Antalis marketing manager Christophe Balaresque said the agreement would be the catalyst for a new project helping the group forge closer links with the design community.

Antalis has also been appointed exclusive stockist for Evanescent in France, Belgium and Poland.

A new back-selling team has been established by the merchanting group. The six-strong team, led by manager Andrew Ostacchini, will sell products such as Evanescent in the UK.

It will provide product selection and technical advice, and has effectively replaced the Creative Link, the partnership between Arjo Wiggins Fine Papers and Antalis.

New products will also be launched later in the year to add to Antalis ranges, including one being developed by Thibierge & Comar.

The Evanescent range consists of Gloss, available in 68gsm weight in 13 colours, and Silk, available in 100gsm and 200gsm weights in seven colours.

Thibierge & Comar export manager Florian Rocher said the range was inspired by the iridescent and transparent wings of the Hoplia Coerulea dragonfly.

The translucent effect is due to heavy calendering (gloss) or high beating (silk), making the range suitable for applications involving offset, screen printing and blind blocking.

It includes envelopes in three sizes, 160mmx160mm, DL and C5.

Story by Andy Scott