The change takes affect from 19 November. GFSmith is already the exclusive channel for Phoenixmotion, the German manufacturer's ultra high-end coated paper, and joint managing director John Haslam said he was "delighted" by the addition of Heaven 42.

"It's a real coup for and we're delighted Scheufelen approached us about it. Heaven 42 is the whitest sheet on the market and it's completely complimentary to Phoenixmotion," Haslam said.

Keith Spiers, managing director at Scheufelen's UK sales agent HH Pegg, said he expected sales volumes to dramatically increase as a result of the new partnership: "We took the decision to move it because we think it's a product that relies on specification selling and GFSmith are clearly the industry leaders in that respect. They have absolute focus, knowledge and ability to sell premium products.

"The annual tonnage for Heaven 42 was about 700 tonnes in the UK and our expectation is that will build quickly to 1,000 tonnes and beyond," Spiers added. "Where possible in other European markets we work with one partner for our premium grades."

Heaven 42 has a soft matt, non-glare surface designed to work in harmony alongside uncoated papers.

"We'll be offering the collection to designers, printers and brands," Haslam added. "The pure whiteness of Heaven 42 means it's fantastic for printing four-colour or black, because you don't have to compensate for a bluey or creamy white. I truly believe it's the best printable sheet on the market."

Scott Barclay, commercial director at Robert Horne owner Paperlinx, said: "Robert Horne launched the brand five years ago to great success, and we will be happy to continue selling it via GFSmith."