“The thermochromic aluminium cans project for Fanta brought a twist to the Halloween holiday promotion by The Coca-Cola Company in Latin America in 2023,” Daniel Wachter, CEO of CTI Chromatic Technologies

Daniel Wachter is the dynamic CEO of CTI Chromatic Technologies, where he serves as a visionary leader with a passion for shaping strategy and mobilising global teams to achieve optimal business success. With a remarkable track record, Daniel excels in turning around commercial environments, consistently driving P&L growth through his entrepreneurial and data-driven approach.

Known for his participative C-Suite leadership style, Daniel is a driving force behind developing business models, strategies, and partnerships. His strategic decision-making prowess is evident in his ability to embrace disruptive technologies within the context of global competition, digitalisation, Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT), propelling transformational business initiatives forward.

Daniel's organisational impact extends to his role as an organisational driver, shaping and aligning teams and partnerships by attracting, retaining, and developing talented individuals. His English, German, and French proficiency enhances his ability to lead and communicate globally.

AL Circle: What made this ‘thermochromic’ aluminum cans project for Fanta so exciting? What were the challenges faced, and how did the team overcome those?

Daniel Wachter: The thermochromic aluminium cans project for Fanta brought a twist to the Halloween holiday promotion by The Coca-Cola Company in Latin America in 2023. The goal was to infuse excitement and energy into the core brand Fanta, offering consumers a mystery flavour and a 5D sipping experience. The new Fanta flavour, called "Mistério," featured classic flavours like passion fruit, orange, grape, and guarana, accompanied by the introduction of CTI's thermochromic ink technology to elevate the consumer experience.

With CTI's Thermochromic ink technology, the cans and PET bottle labels underwent a colour transformation, with the graphics turning pink when chilled, creating two distinct visual states at room temperature and when cold. This dynamic feature aimed to engage and delight consumers.

The primary challenge faced by the team was executing this innovative concept across multiple countries, encompassing PET labels and aluminium cans. Over two years, CTI and The Coca-Cola Company Teams dedicated efforts to qualify ten label printers and five can converters in Latin America to ensure the successful implementation of CTI ink technology on a larger scale.

This effort resulted in Fanta Mistério being accessible across eleven Latin American countries. Available in two can sizes (310 and 350 millilitres) and PET bottles, this project successfully turned a creative vision into a widespread reality, offering consumers a unique and visually stunning experience with Fanta's thermochromic aluminium cans and PET bottles.

AL Circle: Can you explain the thermochromic technology used in aluminum cans to our readers?

Daniel Wachter: CTI's Thermochromic technology is a cutting-edge innovation that adds a dynamic and interactive dimension to aluminium cans and other printing methods such as screen, offset, and flexo/gravure. CTI's technology in Fanta activates when the product temperature reaches 8 degrees Celsius. The graphics can come alive at this specific temperature threshold, creating an engaging and visually captivating experience for the consumer.

Unlike traditional static packaging, where the visuals remain constant, our CTI thermochromic technology responds to changes in temperature, introducing an element of surprise and delight. The transformation of graphics at a specific temperature adds a unique interactive aspect and enhances the overall consumer experience, making the product more memorable and enjoyable.

AL Circle: What made the team choose this concept, especially as a Halloween edition?

Daniel Wachter:  The decision to choose CTI thermochromic technology for a Halloween edition stemmed from strategic considerations by The Coca-Cola Company's packaging team. They sought compelling proof of concept to demonstrate the viability of executing this innovative technology across multiple countries, encompassing cans and labels. The objective was to showcase the versatility and scalability of the CTI technology to the Latin America marketing team and the bottler network.

Halloween presented itself as an ideal test case for several reasons. First, the occasion offered a large-scale platform, providing an ample opportunity to prove the concept's effectiveness. Second, Halloween's festive and celebratory nature allowed for a creative and engaging application of the CTI thermochromic technology, enhancing the overall thematic experience for consumers.

With this debut edition, the Fanta team aimed not only to prove the technical feasibility of the thermochromic concept but also to gather insights and experiences that would be valuable for more extensive executions in the future. The Fanta Halloween edition served as a strategic stepping stone, preparing the team for broader applications of our exciting CTI thermochromic technology in subsequent projects.

AL Circle: How was your experience working with The Coca-Cola Company? What are some of the key takeaways you would like to highlight about this partnership?

Daniel Wachter:  Working with The Coca-Cola Company has been a collaborative and enriching experience for CTI Chromatic Technologies. Throughout the project lifecycle, from identifying various printers and converters to the qualification process, there was a strong collaboration between the Coca-Cola Company in Latin America and CTI. The joint effort involved CTI working closely with the Coca-Cola Company team to ensure that selected partners were qualified and ready to implement the innovative CTI thermochromic technology on a large scale.

One key aspect of this collaboration was the inclusion of CTI in the creative process. The Coca-Cola Company ensured that CTI actively shaped the creative vision. This involvement was crucial to guarantee that the artwork conceptualised could be effectively translated and produced on the press.

The partnership's key takeaways were the commitment to open communication, shared decision-making, and mutual involvement in the creative process, strengthening the collaboration between CTI and The Coca-Cola Company and contributing to the successful execution of innovative projects like the CTI thermochromic aluminium cans and PET bottles. The experience highlights the value of collaborative partnerships in pushing the boundaries of innovation within the beverage packaging industry.

AL Circle: What made you choose aluminum cans for this concept? From where do you source the aluminum cans for packaging?

Daniel Wachter:  Aluminium cans are the primary packaging method for Coca-Cola Company beverages in Brazil, Peru, and Paraguay, chosen for their lightweight nature, recyclability, and various other advantages. In Mexico, the largest Latin American market, PET labels take precedence.

Ensuring the highest quality for our colour-changing ink technology is paramount, and to achieve this, we closely collaborate with reputable suppliers in the packaging industry. Sustainability is a driving force in our suppliers' selection of materials and inks. Aluminium cans are pivotal in reducing the environmental footprint and aligning with sustainability initiatives.

At CTI, our supply process involves establishing partnerships with trusted suppliers who share our dedication to sustainability. As a provider of ink technology, CTI is committed to being a responsible steward of the world's resources, achieving this by using less material, minimising waste and energy consumption, and responsibly recycling leftover materials. This collaborative approach enables us to maintain a reliable and environmentally conscious supply chain. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute positively to the environment while delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to our customers.

AL Circle: How would you like to inspire other players in the aluminum packaging market to bring forward their new, innovative, and trendsetting developments?

Daniel Wachter:  We aim to inspire other players in the aluminium packaging market by showcasing the potential for creativity and consumer engagement through CTI colour-changing ink technologies. Our innovations demonstrate that aluminium packaging can be a canvas for unique and trendsetting developments, providing brands with exciting opportunities to differentiate themselves in the market. Collaborating with industry giants such as Molson Coors Beverage Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Constellation Brands, and others underscores the transformative power of innovation in shaping brand identities.

AL Circle: What is your investment strategy for developing new and improvised packaging solutions in the upcoming years?

Daniel Wachter:  At CTI, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of our chromatic ink technologies underscores our dedication to creating memorable consumer experiences through innovative packaging solutions. As we look ahead, our investment strategy for developing new and improved solutions is multifaceted.

First, we prioritise substantial investments in research and development. This involves dedicating resources to cutting-edge technologies, materials, and processes that can revolutionise the colour-changing ink industry. We aim to stay at the forefront of advancements, ensuring our solutions meet and exceed industry standards.

Second, collaboration is another crucial aspect of our investment strategy. By partnering with industry leaders, suppliers, and experts, we harness collective knowledge and expertise to drive innovation. These collaborations enable us to access diverse perspectives and stay informed about emerging trends, ultimately shaping our approach to colour-changing ink technology solutions.

Furthermore, our investment strategy emphasizes the adoption of sustainable practices. We recognize the growing importance of environmentally friendly solutions in the packaging sector. Therefore, we allocate resources to develop eco-friendly colour-changing ink materials and processes that reduce our environmental impact.

Technology plays a pivotal role in our strategy. We continually invest in state-of-the-art equipment and solutions that enhance the quality, efficiency, and functionality of our colour-changing ink solutions applied to packaging. This ensures that our products meet current market demands and positions us to anticipate and adapt to future trends.

AL Circle: Aluminium is a sustainable metal, what kind of awareness are you creating while promoting your brand

Daniel Wachter:  At CTI, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our innovative technology and efforts to raise awareness about environmentally responsible choices.

Our messaging often emphasizes the environmental benefits of aluminium, underlining its status as a sustainable material. By incorporating sustainability and recycling messages directly onto packaging, we strive to actively engage consumers in a dialogue about the positive impact of their choices on the environment.

For instance, we have used our Ink technology to highlight the eco-friendly nature of aluminium. We showcase the metal's recyclability, reduced carbon footprint, and overall contribution to a more sustainable future. Through these efforts, we aim to promote our brand and educate consumers on the importance of making environmentally conscious decisions in their purchasing behaviours.

By aligning our technology with sustainability principles and integrating clear messaging into packaging, we seek to create a lasting impact on consumer awareness. We aim to inspire individuals to make informed and responsible choices, fostering a collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

AL Circle: Do you think aluminum cans are a cost-effective packaging solution, or is sustainability the reason?

Daniel Wachter:  While aluminium cans are widely acknowledged for their sustainability, it's essential to note that they also offer a cost-effective packaging solution. The versatility of aluminium allows for efficient manufacturing processes, contributing to lower production costs. The lightweight nature of aluminium cans further reduces transportation expenses, making them economically efficient throughout the supply chain.

At CTI, our commitment to sustainability with our ink technology goes hand in hand with suppliers providing cost-effective solutions. The balance we strike between cost-effectiveness and sustainability aligns with our overarching goal of offering brands innovative yet economically viable packaging options. We believe that by providing environmentally responsible, financially advantageous choices, we can encourage adopting sustainable practices within the industry.

In summary, aluminium cans are recognised for their environmental benefits and appreciated as a pragmatic choice from a cost perspective. This dual advantage positions aluminium cans as a compelling packaging solution, meeting economic and sustainable objectives.

AL Circle: What are your limitations with aluminum packaging, and how do you overcome such challenges?

Daniel Wachter:  While aluminium packaging offers numerous advantages, we acknowledge the industry's challenges. Two notable limitations include limited design flexibility and potential complexities in recycling. Our dedicated suppliers actively address these challenges and continually explore innovative solutions to enhance the versatility and recyclability of aluminium packaging.

At CTI, we proactively overcome these challenges by leveraging our expertise in colour-changing ink technologies to enhance the visual appeal of aluminium packaging. By focusing on creative and visually engaging designs, we contribute to overcoming the limitation of design flexibility. We aim to demonstrate that aluminium packaging can be sustainable and offer diverse and attractive design possibilities.

Additionally, we collaborate closely with our suppliers to stay at the forefront of advancements in sustainability and recycling. This collaboration enables us to contribute to solutions that make aluminium recycling more efficient and environmentally friendly. We believe addressing these challenges is essential for the continued improvement and sustainability of aluminium packaging.