HAMILTON, Ohio--Oct. 9, 2001-- Smart Papers, the newest U.S. papermaker, has significantly improved the physical, optical and printing characteristics of the world?s best-known coated printing paper family. The expanded new gradeline, known as Kromekoteplus, is now available to graphic designers, printers and corporations. The triple-coated cast papers feature a new icy blue-white shade, higher brightness, richer gloss, increased stiffness, higher print fidelity and improved performance on press. Available in many weights, sizes and finishes, the glossy papers are made for commercial printing applications including annual reports, greeting cards, book covers, brochures and other printed materials requiring high visual impact. Significantly, the company's ultra-gloss Kromekote Glass product is the glossiest printing paper in the market today. It has more than 20% higher ink gloss than its nearest competitor. "Printers report that Kromekoteplus runs flawlessly on high-speed offset, digital offset, laser and inkjet printers,'' said Smart Papers president and CEO Tim Needham. "And designers tell us that Kromekoteplus offers a luxurious surface and inspires creativity. It provides a canvas for the maximum range of visuals and color tones. Images and text pop off the page. This paper creates attention.'' The papers are available as Kromekoteplus Text and Cover; as Kromekote Glass for maximum gloss; as Kromekote Digital for digital offset, inkjet and laser printers; as Kromekote Packaging for label and carton applications and as Kromekoteplus Textures, featuring four new embossed finishes. A new Kromekoteplus swatchbook will be released Monday, Oct. 15. Later in the month, the company will unveil additional print demonstrations and commercial samples for the product. A promotion and education campaign for Kromekoteplus follows. Kromekote was first introduced in 1929 by the former Champion International and, for decades, it set the premium standard for coated papers. Champion invented the cast coating process at the Hamilton, Ohio, manufacturing facility. This process casts a special coating against chrome drums to create a very smooth, glossy surface. Smart Papers, which acquired the Hamilton center earlier this year, modernized and extended the gradeline with the goal of making it the best looking and performing super-premium cast-coated printing paper grades. The manufacturing and design changes that went into Kromekoteplus were made after extensive analysis of competitive offerings in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The changes also reflect the generous counsel of printers, designers, paper distributors and corporate end-users, Needham said.