With the official UK launch on 7 January, the UK distributor is now vending its partner’s 100% repulpable closed-cell fibreboard substrate. The first product to market is the Xanita Print range, which is white on both sides and comes in variable sizes of 2.44x1.22m and 2.9x1.22m with thicknesses of 10mm and 16mm.

It will shortly be followed by the Kraft variant, which promises “a more rustic look” and comes at 2.44x1.22m size with both 10mm and 16mm thickness.

Antalis visual communications product manager Paul Neale said: “Xanita is a business we have been watching for some time and we chose to bring them in as an option against other closed-cell and honeycomb fibreboard products on the market after spending the summer on research.

“Our results came back positive that there was a customer demand for more sustainable signage substrates and the elimination of plastics, so this is part of our plan to extend that initiative across our offering.

“While we are positioning it for POS and signage, I am sure customers will find more and more applications for the materials than we could ever think of.”

Xanita substrates are plastic-free and use adhesives free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-sourced liners. Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) certification means all materials used in the board are non-toxic.

Neale said a further benefit of Xanita beyond its environmental advantages was its ability to be 3D-fabricated into complex shape and the fact it is a 75%-lighter alternative to medium-density fibreboard (MDF).