Düsseldorf, Germany – International Paper announced today the launch of its new lightweight board called Alaska Plus. This drastically lighter weight GC2 product responds directly to customers’ growing demand for economically attractive and environmentally sustainable packaging solutions. The production of Alaska Plus was enabled by the modernization project completed in International Paper’s Kwidzyn mill in Poland earlier this year.

‘Alaska Plus represents a step-change in lightweighting, with basis weights significantly lower across the range compared to other standard GC2 products’, explained Michael Krüger, Commercial Director Coated Paperboard and Recycled Specialties at International Paper. ‘Using the latest technology in board making, we have been able to lower the basis weights of this product, whilst keeping all other technical parameters stable. The performance of Alaska Plus in printing, converting and packing is as excellent and effortless as our customers would expect from a product with ‘Alaska’ in the brand name’. 

Packaging converters and brand owners will be able to switch to Alaska Plus without any performance related adjustments, whilst enjoying the commercial and environmental benefits of a modern lightweight folding boxboard.

The production of Alaska Plus consumes fewer resources, offers lower transport weights and produces less waste, thereby decreasing the environmental impact and cost at all stages of a products life cycle.

Alaska Plus is designed for pharmaceutical, healthcare and beautycare packaging as well as for chocolate and all kinds of dry food applications. At this moment, three basis weights are available to all customers throughout Europe. The full range of products, comprising 7 basis weights starting from 200g/m², will be available in the comings weeks.

International Paper’s flexible sheeting service called Kwidzyn X-Press will also include Alaska Plus with immediate effect. Kwidzyn X-press enables the production of small order volumes in bespoke sizes with a guaranteed turn-around time of just 4 days (plus transport).

The standard Alaska GC2 board will continue to be available with unchanged technical specifications for a certain period of time in order to facilitate the transition to Alaska Plus.

International Paper will inform its customer base as soon as a final decision about the end-of life of standard Alaska has been made.

First priority is to allow sufficient time for a smooth transition, involving cartonboard converters and brand owners equally.

International Paper’s GC1 grade Arktika will continue to be available with unchanged technical specifications and remains one of the best value for money alternatives for high-end packaging as well as graphical and media applications.