#United States #Hilo #Waiākea #Algae Black #Sustainable Ink

Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages Innovates with Algae-Based Ink for Sustainable Packaging

Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages is taking a bold step towards sustainable packaging by introducing algae-based inks for its products. After five years of intensive research and development, the company has become the inaugural global brand to commercialize labels printed with ACTExact® UV Black Algae Ink, made from carbon-negative algae pigment. This innovative ink was developed through a collaborative effort with Living Ink Technologies, ACTEGA, and NextGen Label Group™.

Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2012, Waiākea has been a leader in sustainable practices within the beverage industry. The company's journey began with the implementation of 100% post-consumer recycled PET in its packaging. Subsequently, they introduced their OceanPlast™ bottle, designed specifically to increase the diversion of ocean-bound materials. This new use of algae-based inks further cements their commitment to using science-driven solutions for assessing packaging viability.

The research into algae products began in 2018, which included varied solutions from biopolymers to pigments. Discovering that algae-derived pigments held the most impactful potential led Waiākea to mutually align its entire supply chain. Collaborating closely with Living Ink Technologies, they worked towards creating a commercially viable carbon-negative ink. The efforts from both companies have laid the groundwork for what is now a significant breakthrough in sustainable materials within the beverage sector.

Benefits of Algae-Based Inks

Conventional prints often rely on carbon black inks, which are notorious for their environmental impact. Over 33 billion pounds of carbon black are produced globally each year, contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions. The Life Cycle Assessment provided by Living Ink Technologies reveals that traditional carbon black emits 3.75 kg of CO₂-equivalent for every kilogram of pigment produced. In contrast, the algae-based ink utilized by Waiākea has a net sequestration of carbon, leading to a reduction of 4.16 kg of CO₂-equivalent for each kilogram.

The potential environmental benefits are staggering. If the entire global supply of black pigment were to be replaced with Living Ink's carbon-negative pigment, it could prevent the emission of over 100 million metric tons of CO₂-equivalents annually, which is akin to removing 25 million cars off the roads.

Open Source Initiative

In a remarkable move to foster wider access to sustainable solutions, Waiākea has opted to open-source the algae ink through its partners. This decision allows small businesses and various brands across industries to adopt this environmentally-friendly technology without being hindered by exclusivity or intellectual property rights. Over the next few years, Waiākea and its partners will be scaling additional pigment solutions to reinforce their commitment towards sustainability.

A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Waiākea’s decision to adopt algae inks is merely the next installment in a long-standing legacy of environmental stewardship and innovation. The company’s dedication to sustainable practices includes pioneering the use of 100% recycled materials, advancing circular design techniques with its OceanPlast™ bottle, and maintaining regenerative sourcing practices. These initiatives are complemented by the Kōkua Initiative, which significantly impacts local communities and promotes conservation and sustainability across Hawaii. In recognition of these ongoing efforts, the company has received the highest-ever B Corp score in the water brand category, reinforcing their role as leaders in environmental responsibility.

Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO of Waiākea, emphasizes the importance of their mission by saying, "Milestones are only meaningful when they push you forward. Our algae-based inks show our continued commitment to moving an imperfect industry toward a better future for our ʻāina (land) and our keiki (children)."

Looking Ahead

With its operations rooted in Hilo, Hawaii, Waiākea continues to exemplify how a small island company can create a large positive impact. The introduction of algae ink symbolizes the brand's commitment to a regenerative, transparent, and community-oriented future. By pursuing innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages sets the stage for a new era in sustainable packaging.

For more information about Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages and their initiatives, visit their official website at https://waiakea.com or follow them on Instagram at @Waiakea.