The specialty chemicals group ALTANA, Germany, has acquired a technology portfolio and research and development platform from U.S. based NuLabel Technologies Inc. East Providence, R.I., USA. It comprises innovative technologies for additive manufacturing of sustainable decoration solutions as well as novel technology for resealable packaging. 

The environmentally friendly technologies allow for unique packaging design that uses considerably lower quantities of consumable materials. The acquired technologies will be integrated into ALTANA's ACTEGA North America division, where they are to be developed to market maturity. ALTANA also takes over an interdisciplinary team of researchers. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

"We are very pleased to have found a new owner in ALTANA who is in a position to integrate our innovation pipeline into its core business and to bring it to market readiness," said Benjamin Lux, president of NuLabel Technologies. "We know that our innovation team and our technology solutions are in the best of hands with ACTEGA, a company that has long-standing experience as a leader of new and sustainable technologies for the packaging industry." 

Lux will join the ACTEGA North America team and industry veteran Harold Schofield will continue leading NuLabel as interim CEO.

"NuLabel's innovation team, intellectual property, and projects are an ideal addition to our growing portfolio," said Mark Westwell, president and CEO of ACTEGA North America. "They have the potential to provide new growth opportunities to our customers in the packaging industry, and, at the same time, to make an important contribution to sustainability."

ALTANA is a global leader in specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation, and service.

The ALTANA Group has 48 production facilities and more than 50 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group, about 6,000 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2016, ALTANA achieved sales of more than EUR 2 billion. About 6% of sales are invested in research and development every year.