As pressure grows on packaging supply chains to reduce fossil fuel reliance and lower carbon impact, Jet Technologies is introducing algae-based pigment technology to the local market through a new distribution partnership with US innovator Living Ink. The move gives converters and brands access to renewable black ink solutions designed to integrate into existing print workflows without major process changes.
Living Ink Technologies is the company behind Algae Ink – a renewable pigment technology developed to replace conventional carbon black pigments traditionally derived from fossil fuels.
The partnership will see Jet Technologies introduce Living Ink’s portfolio of bio-based ink solutions to the Australian market, targeting sectors including labels, flexible packaging, commercial print and consumer goods packaging.
For packaging manufacturers and brand owners facing growing scrutiny around emissions, materials and supply chain sustainability, the development reflects broader industry efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-derived inputs across the packaging lifecycle.
Living Ink’s Algae Black pigment is produced using algae biomass waste and is designed as an alternative to conventional carbon black used in inks, coatings and industrial applications. The company describes the material as carbon negative, with the production process sequestering more carbon than it emits.
The technology has already been adopted by a number of international brands including Nike, Patagonia, New Balance and Stella McCartney as part of broader sustainability initiatives.
Living Ink is now looking to expand its presence in the Australian market through Jet Technologies.
“As demand grows for more sustainable alternatives across packaging and print, partnerships like this are critical to making new technologies commercially accessible,” said Scott Fulbright, CEO and co-founder of Living Ink Technologies.
“Jet Technologies stood out immediately because of their intentional approach and clear commitment to advancing sustainability within the packaging industry.
“Their technical expertise, strong market presence and deep understanding of print and packaging applications make them the ideal partner to introduce Algae Ink to the Australian market.”
The partnership aligns with Jet Technologies’ broader focus on bringing commercially viable sustainability solutions to customers across the region.
Importantly for converters, Living Ink’s products are designed as ‘drop-in’ replacements for conventional black pigments, allowing bio-based alternatives to be incorporated into existing print workflows without requiring significant equipment changes or capital investment.
“There is increasing pressure on brands and manufacturers to reduce environmental impact across the entire supply chain, not just the product itself,” said Jack Malki, director of Jet Technologies.
“This partnership gives our customers access to innovative bio-based ink technologies that can support sustainability goals, while still meeting the performance and quality standards required in commercial production environments.”
At launch, Jet Technologies will offer Living Ink’s flexographic Algae Ink range alongside conventional and UV-cured offset Algae Ink products. The partnership also opens opportunities to expand into additional print applications over time, including specialised UV flexo technologies being developed through Living Ink’s global agreement with ACTEGA.
Australia is continuing to see growing demand for more sustainable packaging and print solutions as brands respond to evolving consumer expectations, corporate sustainability targets and emerging regulation around packaging materials and circularity.
Living Ink believes the Australian market is well positioned to adopt next-generation print chemistry solutions that combine environmental benefits with compatibility across existing print processes.
“Our mission is to make renewable materials accessible to every brand on the planet,” said Devon Murrie, partnerships and strategic growth manager at Living Ink Technologies.
“Strategic partnerships with organisations like Jet Technologies are critical to making that possible, because innovation only scales when it is accessible to the market.”
Jet Technologies and Living Ink will initially focus on onboarding Australian brands and converters looking to incorporate bio-based ink solutions into packaging and print applications, while establishing long-term technical and supply chain support across the region.
