The Coalville, Leicester-based company replaces Paperlinx as exclusive UK vendor for Polyart with immediate effect.

Antalis product manager Danny Kahan told PrintWeek the deal was a significant one for his company.

“Polyart has got over half of the UK market for litho printable synthetic papers. We already have a lot of products but this does give us a significant step-change in what we can achieve.”

The product is a synthetic paper range of films is designed to withstand demanding applications. It is suitable for offset, flexo, thermal transfer and digital technologies.

He added: “We want to add more added-value products to our portfolio, rather than commodity products. This is an opportunity to reach parts of the market with a market-leading brand proven over many years."

Polyart comprises a creative and durable polyethylene plastic film, which makes it both water- and tear-resistant, while a print-receptive clay coating gives it a premium matt coated paper-like feel.

Kahan added: “This really is a flexible product that opens up so many opportunities for printers looking for an easy solution for a range of demanding applications.

“Combining the advantages of paper with the durability of plastic, Polyart looks, feels, prints and converts like a premium matt-coated paper, with the added benefit of a long shelf life and durability that stands up to water, weather, grease and chemicals."

The Polyart range comprises a standard offset Matt White offering that is printable using oxidising inks (conventional paper inks can be used over certain weights with print guide recommendations), as well as 'writable' using both pencil or ballpoint pen. With no grain direction, artwork can be orientated in any direction to maximise sheet area and reduce waste.

Polyart, which is recyclable with other plastic wastes and has ISEGA Certification for direct food contact use.