Arjowiggins Creative Papers said that the product received an "extremely positive" response at its launch at California's Printed Electronics USA show on 5 and 6 December.

The company has hailed Powercoat as the first alternative to plastic substrates for electrical conductivity and printing by the manufacturer.

The paper outperforms plastic-based products in its category, the manufacturer claimed, and is suitable for integrating RFID tags and display circuitry into a product through printing.

The substrate opens up a raft of possibilities for the packaging and advertising markets, and its roll-to-roll capability makes it suitable for producing large area flexible products.

The paper is available in ivory, is around 230 microns thick, and is compatible with a wide range of conductive, electronic and Nanosilver inks in silver, copper and gold. Less ink is required for printing onto Powercoat compared to plastic substrates, according to the company, reducing production costs and enhancing its environmental credentials.

Arjowiggins Creative Papers claims that Powercoat has been validated with typical electronic printing techniques including inkjet, screen, flexo and laser ablation. Its smooth surface promotes optimum conductivity and it has a high thermal stability compared to plastic alternatives, according to the manufacturer.

The product is being developed at one of the manufacturer’s European mills according to a patented process.

Arjowiggins Creative Papers managing director Jonathan Mitchell said: "Powercoat is different from any other paper that we have manufactured.

"With Powercoat, Arjowiggins Creative Papers is entering into the high value, high growth printed electronics market.

"Arjowiggins Creative paper is putting forward this specific paper as a qualitative, sutainable and economical substitute for plastic substrates usually used in this industry."