Around 160 top researchers and developers of the Altana Group from all over the world came together at the 6th Altana Innovation Conference in Wesel to discuss technical as well as economic developments and future innovative trends. As a highlight of the international event, the group’s best innovation is honored with the Altana Innovation Award.

This year, the Award went to the project team of Frank Kamphuis, Tim Kammer, Marcel Altenburg, and Timo Kondziela, from the Actega division. The development of special coatings for in-mold labels (IML) for the labeling of plastic packaging was awarded. Any structured or printed foil is placed in a casting mold for the packaging and liquid plastic is extruded into the form. The individual steps are performed at high speed, and the technology used is one of the most complex procedures in the packaging industry. To ensure accurate processing at such speeds creates new challenges for printers and packaging manufacturers.

“It quickly became clear to the researchers of the Actega team that standard coatings would not be able to meet the high requirements,” the company says. “Completely new development approaches were required. Joined together specifically for this purpose, a team of experts developed a solution by combining product and process innovations. As part of their research, the developers identified new raw materials and used innovative formulation strategies. Not least thanks to the positive interaction between technology and marketing, Actega can now speak of a resounding success. Its subsidiary Actega Terra today is the European market leader for IML coatings in a still dynamically growing market, which promises a bright future for this product group.”

Chief Technology Officer Georg F.L. Wiebmeier says about the award,”Without doubt, Altana attaches high priority to innovation. Our innovation culture is clearly demonstrated and practiced through events like the Altana Innovation Conference. We owe our leading position in particular to our determination to perfect our products continuously, and to develop new ones to meet the needs of our customers and to exceed their expectations.”