# Sustainable Algae-Based Labels Waiākea is the First to Print Labels with Algae-Based Ink By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2026-04-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algaebased-ink References: [packagingdive](https://www.packagingdive.com/news/waiakea-hawaiian-volcanic-beverages-sustainability-algae-based-ink/813799/) & [actega](https://www.actega.com/emea/en/brands/actexact/uv-black-algae-ink.html)  The small batch coffee and bottled water company Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages is looking to make its packaging more sustainable by using algae-based ink. No stranger to eco-friendly innovation, Waiākea was the first beverage company to use 100% postconsumer recycled plastic back in 2012. Now, the brand is marking another first by becoming the first to print labels with algae-based ink. The sustainable ink took four years to develop and was created in partnership with [Living Ink Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-and-this-is-beauty), Actega, and [NextGen Label Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-reuse-project). ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is a much more sustainable ink option because traditional carbon black-based ink is derived from petroleum. According to Waiākea, if all black pigment were replaced with the algae-based ink, it would be the same effect as taking 25 million cars off the road. Image Credit: Wai?kea ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 71% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Algae-based Materials:** A shift toward algae-derived raw materials is enabling low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based pigments and polymers, offering a new feedstock for sustainable product components. - **Sustainable Packaging Inks:** Growing demand for eco-friendly labeling is accelerating development of bio-based inks that reduce lifecycle emissions and reshape sourcing for printing supplies. - **Bio-based Supply Chains:** Integration of biological inputs like algae into supply networks is creating opportunities for vertically integrated producers and localized material sourcing models. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Beverage Packaging:** Bottled drink brands adopting algae-based labels can lower packaging carbon footprints and differentiate on sustainability credentials in a crowded market. - **Printing and Labeling:** Label manufacturers switching to bio-derived inks are positioned to disrupt commodity pricing and regulatory compliance dynamics within the print supply chain. - **Cosmetics and Personal Care:** Personal care companies using algae-based pigments and containers could create cleaner ingredient narratives and reduce dependence on petrochemical-derived packaging. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Paper Cosmetic Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-beauty-paper-packette.md) - [Sustainable Packaging Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vetroplas-1.md) - [High-Barrier Paper Packaging Platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highbarrier-paper.md) - [Aluminum OTC Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foster-thrive.md) - [Lightweight Wine Bottle Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aldi-and-greencroft.md) - [Home-Compostable Beauty Pipettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-pipette.md) - [Sustainable Parcel Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/india-post.md) - [Sustainably Inked Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pangaia-x-air-ink.md) - [Connected Spirits Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacardi-rum-and-oi.md)