innovation and long-term success. Now, our mission is taking an exciting step forward with the addition of ECOLEAF’s innovative on-demand metallization technology. 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 collaboration marks an important moment for the industry, offering solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in label printing.
2. How has the Gallus Experience Center fostered innovation and industry growth? How does ACTEGA's offering align with your vision and purpose for the Gallus Experience Center?
DU: Perhaps one of the most compelling examples – and a testament to the spirit and success of the Gallus Experience Center – is the recent launch of Gallus MatteJet, our new in-line matte finishing technology for the Gallus One, announced earlier this year. This breakthrough was born directly from research conducted at our innovation center, developed through close collaboration with key industry partners throughout the R&D process. It’s now delivering tangible benefits for converters, empowering them to fully embrace the potential of digital printing. This is exactly what we envisioned when we created the Gallus Experience Center: a dynamic melting pot of knowledge and ideas, and a hub for innovation, where collaboration, expertise, and experimentation converge to develop solutions that will propel our industry forward. It’s a space designed not just to showcase technology, but to shape its future.
We know that ACTEGA shares our core values and commitment to innovation - deeply aligning with our mission. But more than that, they’re already making significant strides in driving positive, meaningful change through their own work. It’s not just a strong partnership; it’s a perfectly aligned collaboration with shared purpose and vision.
3. What inspired the decision to offer ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF technology to current and future Gallus customers, and what unique value does it bring to printers and converters?
DU: As a key part of our System to Compose modularity concept, The Gallus One is already known for its versatility – which is critical for converters to thrive in the current industry landscape – and now print businesses will have even more options at their fingertips. Together with ACTEGA, we’re able to open up new possibilities by including ECOLEAF’s on-demand metallization technology within this configuration, which sets a new standard for metallic embellishment.
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.
Having options like this allows printers to adjust their setup as business needs or market trends change - adding, removing, or replacing units when required, or pivoting to new high-value applications where embellishment and metallization provide an important competitive edge. This collaboration with ACTEGA and the ECOLEAF technology gives converters a reliable, future-proof solution that not only supports profitability but also unlocks creative potential. It’s about staying competitive and prepared for an industry that’s constantly evolving.
4. How does ACTEGA’s premium coatings portfolio enhance the offerings available to Gallus customers, present and future? Additionally, in what ways does ACTEGA’s regulatory expertise and emphasis on quality contribute to the success of this collaboration and the broader label industry?
HJ: ACTEGA’s premium coatings portfolio delivers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. These solutions cater to diverse applications, including shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels, enabling customers to create standout designs that are both practical and memorable. When creating labels, it’s all about finding the right details to make them stand out. For example, our heat-resistant coatings can provide durability under high temperatures, demonstrating how specialized coatings are tailored to meet unique performance needs.
Additionally, ACTEGA’s regulatory expertise supports the industry’s need to meet strict global and regional standards for safety and compliance. By staying ahead of evolving regulations, ACTEGA helps its partners and customers maintain market relevance and consumer trust. This combination of advanced coatings and regulatory foresight positions ACTEGA as a trusted collaborator, driving success for Gallus customers and the broader label industry.
5. Why is industry-wide collaboration, such as the one between Gallus and ACTEGA, vital for driving advancements in high-quality label solutions?
HJ: Collaboration within the industry is essential. The complexities of modern label production require the combined expertise of industry leaders to create solutions that effectively address market challenges. Our partnership with Gallus, a renowned OEM and innovator in label printing technology, perfectly demonstrates how combining diverse expertise can drive innovation, enhance operational flexibility, and set groundbreaking new standards with technologies like ECOLEAF. By joining forces, we ensure the industry can adapt to emerging trends while offering printers, converters, and brand owners the tools they need to remain competitive.
DU: Put simply, a rising tide lifts all boats. When we shift our perspective from individual success to collective industry advancement, we unlock far greater potential. It’s time to move beyond traditional, siloed approaches and fully embrace the power of collaboration over competition. True, long-term success lies in forging strong partnerships that drive shared progress – and that’s exactly what we’re doing with ACTEGA and our partners in the Gallus Experience Center. These partnerships are not just a vision; they’re an operational reality that raises the bar for digital label production, combining creativity and flexibility and ultimately offering even greater possibilities to drive digital adoption across the industry. Together, Gallus One and ECOLEAF offer a powerful solution that maximizes production capabilities, elevates service provision through a seamless, unified approach, and delivers greater efficiency and impact, as well as exceptional value.
6. How does the modularity of the Gallus One platform support businesses in adapting to evolving market demands? Can you tell us more about the Gallus One platform?
DU: The Gallus One and our System to Compose concept empower customers to seamlessly add, adjust, or remove printing units as their business needs evolve. With this new approach, we are integrating both conventional and digital technologies, offering our customers all the necessary printing modules on the proven Gallus Labelmaster platform. This means a digital-only Gallus One system can easily be expanded with conventional printing and embellishment units, while the traditionally conventional Gallus Labelmaster can be upgraded with a digital printing unit. The entire concept is built around flexibility and agility, ensuring our customers the highest level of investment security in today’s fast-paced market environment. But it is not just about physical embellishment and printing units, but to include also workflow solutions, our in-house developed high-performance inks and our modular service options.
7. How does ECOLEAF align with sustainability efforts in the industry?
HJ: Metallic effects are simply an eye-catcher for every product presented on the crowded shelves, whether it’s for body care products, confectionery or beverages. However, balancing these eye-catching designs with sustainability has become a challenge for brand owners due to increasing consumer expectations and stricter regulations like PPWR (EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). Traditional methods generate significant waste, leaving brands to choose between impactful metallic finishes or sustainability. To put it simply, ECOLEAF reinvents the metallization process by using “on-demand” metallization, which minimizes waste while delivering a highly reflective and impactful metallic effect. This technology precisely places metal flakes only where they are needed, eliminating the need for PET carrier films and foil reels, minimizing the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of these plastics.
8. How does ECOLEAF open up new possibilities for creative applications in digital label production? What unique benefits does it offer to push the boundaries of design and functionality?
HJ: ECOLEAF empowers designers to incorporate striking metallic effects into their labels with unmatched design flexibility. It enables both flat and relief embellishments while allowing overprinting in any color to achieve stunning metallic effects that are perfectly matched to existing brand colors. ECOLEAF integrates seamlessly into various printing processes, and when added to a digital workflow, such as the Gallus One, ECOLEAF supports quick artwork changes, allowing for the printing of different Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) and jobs side by side with ease. This revolutionary technology pushes the boundaries of packaging design and metallization.
9. Could you share examples of how the combined technologies empower converters to enhance service capabilities and tackle future challenges?
DU: In today’s crowded and fast-moving market, standing out on the shelf has never been more important – and of course more challenging. Brands are under pressure to deliver premium, high-impact packaging experiences, and embellishments like metallization play a critical role in achieving that perceived value. By combining ECOLEAF’s on-demand metallization with the highly adaptable Gallus One platform, converters gain more than just a new capability – they get a scalable, modular system that breaks down barriers to entry, maximizes short-run profitability, and evolves alongside their business. In a landscape defined by constant change, this kind of flexibility isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential for long-term competitiveness and success.
10. You’ll demonstrate the collaboration between ACTEGA and Gallus at Labelexpo Europe. What can attendees expect to see during these live events?
HJ: At Labelexpo Europe, attendees will witness the benefits of combining ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF technology with the digital Gallus One platform first-hand on the ACTEGA stand – creating a seamlessly integrated, high-performance hybrid workflow. Daily live demonstrations will showcase how this cutting-edge technology delivers on-demand metallization with stunning results, highlighting its ease of use and real-world benefits. Attendees will see how ECOLEAF and Gallus technology work together to deliver unparalleled creative versatility and operational efficiency.
ACTEGA will also highlight its award-winning Signite® solution, offering ultra-thin, durable decoration with advanced applicator technology for a sustainable ‘no label look’ on glass and PET bottles. Additionally, ACTEGA will showcase its innovative coatings portfolio for pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and in-mold labels, featuring gloss, matte, motion effects, UV, and LED coatings designed to enhance aesthetics, functionality, and durability.
DU: We’re really looking forward to Labelexpo this year. On the Gallus stand, visitors will get an exclusive first look at two new machine solutions we’re unveiling at the show. These new additions significantly expand our portfolio and build on our System to Compose approach – giving converters more flexibility to scale efficiently, streamline their workflows, and ultimately boost productivity and reduce costs.
We’ll also be showcasing our collaboration with ACTEGA. Their coatings will be running live on our presses, and we’ll have a wide range of printed samples available for people to explore. It’s a great way to see the combined value of our technologies in action, both in terms of print quality and production efficiency.
Overall, our aim is to show how Gallus is continuing to make smart, connected label production a reality – and how we’re helping customers respond to today’s market demands with greater confidence and long-term competitiveness.
11. How will these demonstrations highlight the combined value of modularity, creativity, and efficiency in a real-world setting?
DU: It will bring to life the synergy between ACTEGA and Gallus. Highlighting the power of modularity, they offer a firsthand look at flexible, scalable solutions designed to ensure long-term adaptability and success in an ever-changing market. By showcasing real-world applications, we aim to inspire printers and converters to explore the full potential of these innovations and unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and profitability in label production.
12. What does this collaboration signify for the future of the print and packaging landscape? DU: This collaboration represents a significant step towards building a smart, connected print landscape that ensures long-term success for the industry. By combining our expertise, we’re delivering flexible and modular solutions that empower printers, converters, and brand owners to navigate a dynamic and ever-changing market. Together, we’re working to meet the evolving needs of the label market well into the future.
HJ: To put it simply, this collaboration is a clear proof point of ongoing promises. Customers can rely on the combined expertise and unwavering stability of Gallus and ACTEGA, two companies that truly deliver on what we promise.
13. Are there plans for further developments or integrations between ACTEGA and Gallus to expand the possibilities for printers, converters and brand owners?
HJ: Absolutely. Both ACTEGA and Gallus are deeply committed to driving continuous innovation and expanding the capabilities available to the market. We will continue to explore new opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that our solutions remain at the forefront of industry advancements. By keeping a close eye on market needs and emerging trends, we aim to bring even more digital possibilities to the print and packaging landscape.