UV Direct to Metal

Cut carbon emissions by 40% with UV coatings

In the past, applying UV coatings directly onto metal was impossible: the rough finish of the metal and the lubricants on its surface resulted in poor wettability. But now, things have finally changed.

ACTEGA and Brasilata Labs have developed a new technology for general line cans – It incorporates plasma treatment from Plasmatreat GmbH, enabling the external UV coating from ACTEGA to be applied directly to the metal.

UV Direct to Metal eliminates the need for ovens or natural gas, consequently reducing the product’s carbon footprint by 40% (for one pass) – and cutting energy costs by up to 30%.

Read on to learn more about this innovative, sustainable technology.

Interested in knowing more?

If you would like to find out more about UV Direct to Metal and how the product’s carbon footprint is calculated, please feel free to get in touch with us.

About UV Direct to Metal

  • Surface tension: 28 – 32 mN/m​
  • Optimum wettability​
  • Excellent adhesion​
  • Good chemical resistance (pH 10–11)​
  • Extremely flexible​
  • Fast-curing
  • Patented

With UV Direct to Metal, not only are we helping the metal packaging industry reduce their energy costs; we are also offering them a significantly more sustainable application process for coatings.

José Trigo

Global Market Manager Food & GL Cans

Our UV Direct to Metal Coatings

  • Primer (size coat) VZ7038/20​—3-piece GL cans​
  • Gold protective lacquer VZ7033/20—aerosol components​
  • White base coat—3-piece GL cans

Our partnership

ACTEGA cooperated with Brasilata Labs and Plasmatreat GmbH to make this innovative, sustainable technology a reality. If you are interested in learning more about how this plasma treatment works, please contact us; we would be happy to put you in touch with our expert contacts at Plasmatreat and Brasilata Labs. The entire production process, including the plasma treatment of the metal, is protected by a patent held by Brasilata.