The grade is an extension of Robert Horne's Hello branded papers and, according to the company, has a unique coating that has been developed using nanotechnology, which creates a smooth silk surface.

Robert Horne managing director Paul French said the primary benefit of Hello Hot Silk to the printer was that it gave them "more billable hours and increased annual capacity because of fast ink setting and drying times".

The range also makes printing on the reverse side of a sheet possible in just 15 minutes, according to the firm.

French said: "There is also a real benefit because, as the paper uses as much as 75% less anti-set-off powder, there is less wash-up.

"This creates less dust, so less cleaning up between runs and there is no need for dust removal before laminating, which all saves time and money. This all means it takes a shorter time to make a job ready."

The grade can be used for brochures, reports, premium collateral and art books.

Paper manufacturer Sappi conducted a 12-month study into nanotechnology and printers' needs, which revealed the top concerns were ink setting and ink drying times.

The technology gives Hello Hot Silk a super-smooth surface that behaves like a gloss in terms of ink setting and drying properties.