The company first revealed the project around a year and a half ago. It said the first batches of its new wet-strength and alkali-resistant Parade Label WS paper have now been produced and delivered to selected customers as part of a long-term validation programme.
“The results are very positive and confirm expectations. The validation phase is scheduled to proceed until summer 2024, with product samples available to all interested parties from now,” the company stated.
Parade Label WS is double-coated and features a functional coating on its reverse side. After the validation phase, Parade Label WS will be available in basis weights ranging from 65 to 80gsm, in embossed and non-embossed versions.
It can be converted using all standard printing processes and is suitable for creating high-quality labels, for example, for returnable containers in the food and beverage sector. The paper is also said to boast “excellent lay-flat properties” and supports all common printing and finishing techniques.
Robert Gabriel-Jürgens, head of sales for Label Papers at Sappi Europe, said: “The test phase for Parade Label WS is going extremely well. We have already received very positive feedback from the market on the product’s outstanding properties, and especially on the paper’s superb surface and performance.
“Customers and other interested parties who would like to familiarise themselves with Parade Label WS are welcome to request product samples from us. We will be happy to provide these either as hand samples, pallets, or rolls.”
Sappi said the new paper complements its non-wet-strength Parade Label Pro sister product, which was developed to produce high-quality non-wet-strength labels and wrappers for various applications.
The third label paper produced in Gratkorn is Parade Label SG, which serves self-adhesive labels.
Gabriel-Jürgens added: “In addition to our label paper production plants in Alfeld (Germany), Carmignano (Italy) and Somerset (USA), we are now establishing another site in Gratkorn, where high-quality label papers will be produced on a permanent basis.
“This will enable us to guarantee our customers greater flexibility and reliability in the availability and delivery of our papers – and to offer them enhanced planning security. The investment project in Gratkorn is right on schedule and represents a milestone in the labelling and beverage industry.
“It is very important to us to strengthen the Gratkorn site for our customers and to expand it as a hub for meeting future market requirements and developing innovative paper solutions.”
