New and Noteworthy Options for Catalog Papers
Increased postal rates, demand for more environmentally friendly paper and a tough economic forecast are just a few factors spurring paper companies to release new stock options for catalogers. As you look toward your next paper contract period, keep in mind a few of the following choices.
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Glare Guard; Expanded Weight Range
Sappi recently introduced two paper lines:
• Somerset Satin, a non-gloss finish, has a surface that resembles a matte stock when printing text, but acts like a gloss coated stock when printing four-color photography or illustration. The contrast between the text and illustrated areas gives the appearance of a spot gloss varnish, says Trudie Larrabee, Sappi’s catalog manager.
Moreover, the paper’s surface is refractive and diffuses rather than reflects light. “So it relieves the reader of having to constantly adjust the angle of a catalog to move the ‘stripe’ of glare out of the way,” Larrabee explains.
She recommends Somerset Satin for catalogers offering merchandise that’s best presented in a warm, non-gloss setting (e.g., soft bedding, home furnishings).
Somerset Satin is available in 45- to 80-lb text weights.
• Belgrade is a coated, #4, groundwood free-grade with high optics. In light of increased postal rates, Belgrade’s weight range has expanded to include 38-lb and 48-lb options, says Larrabee. Belgrade’s blue-white optical package also makes it an appealing stock for fashion catalogers, she adds.
For more information, call (914) 696-5537 or visit www.sappi.com.
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Multifaceted Paper Options
Each of the stock options listed below from Domtar boasts a blue-white shade for print contrast and an acid-free manufacturing process that prevents yellowing. Moreover, each is made with up to 20 percent post-consumer content.
For more information, call (800) 6-DOMTAR or visit www.domtar.com.
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Good for Mini-catalogs, Mailers
Soon to come from Nexfor Fraser Papers is Bridge Opaque, a blended, high-brightness catalog sheet that combines the qualities of sulfite and groundwood fiber.
Rich Chapel, Nexfor’s director of communications, says sulfite’s brightness combined with groundwood’s affordability makes this stock an attractive option for catalogers who supplement their regular print editions with mini-catalogs or sales flyers packaged with orders.
For more information, call (800) 920-9988 or visit www.fraserpapers.com.
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Influenced by Feedback
Based on research done with its major publication partners, Stora Enso created its North American Press Selection. Some key stocks within this product line include:
• PolarisPress, a high-bright, blue-white paper;
• NovaPress, which is available in a high-gloss or silky surface; and
• MagniPress, which comes in recycled options.
For more information, call (800) 322-7377 or visit www.storaenso.com/napressselection.
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Environmentally Friendly
This year Neenah Paper introduced ENVIRONMENT, its newest paper swatchbook. ENVIRONMENT is available in four categories:
• ENVIRONMENT 100% Post-consumer Fiber;
• FSC Certified, which meets the Forest Stewardship Council’s standards;
• Alternative Fiber, 50 percent of which is made from sugar cane; and
• 100% Recycled, which contains 30 percent post-consumer fiber.
All of these stocks are archival; inkjet- and laser-guaranteed; and meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for post-consumer recycled content. Colors include Blue Moon, Green Tea, Irish Creme and PC 100 Natural.
For more information, call (800) 558-5061, ext. 5, or visit www.neenahpaper.com.
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Management Help
Banta’s Paper Management Program helps catalog clients select the right paper and more efficiently buy and store that paper.
Catalogers can select from a variety of paper stocks bought with Banta’s robust buying power, and they gain access to a team of paper experts who can be reached any time by phone to answer specific paper-related questions. Moreover, catalog clients can get help with inventory management of paper and ink-on-paper trial runs. The printing company also offers a paper sampler and reference guide that includes one-, two- and four-color samples printed on both coated and uncoated paper.
However, if you’re the type of business operator who likes to keep paper management in-house, you may instead benefit from Banta’s white paper, “The Paper Dilemma: Should You or Your Printer Make the Purchase?” It covers supply chain management, process optimization, the value of samples and more.
For additional information, call (920) 751-7110 or visit www.banta.com.
