PrintWeek can reveal that two European paper manufacturers are providing the substrate used in the highly secretive production of Pokmon cards.
Koehler and Arjo Wiggins are supplying the special gaming card that is normally used to make the decks of cards dealt in casinos. Koehlers director of its fine paper division Andreas Hoesch said the cards were made from a 325gsm super-calendered, woodfree coated grade comprising of two layers laminated with a black glue to give it 100% opacity.
Produced at its Oberkirch mill in Germany, Hoesch said the tonnage required for Pokmon cards was unbelievable. "We have committed 40% of our fine paper output to the venture, equivalent to 50,000 tonnes a year. It is a little risky but one we feel it is worth taking."
Hoesch said the board was chosen because of its good printability, rigidity, stiffness and smoothness which allows the cards to slide easily over each other. He said: "The cards have to be hard and tough to withstand them being battered by the kids in the playground. Some have a very high value, especially those with holographic foils."