Effective as of yesterday (16 January), GF Smith will serve as the sole supplier of Gmund’s paper collections in the UK.
The Gmund paper mill in the Bavarian Alps has been in operation since 1829.
Through the new agreement, GF Smith will expand its portfolio of creative papers, including the full Gmund Colors range.
The company said this meant it would now offer the widest selection of coloured paper available to creatives in the UK.
Hull-based paper manufacturer and supplier GF Smith stated: “The partnership brings together two globally respected brands, both celebrated for their dedication to quality, innovation and the art of papermaking.
“By bringing the entire Gmund collection to the UK, GF Smith and Gmund are set to offer an unparalleled range of premium paper options to creatives, designers and printers throughout the territory.”
Florian Kohler, CEO at Gmund, said: “GF Smith’s reputation for excellence and their deep connection with the UK’s creative community make them the ideal partner for Gmund.
“We look forward to seeing our papers brought to life in extraordinary ways through this partnership.”
Gareth Sheekey, managing director of GF Smith, added: “We are thrilled to partner exclusively with Gmund and bring their outstanding papers to the UK market in full.
“This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to champion creativity in the world of design and print. Together, we will provide unparalleled choice and inspiration for our customers.”
Gmund was selling some of its ranges in the UK through Wigston Paper until last year, but Wigston told Printweek it was now refocusing on its own IP under the Senses Paper brand, which encompasses a broad range of coloured papers.
A paper industry expert told Printweek it was interesting that Gmund had “thrown their lot in” with GF Smith, bearing in mind GF Smith “compete internationally with Gmund Colors with their Colorplan range”. The source added: “It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.”
In 2023, GF Smith became a certified B-Corp after meeting high standards of social and environmental policy.
