Brussels, Belgium – International Paper, the world’s largest packaging and paper company, today announced that its innovative Easy-Open Ream Solution, also known as the “Tear-Strip Ream”, was selected as the “New Product of the Year – Core Office Products” in OPI’s European Office Products Awards (EOPA) program. International Paper was the only paper manufacturer among this year’s winners. 

“We are very proud to see the ‘Tear-Strip’, one of our recent innovations, recognized industry wide among the most innovative products in the office sector and selected for the EOPA award”, said Gerald Demets, Commercial Director Uncoated Woodfree Papers at International Paper’s European papers business. “We always strive to create additional value for our customers and end-users with our products and services, and we are excited to see the success of the ‘Tear-Strip’ in the market confirmed by the industry. Moreover, it is another proof that paper is as relevant today as ever and will continue to play an important role in people’s lives at work and at home.” 

Criteria applied by the jury included evidence of sell through by reseller partners and market share gains, quality of marketing and promotional support provided to the trade, quality of design, along with innovation and differentiation as well as meeting unmet needs.

“A ream of paper that has a tape which can be easily pulled open like a zip is a concept that’s been used in many categories, but not in office paper. The panel agreed that International Paper’s ‘Easy-Open’ solution could be a real game changer in the category and early sales data suggests they could be right”, commented the head of the jury during the award ceremony, held in Amsterdam during OPI’s Annual Partnership Conference.