What is it and what4 is it designed for?
Ditto Formcore is, according to manufacture BCP Fluted Packaging, a more environmentally friendly and stable alternative to existing polystyrene (PS) and polyurethane (PU) foam, which offers better performance characteristics than corrugated and solid display board.
The product is designed as a lightweight, temporary or long-term display board for internal use, such as store signage and POS displays, as well as mounting board for graphics and artwork. BCP says it has a high-gloss, bright-white smooth surface that allows high-quality graphics to be printed on both sides
What is it made from?
Ditto Formcore is made entirely from paper, which means it is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Robustness is given to the paper through the manufacturing process, whereby the board is constructed using cold embossing rather than a heated corrugating method. The patented structure is created by laminating embossed layers onto coated paper-based board, which results in a core that has an open multi-directional formation allowing air to flow through in every direction. According to BCP, it is this, and the fact that the moisture content of the adhesive used in the patented manufacturing process for Formcore is also lower than that used in conventional corrugating, that ensures the board retains its shape for the duration of its use. BCP owner Brian Jones says: "Our embossed pattern creates a structure that has equal directional strength, no matter how it is folded."
Ditto can be customised with a range of substrates, coloured inners and finishes, such as film and foil laminates, to create different effects. Marketed as a versatile product, BCP is also able to boost the rigidity of the board by increasing the weight of the materials used to manufacture it.
When was it launched?
Ditto has been in beta-testing with the Creative Display Group for 12 months and it was officially launched to the market at the end of July. Its debut was timed to coincide with the launch of a new dedicated website which includes a video illustrating the research and development and subsequent manufacturing of Ditto.
How does it differ from other versions?
BCP says Ditto differs from other display boards because it retains its shape for the duration of its use without warping or twisting. Additionally, its environmental credentials mean that it commands the best ‘white waste’ price if it is recycled, whereas other foam-centred boards will go to landfill or incinerators, both waste solutions that carry a cost.
What is its USP?
BCP claims that, thanks to its patented core structure, the board will not bend, twist or warp even when subjected to changes in humidity or temperature in-store. It is marketed as a strong, rigid and stable board that ensures signs will "start flat and stay flat". Jones says: "We developed it as an environmentally friendly alternative to foam board, but I believe its USP is its stability – its reliability to stay flat. It will look as good the day you take it down as it did the day it went up."
How easy is it to work with?
Ditto can be digitally or screen printed on both sides and is suitable for pre-printed offset litho sheet lamination. It can be guillotined and die-cut without specialist equipment and can be easily creased into three dimensional shapes. Jones says: "It is very easy to work with and remains completely stable and flat through the print and cutting processes."
How much does it cost?
Ditto Formcore can be ordered from specialist distributors the Proctor Paper Group from £3/sqm to £5/sqm, dependent upon the quantity and specifications requested. There is no minimum order requirement with standard sizes, but for special sizes or specifications, a minimum of 5,000sqm must be ordered.
SPECIFICATIONS
Whiteness ISO 11475: 112%
Surface pH neutral
Thickness 3.7mm
Standard sizes 1,524x1,016mm, 1,524x3,050mm, 1,250x1,840mm, 1,250x 2,450mm
Making tolerances Trimmed: min width 250mm, max width 1,530mm, min length 400mm, max length 3,050mm (bespoke sizes available)
Core material Recyclable and biodegradable paper alternative to foam
Price £3/sqm to £5/sqm, dependant upon order quantity. Minimum order requirement of 5,000sqm for special sizes
Contact Proctor Paper Group 0113 277 4848, www.proctors.biz
ALTERNATIVES
Grafik foam-centred boards
Launched by paper merchant Robert Horne Group, the bright-white, foam-centred Grafik range comprises the lightweight Grafik Line, designed for in-store POS displays, and Grafik Mount and Grafik Fix which are more robust and intended to be used as mounting boards for posters, photographic work or laminated displays.
Whiteness ISO 11475: 122%
Surface pH neutral
Thickness 5mm/10mm
Dimensions min: 700x1,000mm, max: 1,524x3,050mm (bespoke sizes available)
Core material white polystyrene
Price from £3.50/sqm to £10.50/sqm depending on specification
Contact Robert Horne Group 01604 495333 www.roberthorne.co.uk
M2 Foam Board
This sign and display foam board comprises a smooth, bright-white paper surface adhered front and back to white polystyrene foam. It is anti-UV treated to resist yellowing over time and its core possesses ‘memory’ so there is no compression of edges when die-cut. Suitable for screen and digital printing as well as laminated displays. Only available in bulk order.
Whiteness ISO 11475: 129%
Surface pH neutral
Thickness 3mm, 5mm, 10mm
Standard dimensions 508x762mm, 762x1,016mm, 3,050x1,524mm, 1,016x1,524mm, 1,220x2,440mm
Core material polystyrene foam
Price minimum order: around £10,000
Contact M2 Products 01702 512223 www.m2products.com
