Stevens Point, Wis. - NewPage Corporation today launched OptiLabel HB, a 54 lb high performance general purpose label paper for North American and International pressure sensitive markets.

With a history based in manufacturing papers for the pressure sensitive market, the product development team at NewPage set its sights on developing a new label facestock that maintains a premium appearance, and consistently performs well and in all aspects of production, from pressure sensitive laminating and label printing, to die cutting and high speed label application.

"Our experience in this market provides us with an in-depth understanding of the needs throughout the entire supply chain," said David Diekelman, executive director of sales and business development for specialty papers. "Pressure sensitive converters want stunning label graphics for their brand owner customers, delivered on a North American sourced label paper that meets their stringent quality standards and maximizes operational efficiencies. OptiLabel HB delivers on all of these key objectives."

This product is manufactured on the No. 3 paper machine, one of three machines, at the NewPage Escanaba, Michigan, mill, a fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility. The state-of-the-art machine was recently converted to manufacture release liner and label facestock papers for the pressure sensitive industry. With a machine trim of 262 inches, the No. 3 paper machine is ideal for serving the unique requirements of the pressure sensitive industry.

OptiLabel HB joins NewPage's other label facestock papers, including Sterling Ultra C1S, Oxford HB, OptiPrime Family, OptiTherm and UniTherm. When combined with NewPage's release liner paper offerings, this creates the most comprehensive pressure sensitive paper portfolio in North America.

For more information or product samples, visit the NewPage booth #1539 at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, Illinois, September 14 - 16, 2010.