Living Ink is thrilled to announce a packaging partnership with Nike sub-label, ISPA. This collaboration introduces the use of Living Ink's Flexographic Algae Ink™ for Nike ISPA's footwear boxes, marking a significant step towards sustainable packaging materials in the industry.
The ISPA acronym stands for Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, and Adapt, a design principle that guides the creation of products that address the needs of consumers through innovative design. This partnership showcases Living Ink's commitment to providing brands with eco-friendly solutions and Nike ISPA's dedication to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation. The shoeboxes’ design incorporates Algae Ink, the water-based and algae-pigmented ink alternative to traditional inks derived from petroleum-based carbon black pigment. The material collaboration reinforces both companies' environmental goals and sets a new standard for sustainable packaging in the footwear industry.
Each ISPA shoebox features a QR code that, when scanned, directs to the TEDx Talk “Is algae the ink of the future?” by Living Ink CEO, Scott Fulbright, which highlights the genesis and early stages of the company.
“We are excited to partner with Nike ISPA to bring our sustainable Algae Ink™ to their footwear packaging. This collaboration demonstrates how leading brands can integrate and visibly champion next-generation materials, offering consumers environmentally conscious options.”--Scott Fulbright, CEO and Co-founder of Living Ink Technologies
Nike has a history of working with Living Ink, having launched various screen-printed shirts and footwear collections using Algae Ink™ in recent years. Notably, Nike’s collaboration with Billie Eilish included a co-branded shoe featuring the Algae Ink™ “A-Drop” icon on the style’s interior.
This ISPA packaging collaboration comes on the heels of discussions of increased chemical regulations such as “The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act” currently being considered by the New York State Legislature. If passed, this bill would ban the use of carbon black and other chemicals deemed harmful in packaging inks by 2026. To that end, Living Ink is driving down its costs and scaling up production to meet companies’ growing need for sustainable pigment and ink solutions in their global supply chains. The maker of Algae Black™ pigment also continues to work with the world’s best and largest manufacturing partners to provide drop-in solutions for brands aiming to reduce their environmental impact and meet changing compliance requirements. Living Ink has developed a diverse product line of inks using their Algae Black pigment, samples of which can be purchased directly on their website or ordered in bulk for commercial applications.