The paper combines the functionality of a multi-part business form or coated or uncoated woodfree paper, with magnetic data storage capability contained with its layers.

PaperGate product manager Daniel Bossert said that I-Paper can be printed using conventional printing processes, and can be made in a variety of specifications from 100gsm upwards.

An A4 sheet of paper was capable of storing up to 1Mb of data he said, with the data able to be changed, erased or rewritten.

Electronic data can be written onto I-Paper using a standard magnetic printer with modified magnetic writing heads. This can then be read with corresponding magnetic reading heads.

Bossert said that I-Paper was a perfect example of paper and electronic data working hand in hand. "Paper and PC now speak the same language," he said.

Forms can be identified automatically, and data that has been printed on the sheet can be stored electronically in the paper to be automatically captured and linked.

I-Paper can be used in the fields of transportation for identification of goods, freight and shipping documents.

Pilot versions of I-Paper are currently being beta-tested by customers in the logistics field, and Bossert said that the feedback from potential customers at Drupa had been phenomenal.

PaperGate has signed a development contract with the Arjo Wiggins Group, and the paper is now ready for scaling up to full production.

Providing feedback from Drupa is sufficiently positive, I-Paper could be in full production within 12 months or less.

PaperGate Systemintegration is system designer and service provider. It was founded by Merbeth & Bossert print media, a German company that specialises in the production of business forms, multi-part form sets and continuous stationery.

Story by Andy Scott at Drupa