The Priplak range of strong but flexible polypropylene sheets, which is available from PPB with immediate effect, offers a range of different surface finishes and colours.
The 100%-recyclable plastic substrate was previously sold by Paperlinx UK, most of which recently fell into administration. The product, which Antalis also added to its range earlier this year, is PVC-free and up to 35% lighter than PVC.
Priplak is corona treated on both sides, which enables it to be printed in UV offset, UV screen and UV digital. It is suitable for applications including display work, covers, folders, packaging and POS.
To support this product addition, PPB has appointed a former Paperlinx employee, Simon Balderson, who has been a Priplak specialist for more than 15 years, as group product manager.
The PPB stock range consists of Priplak Basik, a white and frosted clear range, Priplak Backlit, a new grade specifically designed for illuminated signs and backlit posters, and Priplak Classic, a wide range of coloured polypropylene.
Also in the range are Priplak Opaline, frosted polypropylene with Priplak’s sand emboss on one side and pearl emboss on the reverse, Priplak Izilyss Opaque, which has a matt surface one side with a satin reverse, and Priplak Izilyss natural, a translucent sheet that has two 'smooth' print surfaces.
PPB managing director Richard Proctor said: “The demise of Paperlinx has changed the display market significantly. This is a great opportunity for us at PPB to build on our experience in this sector.
“As an official Priplak stockist, PPB can offer a wide range of products from stock with fast response times and next day delivery. Our PPB in-house conversion facility offers a high-quality bespoke cutting service all with extremely competitive pricing.”
Priplak marketing director Simon Lewis added: “This partnership will see PPB customers benefiting from access to the Priplak range, and the considerable technical expertise Simon Balderson is able to provide.
“When selecting a distributor we recognise that customers not only want a quick delivery, but increasingly demand support with product selection as well as advice on printing and conversion techniques. We believe the PPB team will be an extremely valuable partner in all these respects."
PPB has just established Westland Digital, a new wide-format business arm. The company, which recently rebranded from Proctor Paper & Board, has a turnover of £25m and employs 75 staff, 20 of whom have been taken on over the past few months.
Richard Proctor's father, John Proctor, set up Proctor Paper & Board in Leeds 37 years ago. In 1994 the business set up a company called Buchanan Paper & Board in Leicester and in 2010 it acquired London-based A&R Board Sales.
All three are now combined under the PPB brand and the three sites have more than 6,500sqm of warehousing.
