Next Generation 12C is the result of a long-running collaboration with the South African paper group, press manufacturer Heidelberg, chemical group BASF, and ink-maker Xsys Print Solutions. It was launched in Istanbul last week.
"The process started two years ago... We have been looking at the interface between the printing press, ink, fount solution and paper stock," said Sappi Fine Paper Europe sales and marketing director Marco Eikelenboom.
Manufactured at Sappi's Gratkorn and Maastricht mills, 12C has been optimised for "quality critical" images on eight-, 10- and 12-colour presses. "We are striving for the highest quality," said Eikelenboom.
Sappi and its partners carried out extensive in-house testing followed by field tests with Heidelberg Speedmaster 102 users in Germany, who used the paper on critical commercial jobs for three months.
The claimed benefits of 12C, which is available in weights from 115-250gsm, are: exacting colour reproduction of challenging images; print consistency on both sides; dimensional stability; fast ink absorption and ink setting; a more controlled and efficient process; and consistency of results across all grammages.
12C is the first product to fall under the Sappi's new Next Generation umbrella brand. "Each product will be based on new standards of paper design, development and cutting-edge technology," said Sappi Fine Paper Europe chief executive Wolfgang Pfarl. Additional Next Generation products are currently under development.
Visit: www.sappi.com/NextGeneration
Story by Lauretta Roberts
Are you looking to upgrade to UV LED technology?
Learn why Grafiche Antiga chose GEW’s LeoLED curing system when they upgraded their sheetfed press.
Have your say in the Printweek Poll
Related stories
Latest comments
"The floundering Konica Minolta, wearied and blood stained, tries in vain to gain footing in the mud of the battlefield. The sound of hooves charges nearer as Fujifilm, in shining armour, breaks the..."
"This may be a sound decision. These high end jobs can sometimes yield a low profit due to high AV. This work may win awards and create a high profile for a company. I would suspect that Bluetree have..."
"I won't get into the "race to the bottom" debate........However the "Customers are free to choose the best price on offer which, by definition, is the most efficient way to manufacture a job" is..."
Up next...
New machines unveiled
Komori reveals Drupa launches
Proposal is 'opportunistic'
Royal Mail parent rejects possible takeover bid
Team has shared vision
25/8 adds merch and workwear with latest buy
Q-line launched in UK