NORCROSS, GA (January 23, 2008) – Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, has announced the launch of Porcelain Ultra coated paper in its Western U.S. markets, beginning in January 2008.

Porcelain Ultra -- a sheet-fed paper grade manufactured by UPM -- is available with both a 94 bright gloss, and a 95 bright silk coated enamel finish. Unisource has sold Porcelain Ultra in its Midwest and Eastern U.S. markets, and the brand's success sparked expansion to the West to provide national availability to customers.

Unisource has numerous promotional activities planned to announce the arrival of Porcelain Ultra.  The company has partnered with Atlanta-based design and marketing agency Function: to create a high-end remembrance book paying tribute to famed Rolling Stone magazine photographer Baron Wolman.  The volume – showcasing Porcelain Ultra, exclusively distributed by Unisource – will be used as a promotional tool to help launch the paper brand on the West Coast.

The book, produced in large format to reflect the tone of vintage rock posters, features some of Wolman's most celebrated images – including photos of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Grace Slick and The Grateful Dead.   The piece also incorporates an exterior wrap highlighting Wolman's personal story, while the interior is dedicated to his experiences with the musicians immortalized in his photos.  A range of black-and-white and quad tones was used throughout the book to highlight the strengths of both the paper and the photography.  Function: utilized Porcelain Ultra's gloss and silk finishes along with cover weights to showcase the range of the product line.  Porcelain Ultra prints like a Rock Star!

"We are excited to be distributing this quality coated grade in our Western markets.  Porcelain Ultra will provide our customers with superior surface characteristics, excellent contrast to enhance the printed image and a unique silk finish in addition to the gloss.  The basis weight range of 70# text to 120# cover provides flexibility in design applications and printing techniques.  Porcelain Ultra will also have PEFC forest sustainability certification -- with paper shipments arriving in the second quarter this year," said Unisource's Vince Clubb, Area Marketing Director, West.

Unisource has several Porcelain Ultra events planned in selected markets, featuring a narrative hosted by Wolman, who plans to attend the San Francisco event.  Each event has a Rock 'n' Roll theme consistent with the market introduction.  In addition, Unisource sales representatives are distributing Porcelain Ultra swatch books – containing samples and specification details – to commercial printing customers.