James Cropper refreshes Vanguard range

The Vanguard palette includes 28 colours
The Vanguard palette includes 28 colours

Papermaker James Cropper has updated its Vanguard range of smooth uncoated papers with the introduction of three new colours, new sheet sizing options, and the inclusion of upcycled fibre.

The company said extensive market research and growing demand for muted and relaxed shades was the inspiration behind the three new colour choices – peppermint, biscuit, and blush – all of which are available with immediate effect.

Peppermint is said to epitomise “a feeling of spring and cheerful energy, bringing a cool touch of personality to designs”, while biscuit “offers a warm, natural tone connected to nature”.

Blush, meanwhile, is a soft pale pink hue that James Cropper said captures a neutral contemporary look, “reminiscent of pale peonies and roses and the graceful swirl of a morning sunrise”.

The Vanguard palette includes 28 colours ranging from “soft on trend pastels” through to “intense bolds” and “cheerful bright shades”.

Every colour in the Vanguard collection contains a minimum of 30% upcycled fibre, to keep materials in use and help in the regeneration of natural systems.

The upcycled fibre is blended with fresh fibre from sustainable forestry sources to deliver paper “without any compromise on performance or beauty”, according to James Cropper.

The company has also introduced new sheet sizes for Vanguard with the UK and European markets in mind; the range is now available in both SRA2 and B1.

James Cropper senior product manager Jamie Bartle said: “The Vanguard collection is a snapshot of our colour and fibre capabilities.

“We believe the three new palette choices offer freshness, positivity and a colour for every occasion and the blend of upcycled and virgin fibre contributes to the circular economy, while delivering the premium quality we are renowned for.”

The business said the high opacity Vanguard range is suited to the production of printed items such as letterheads and envelopes, posters and brochures, invitations and tags, presentation fThe Vanguard palette includes 28 coloursolders, and business cards.

In March James Cropper signalled that its year-end results would be better than previous expectations, even though sales at its paper business were down by 20% in the second half.