International Paper, the world’s largest paper and packaging company, has announced that it is introducing in August a new Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified 350gsm heavy weight paper to its PRO-DESIGN range, International Paper’s flagship colour laser paper from its Saillat Mill.

The new addition to the PRO-DESIGN range will complete International Paper’s digital range of papers, and the new FSC certified 350gsm weight is ideal for printing applications such as business cards, presentation folders, postcard, menus and other similar print requirements.

The PRO-DESIGN range carries outstanding credentials, such as its environmentally friendly manufacturing process and accreditations to both PEFC and EU Ecolabel certifications. From the end of 2012 the whole PRO-DESIGN range will move from being PEFC certified to FSC certified, providing a further environmental guarantee and endorsement of the product’s high sustainability standards.

PRO-DESIGN is produced at International Paper’s Saillat mill in France, which is one of the world’s best performing sites in terms of CO2 emissions. Since 1990, Saillat has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 78%.

The Saillat mill uses thinning from certified forests or those that are in the process of becoming certified, with its main forestry supplies located within just 150km of the mill, reducing any transport related environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions.

Saillat also recovers by-products from the furniture and framing industries which represents 27% of its wood supply. In terms of energy efficiencies and performance, some 88% of Saillat's energy requirements are met by the on-site production of green energy (biomass).

Commenting on the addition of the new FSC 350gsm heavy weight paper to the PRO-DESIGN range, Mike Robertson, International Paper’s Country Manager UK stated, “We are delighted to be able to add 350gsm to our premium Colour Laser brand and help answer the needs from our customers for this board weight. We are also addressing our customer requirement for FSC certification at the end of 2012 when the full range will become FSC Certified.”

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.

The PRO-DESIGN range is available in the UK through its two national merchant distributors, The Paper Company (PaperCo) and Premier Beswick. Customers within the Republic of Ireland can also obtain the range through merchant Realt Paper, Premier Paper Ireland, Glenvalley Paper and Swiftbrook.

For more information and samples of PRO-DESIGN, please contact Mike Robertson, International Paper’s UK & Ireland Country Manager at [email protected]