HAMILTON, Ohio--Oct. 11, 2001-- Smart Papers, the newest U.S. papermaker, today introduced significant product quality advances and expanded market positioning for its well-known Benefit gradeline. With the overhaul, Smart Papers is seeking to greatly broaden the line's applicability for major print projects and spur new demand among designers, printers and corporations. The gradeline modernization gives Benefit new high-bright whites with a new ultra-smooth surface for high definition printing, and new neutral off-whites and colors that work together in any combination. Benefit has 15 colors and three finishes in a wide range of writing, text and cover weights. One white and one off-white sheet feature the Smart Print Surface (SPS(TM)), a specially-engineered smooth-surface treatment for maximum print quality. "The totally-redesigned Benefit is bold and fashion sensitive for specialty projects. It's also classic, subtle and extremely functional for businesses and organizations,'' said Tim Needham, president and CEO of Smart Papers. "Benefit again sets a new standard for sophisticated colors, performance, value and recycled fiber content in premium printing papers.'' Benefit's Swatch System Released Oct. 15; Sets New Industry Standard With Removable, Reusable Papers, Simplified Stocking Information Smart Papers also uses the launch of the new Benefit Recycled Paper System to create an innovative, simplified swatchbook for designers and printers. Individual papers are removable and reusable so colors can easily be sampled and compared. Stock items have been simplified; all weights, colors and finishes are easily identified. The papers are now available. The new swatchbook will be released Oct. 15 and a promotion and education campaign for the Benefit Recycled Paper System follows. First introduced in 1989 by the former Champion International, Benefit was the first premium writing, text and cover line to feature 100% recycled fibers in many colors. It quickly set a new quality and performance standard for earth-friendly printing papers. Designers have long used the gradeline for its color options and high post-consumer fiber content while printers have praised its highly dependable print performance. Benefit is specified for corporate identity programs, annual reports, letterhead and other key marketing materials.