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Byline: AP staff Unisource introduces PorcelainECO, a premium coated paper that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certified and has a post-consumer waste (PCW) content of 10%. See [...]

The article provides an update on the paper vendors' environmental activities, as well as a selection of the latest ecofriendly papers for commercial printing. Wisconsin-based Appleton Coated has secured The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certification for Utopia products. All premium recycled papers from Boise Paper reportedly meet the same high standards as non-recycled paper. Mohawk has relaunched its premium linen paper grade, Beckett Cambric.

The article features several new products including the Masters of Design papers from Monadnock Paper Mills, the Fount-N-Kleer XL filtration system from Procam Controls, and the ProClick Pronto P3000 binding system from GBC.

The article evaluates several printing products including the Ultra Digital films from GPA, Strathmore Digital Papers from Mohawk Fine Papers and MonacoQCcolor version 1.5 software from X-Rite.

This section presents new products, technologies and enhancements in the printing industry. Van Son Holland Ink Corp. introduces Quickson PRO, a new oil-based ink designed to work on any size press for any application. Quickson PRO offers good ink and water balance and sets quickly with a variety of fountain solutions. Kustom Group's Strike-Thru combines a matte and gloss finish produced in a single pass. It is based on the incompatibility of dull varnish and a gloss aqueous coating. The gloss protects the sheet and, as it dries, allows the matte to show through. Exact Color Print from Petzold Concept GmbH is a spot and metallic color system claimed to practically eliminate the need for special colors as well as reduce the cost of spot-color printing. All of the 4,2000+ colors, metallic and pearl tones currently included in the system can be reproduced using cyan, magenta, yellow, key, silver and gold inks. In addition to samples for each grade, finish and weight, the Appleton Coated Utopia swatchbook includes a print comparison of line art, black halftone, duotone, four-color process and metallics, with and without varnish on all grades and finishes. Smart Papers has upgraded and improved its uncoated Synergy line of recycled writing, text and cover papers. These papers are made with 100 percent post-consumer waste fibers.

This article presents a glossary of terms about papers. Acid-free papers are papers made without acid-forming components, which prevents internal chemical deterioration of the paper over time. In the U.S. each paper category has a specific basic sheet size associated with it. The basic size is used mainly to establish the paper's basis weight and does not necessarily indicate available sheet sizes. Outside of North America, the metric system is used to determine a paper's weight and size. The basis weight shows the weight of one ream (500 sheets) of basic size paper in pounds. The combination of the basic sheet size and basis weight determines whether a sheet is a 60-lb. text, 100-lb. cover, etc. A paper's brightness is defined by the percentage of light it reflects. Every white paper has its own brightness, which is measured on a bright meter machine, known in the U.S. as the GE scale. Other regions use a brightness scale based on the International Organization for Standardization. Papers are manufactured to either caliper or weight. Caliper refers to the thickness of a sheet of paper. In North America, it is frequently referred to in terms of points. The term finish refers to the surface of the paper, starting out with two basic choices--uncoated or coated.

Presents new products and equipment for the printing industry released as of May 2003. HP Indigo Printing Parer for digital presses from Hewlett-Packard; Relativity print promotion software from International Paper; High-security invisible inks from International Ink.

Highlights the demand for paper despite the growth of Internet usage. Relation of gross domestic product on paper demand; Paper pricing per ton; How online advertising affects the growth and demand for print.

GATF (Sewickley, PA) and PTA (Alexandria, VA recently distributed a wallet-size laminated card labeled, 'Printing Industry Facts and Figures.' These statistics confirm what most printers already know: This is one [...]

Domtar Communication Papers' latest promotional volume, 'BravoHarvey,' features the photography of David Alan Harvey. The promotion is printed on Bravo Gloss 100-lb. text and cover. The high ink densities showcase [...]

Sappi Fine Paper North America (Boston) is exiting the uncoated paper business and will close its Mobile, AL, paper mill, which employs about 500 people. 'The mill is not well [...]

Jeff Goldberg has joined the Richwood, KY-based outside sales staff at Roosevelt Paper Co. (Mt. Laurel, NJ). He will work with customers in South [...]

Gold Paper Corp. (New York City) and WWF Paper Corp. (Philadelphia) announced a strategic joint venture to create the largest independent distributor of fine papers in North America. With projected [...]

Metsa-Serla (Helsinki, Finland), a manufacturer of paper, packaging, pulp and other forest products, announced it will pay approximately $74.5 million for International Paper's (Purchase, NY) 72 percent stake in fine-paper [...]

The 1999-2000 New York Knicks have chosen Yupo Corp.'s (Chesapeake, VA) YUPO synthetic paper as its official paper, and will use it for season, club and suite tickets. Branded 'one [...]

PaperExchange.com, Inc. (Boston), a global e-marketplace for the pulp and paper industry, and Noosh, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA), an Internet-based business-to-business communication and collaboration service for the printing industry, will [...]

Fob.paper.com provides around-the-clock Internet access to a wide selection of web and sheetfed papers. Customers can specify papers according to basis weight, grade, mill and other options. The website uses [...]

Stora Enso Oyj has agreed to acquire Consolidated Papers, Inc. (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) in a transaction valued at $4.9 billion, including assumed net debt of $900 million. The combined enterprise [...]

Presents recommendations on how web offset printers can reduce their paper expenses. Includes documentation; Employee awareness; Optimization of paper roll diameters; Avoiding tension imbalance; Reduction of bindery trim; Regular maintenance; Evaluation of new technology.

Features strategies and insights from buyers and experts regarding paper buying. Old model of marketing policy; Discussion on waste elimination to create strong partnership; Experts' views on price hikes of 1994-95. INSET: Getting closer to real-time inventory management..

Presents several paper products for the printing industry. Champion Kromekote's cast-coated paper; Niagara Recycle TEF (totally environmentally friendly) paper line; International Paper's Hammerhill Unity DP 100 percent recycled business paper; More.

The article presents news briefs on the printing industry. Sun Chemical has sold certain assets of its Sun Graphic press blankets business to Day International. Two U.S. plate distributors were awarded the Distributor of the Year awards during the Flint Group Printing Plates' international distributor conference. Global consumption of specialty papers is expected to grow.

The article focuses on changes and developments in opacity and whiteness specification for coated and uncoated papers. Some of these developments include more foreign papers are entering the North American market, more North American mills are using fluorescent whitening agents and emerging technology. Both the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have industry standards for measuring brightness. Typically, product manufacturers in North America reference the TAPPI scale, while those outside North America usually reference the ISO measurement system. TAPPI and ISO standards use different methods of measuring reflectance within the blue spectrum. INSETS: Confusing characteristics;How paper grading standards evolved.

This article offers a look at various synthetic papers. Besides being waterproof, synthetic papers are tear-resistant, extremely durable and have superior pliability. These characteristics make synthetic papers especially suitable in niche markets where moisture or other contaminants would damage wood-based papers. Synthetic papers can be used for maps, menus, book covers, signage, point-of-purchase, security cards, loyalty cards and unusual promotions. Synthetic paper generally refers to nonfiber-based papers, which usually means plastic-based papers, in addition to their main substance, these papers may contain inorganic fibers as well as silica or clay. Synthetic papers have a long life span because of their high tensile strength. When manufactured, synthetic papers are biaxially stretched. As with all paper, stiffness and tensile strength are higher in the grain direction. Some synthetic papers have a grain direction while others claim no grain direction at all, which can be advantageous when it comes to folding and finishing a piece. A general concern when printing on synthetic papers is possible static in the sheets. Good humidity and temperature controls help eliminate this issue. The use of static elimination equipment and humidity fans is very common. INSETS: Wow! Now that's a high-definition poster;Where's the Wally?.

Presents several paper samplers used in the printing industry. Knightkote Matte Creme from Smart Papers; Classic Columns Papers Red Pepper Swatchbook from Neenah Papers; Whitehall Offset from Domtar.

Presents new products used in the printing industry as of July 2002. F-45N automatic friction folder from MBM Corp.; Information on Stora Enso's coated paper; DocuColor 6060 digital color press from Xerox.

Looks at the marketing condition of the paper industry in 1999. Impact of increased supply on prices; Forecast on worldwide real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates; Issue of paper imports.

Focuses on the improvement of the quality of paper. Redefinition of paper grade; Coated freesheet; Uncoated freesheet; Coated groundwood; Paper distribution trends. INSET: Paper markets: looking towards Asia..

Features several graphic arts paper. Premium offset enamel; FiberMark's Leatherette finish; Weyerhaeuser's Cougar Opaque; Wausau Papers' premium text and cover; Gilber Papers' writing grade line called Voice.

Presents information on ways to control paper cost in the print industry. Working with customers to predict their paper needs; Biggest problem that paper business have to contend with; Reasons why some paper costs are high; Scenarios which can help to better manage a company's resources.

* Western Lithotech (Sr. Louis), a Mitsubishi Chemical company, has appointed Kathy May general sales manager of the commercial division and U.S./international marketing director. Mark Yaegle has joined the company [...]

Sappi Fine Paper North America (Boston) is restructuring corporate staff functions at its headquarters and various sales and corporate offices across the U.S. As part of the streamlining, approximately 100 [...]

Photographs by National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry are displayed in 'Diversity,' a paper demonstration printed on Monadnock's Dulcet and Caress un-coated text and cover papers. The brochure is printed four-color [...]

The value of promotional cups will continue to grow globally because of their power to promote and strengthen brand identities, according to paper manufacturer Stora Enso (Helsinki, Finland). Advertising agency [...]

The article reports that individuals who buy Mohawk's Panoramic papers designed for HP Indigo printing presses from February 17 to May 17, 2011 will earn three entries for a draw that offers a four-day, three-night golf trip to Ireland.

The article features three new cutsize paper products from UPM which include UPM Office Recycled premium white paper, UPM DIGI Color laser grade and Yes Light and Future Multitech eco copy paper.

The article reviews the web-based videos about role of paper in a person's life and promoting of products on Youtube.

The article reports on the continued price increase of coated and uncoated freesheet paper in the U.S. as of summer 2006. Weyerhaeuser Co. and Boise Cascade Inc. have announced $40-$60/ton price increases for offset and opaque grades. The price increase is due to more than 1.7 million tons per year of capacity that has been idle since 2003, which limits supply and boosts operating rates of paper producers. For some analysts, the prices of uncoated freesheets are close to peaking and they expect that average 2007 prices to be lower than the current level of $850/ton.

This article explains the impact of the fluctuation in temperature and humidity on paper performance from the warehouse to the reel room and up into the high-speed presses. In high-speed presses, machinery heat causes a drop in relative humidity resulting in static electricity and web breaks. Thus, some companies employed moisture atomizing or steam evaporative systems into their plants or the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system distribution within a plant.

This article offers tips in storing, handling, conditioning and loading paper or specialty media product to maximize performance and machine productivity. Although designed to withstand the demands of normal shipping, cartons do not afford protection against damage. Thus, paper should be stored in an area protected from extremes of temperature and humidity. If cartons or individual reams are to be stacked, they should be placed carefully on top of one another to avoid causing any other damage. INSET: Loading the paper tray.

This section provides answers to questions concerning paper and the paper industry. A paper's brightness is defined by the percentage of light it reflects. Papers with a higher brightness allow colors to stand out, while lower-brightness papers are easier on the eyes for reading or extended viewing. A brighter sheet usually is more expensive to make. Fillers and chemicals, such as fluorescent dyes and optical brighteners, are needed to create the paper's brighter appearance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends paper with a minimum recycled content of 30 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) for uncoated papers and 10 percent PCW for coated papers. A lot of high quality mills offer paper that meets or exceeds these standards. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified papers are another option. This worldwide organization certifies sustainable forestry practices and encourages the use of FSC-certified paper. As for bleaching, ensure that the paper is process chlorine-free (PCF). PCF indicates that fiber is recycled and is unbleached or bleached with non-chlorine compounds. PCF papers cannot be considered totally chlorine-free because of the unknown bleaching process of its recycled content.

This article presents paper buying tips for printers in the U.S. Once the preliminary design is done, encourage the designer to inspect the paper and get quotes from several printers. Small changes can make the difference in fitting the job on a press sheet. And at this stage, the designer still can make small adjustments, something that obviously cannot be done after the client has approved the final proof. Many paper merchants and industry organizations offer seminars on paper and paper selection. Take clients to one of the seminars. Printers can refresh their memory and clients will be pleased that printers are interested in furthering their knowledge. Small quantity paper orders can be frustrating. Suppose printers have a job for 500 business cards on a special paper available only in full cartons and they do not foresee client requesting it again soon. Printers should not despair. Some text and cover mills offer small quantities of their papers online or they could use one of the numerous online paper sellers. In addition, some designers will astound printers with their paper suggestions. Find out what is important to clients. If alternatives are appropriate, printers must demonstrate that they understand clients' priorities by suggesting papers that fit the needs.

Discusses the factors that influence the paper choices of professional print buyers and designers. Importance of choosing a paper that is appropriate for the project of the buyer of designer; Significance of the history of the paper to buyers; Reason of customers for considering the cost when purchasing papers. INSET: The future of paper and digital printing.

Focuses on the strategies developed by many printer companies that can enhance efficiencies and keep a low paper cost. Importance of developing relationship with key suppliers; Significance of investigating some ways on how the supplier can add value to the business; Information on how the Internet can help printer companies keep paper costs down.

Focuses on the future of publishing papers in North America which was tackled in Publishing and Communications Papers Conference held from September 10 to 12, 2001 in Montreal, Quebec. Biggest problems facing the paper industry; Features of capital investments designed to upgrade the quality of supercalendered (SC) papers; Rationale behind SC use in coupons.

Describes how a combination of pressures is leading many buyers to take a close look at the grades of supercalendered (SC) papers. Higher grade of SC paper aimed at buyers of lightweight coated (LWC) paper; Description of SC paper from the SC Council; Growth of the amount of SC paper used in North America; Bigger mix of SC grades in the United States market.

Focuses on benefits from the use of synthetic papers in printing. Components of synthetic papers; Printing on non-absorbent substrates; Value of the printed synthetic paper.

Focuses on the key trends that change paper buying and discusses the effect of economics, ecology and electronics to all categories of paper. Predictions about future paper purchasers; Advantages of plantation wood; Discussion about recycled papers; Possible trends that change paper buying.