HAMILTON, Ohio, November 30, 2004—SMART Papers today launched an important expansion and upgrade of its Knightkote Matte line of premium coated papers. It is the only premium coated printing paper collection from a North American papermaker to feature 30% post-consumer waste fibers—three times the current U.S. Government and industry standard for recycled coated papers. “There’s an important long-term trend now taking shape,” said Tim Needham, President and CEO of SMART Papers, one of North America’s largest privately-held papermakers. “A growing number of companies selling to consumers want their printing papers to contain post-consumer waste. This trend is only going to get stronger in the years ahead.” Today, nearly all premium coated printing papers have little to no post-consumer waste. U.S. regulations say coated paper must have a minimum of just 10% post-consumer waste to be considered recycled. Needham said SMART Papers upgrades of the ultra-smooth, soft-gloss Knightkote Matte line gives paper buyers and specifiers a wide array of eco-friendly premium coated papers to fulfill customer needs. In addition to 30% PCW content, Knightkote Matte features 50% total recycled content. Knightkote Matte can be used in traditional offset and digital printing equipment. “The expansion of Knightkote Matte reflects our company’s core commitment to environmentally friendly coated papers,” said Needham. He said he expects his company to continue adding post-consumer waste to premium and uncoated papers in the years ahead. SMART Papers’s premium uncoated printing papers feature up to 100% post-consumer waste content. Details on Knightkote Matte And New Swatchbook/Print Demo SMART Papers said it has also expanded the breadth of the Knightkote Matte gradeline and advanced the print surface quality for less dot gain and crisper images. This newest upgrade and expansion comes just three years after the company overhauled the Knightkote Matte line, significantly improving its quality and value. Applications for Knightkote Matte papers include high-end direct mail pieces, annual reports, corporate collateral, brochures, greeting cards, books and packaging. All Knightkote Matte papers are manufactured in a total chlorine-free facility, are made with elemental chlorine-free pulps, and are archival. The new Knightkote Matte swatchbook highlights a strong environmental message from SMART Papers. The cover is a double-thick, creme sheet and features photos from world-class nature photographer James Kay of Utah. Kay’s work has been featured by The Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Adventure, Outside magazine, Sierra magazine as well as Nikon, Patagonia, Fidelity Investments and IBM. Kay’s compelling photography also showcases the paper and demonstrates a wide variety of printing techniques that can be used on Knightkote Matte. The swatchbook spotlights Knightkote Matte’s comprehensive offering including two shades, Cool White and Creme, and its two embossed cover finishes, Canvas and Vertical. It details the wide selection of text and cover weights, including high-yield return postcard stock as well as the new 16-pt., 130-lb. double-thick cover. This cover is also offered in 60-sheet packs. A section of the swatchbook outlines the capabilities and features of various digital printing presses that can be used to print Knightkote Matte papers. In addition to traditional offset presses, the papers can be printed on laser printers, digital color copiers, production-rated digital color imaging presses, DI presses and HP Indigo presses.