Düsseldorf, Germany – International Paper announced today the launch of two new basis weights of its Alaska Plus lightweight GC2 board. The new basis weights are:

• 190g/m² / 320 µm, which is replacing the standard Alaska 200g/m², offering the same performance in packaging products with a 5% yield advantage. This basis weight has a unique position on the market, as it is the only high-stiffness GC2 board product below 200g/m².

• 270g/m² / 500 µm is an additional grade that allows customers to benefit from a tighter stacked caliper range of Alaska Plus.

‘With these two new basis weights we are able to offer a more comprehensive range of products, making it easier for our customers to select the right quality for their specific packaging needs’ explained Michael Krüger, Commercial Director Coated Paperboard & Recycled Specialties at International Paper.

International Paper is in the process of transitioning all GC2 grades from the standard Alaska to the new lightweight Alaska Plus, and expects to complete this switch by the end of June 2015. From July onwards, all GC2 board products made at the company’s Kwidzyn mill in Poland will be part of the new lightweight Alaska Plus range. ‘We are working closely with our customers to ensure continued product availability for Alaska until the last production takes place in June, and enable a seamless transition to Alaska Plus’, continued Mr. Krüger. 

Packaging converters and brand owners will be able to switch to Alaska Plus without any performance related adjustments, whilst enjoying the commercial and environmental benefits of a modern lightweight folding boxboard.