Brussels, Belgium – International Paper's PRO-DESIGN paper range has achieved yet another qualification by gaining approval from one of the largest OEMs in Europe - Xeikon. As a result of the Xeikon approval, PRO-DESIGN will now be added to Xeikon's authorized print media list for the Xeikon 5000plus, 6000 and 8000 engines.

Out of the eight grammages that are available within the PRO-DESIGN range, Xeikon tested and authorized five, which all were rated at "1A" quality level. This means that PRO-DESIGN has a perfect print quality, a stable printing behaviour, has no curl or stacking problems and a wide-working window of engine settings. Following the test results, a Xeikon operator who is very experienced in testing print media commented that, "The quality of PRO-DESIGN is extremely good and this was an easy and straightforward test from the start."
Hans Verberckmoes, Print Media and Technology Center Manager at Xeikon, stated "Xeikon customers around the world will be pleased to see a world leading player like International Paper bring out a broad range of high quality digital papers. Xeikon too, always welcome new quality paper types to expand the already vast range of digital print media for the document and commercial printing markets. This means that the capabilities of our customers to offer and produce new digital printing applications only can increase. It's great to have IP on board!"

The authorization process for PRO-DESIGN for Xeikon digital presses took place in Xeikon's HQ Testing Center in Belgium, and was carried out by first evaluating test prints made on a Xeikon 8000 engine. The engine was then fine-tuned and calibrated to work at its best with a given print media from the start, thus minimizing the start-up waste. The test results are usually later posted on www.xeikon.com for Xeikon users to download, enabling them to calibrate their machines accordingly.

James Straw, Technical Service Manager and Michal Mroz, PRO-DESIGN Brand Manager, both had the opportunity to attend the testing. "It's good to hear such a testimony to PRO-DESIGN superior quality and seamless performance", said Michal. "We know that PRO-DESIGN is the brand each user can trust and it is just a matter of time before the users of Xeikon engines, will know this for a fact."

Xeikon is focused on developing, producing, marketing and selling digital colour printing systems and related consumables for the full colour dynamic digital printing market.

The Xeikon approval follows the PRO-DESIGN improvements that were announced earlier this year as part of a major product re-launch, which also included new packaging features, encompassing a recyclable paper wrap displaying the grade's environmental credentials and further endorsing its high environmental performance. The product packaging now carries the PEFC logo, EU Ecolabel, along with details of International Paper's Saillat mill in France. The Saillat mill is one of the best in the world in terms of CO² emissions, with just 122kg per tonne as declared in the Paper Profile.

The Saillat mill has achieved a 78% reduction in CO² emissions since 1990, (which is better than both the CEPI reduction requirement of 27% and also the Kyoto Protocol guidelines of 8%).

The high environmental credentials of the Saillat mill put the production facility amongst the best in terms of environmental reliability. The mill was also among the first in Europe to achieve PEFC Chain of Custody certification in 2003, with its wood supply coming from local sustainably managed forest sources within a 120km transportation distance.

PRO DESIGN reels for Xeikon digital presses are available from leading independent paper merchant group Premier Paper in the UK.

PRO-DESIGN is International Paper's colour laser range for professional laser printing, used by graphic reproduction houses, digital printers and copy centres. Its significant features include improved high whiteness 168 CIE quality. This provides sharper contrasts for excellent reproduction, whilst other features include better sheet formation, smooth surface, optimal stiffness for jam-free runnability and ISO 9706 providing an anti-ageing guarantee.

PRO-DESIGN's outstanding environmental credentials, such as its environmentally friendly manufacturing process and accreditations to both PEFC and EU Ecolabel certifications, provide an environmental guarantee and endorsement of the product's high sustainable standards.