New water-based ACTDigi® LEP Primer

Actega’s ACTDigi^® LEP Primer stands out by enhancing ink adhesion, enabling outstanding print quality. When combined with Actega’s extensive OPV solutions, including UV, LED, water-based, E-Beam, and solvent-based varnishes, it provides a versatile option for numerous substrates while boosting press performance.

The new ACTDigi^® primer also enables converters to take their products to the next level and incorporate high-impact, visual effects, such as hot foil stamping, once the primer has been applied. Thanks to its excellent water resistance, Actega’s new primer is ideal for applications requiring durability, like beer labels. It can also be applied before thermal transfer printing to create other highly durable, long-lasting applications.

Developed to enhance converter operations, products and experience

The new ACTDigi^® primer is a collaborative result of Actega’s innovative and rigorous R&D processes combined with HP’s exacting print standards. The primer has been developed to not only ensure the quality and value of the final PSL product but also with the converter experience at the forefront. The unique composition of the water-based primer extends the lifespan of critical press components, including the blanket and photopolymer printing plates. ACTDigi^® LEP Primer eliminates common issues, such as foaming and yellowing, and minimises ghost images, ensuring smooth production and consistent results. Designed with streamlined workflows in mind, ACTDigi^® LEP Primer is also easy to handle and clean, with no special cleaning products required.

ACTDigi^® LEP Primer also delivers optimized primer consumption, providing significant economic advantages for users, and meets the highest regulatory standards. Compliant with the Swiss Ordinance and Nestlé's stringent quality requirements and free from solvents, heavy metals, phthalates, and CMR substances, it is suitable for indirect food contact applications. Additionally, Actega received the Cradle-to-Cradle material health certification for ACTDigi^® LEP Primer, further demonstrating Actega's commitment to sustainable and safe production practices.

A proven solution for HP customers and now on-show at Labelexpo

NACARA and HF Labels, valued customers of HP, have both supported field tests for the ACTDigi^® LEP Primer and observed remarkable results. Their feedback highlights the overwhelming results achievable with this primer in real production environments. Vincent Garrigues, Digital Manager France/Switzerland at Labelys Group comments, “We work with a wide range of substrates, and Actega’s ACTDigi^® LEP Primer ensures a uniform ink deposit without gaps, even on highly structured surfaces. With Actega's outstanding technical support, we’ve optimized press settings, reducing primer consumption and extending the service life of HP consumables like PIP and blankets. This saves time that would otherwise be spent on changes and calibrations. Additionally, the materials remain clear and do not yellow, which has been a game-changer for us”.

“We are delighted to introduce the ACTDigi^® LEP Primer at this year’s Labelexpo Europe, a product born from our strong, long-standing partnership with HP,” says Dr. Thomas Sawitowski, Senior Vice President Flexible Packaging Actega.

“This launch marks a significant milestone for both HP and Actega, reflecting our commitment to advancing print quality while delivering forward-thinking, flexible solutions that meet the evolving needs of the labels industry.” Regina Guslitzer-Okner, Head of Supplies, Applications, and Sustainability at HP Indigo, adds: “This launch is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together we are introducing a primer that not only elevates print performance but also delivers the flexibility and reliability converters need to stay ahead in a dynamic market.”

“Available in Europe this year, the ACTDigi^® LEP Primer will be available through our global distribution and service network in 2026. This week will be the first opportunity for the labels industry to see the capabilities of this impressive new product first-hand. We urge Labelexpo visitors to take advantage of this chance to see samples of this incredible solution and explore the benefits it offers before its global launch,” adds Thomas Sawitowski.

On the Actega booth 3D41, numerous samples produced using the new primer will be on show throughout Labelexpo Europe 2025. Visitors can also ask Actega experts about its comprehensive technical support and services that will facilitate seamless integration of the ACTDigi^® LEP Primer into customers' operations.