What is it?
Crush is an uncoated paper made by specialist Italian paper mill Favini that incorporates by-products from food and drink production and is available in a range of natural colours.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
It was launched in 2012 in Italy and won the Green Award at Luxe Pack in the same year. It was brought to the UK by Fenner Paper in 2013 with a launch at St Bride’s targeting creative printers and designers. It is available in nine colours. The two lightest shades, corn and citrus, can be printed in four colours, while the other colours can be printed in a number of colours as needed and or foiled.
How does it work?
Favini uses organic residues from food processing around its Crusinallo mill in Northern Italy to reduce the amount of virgin fibre needed. There is also some recycled fibre in there and the product is FSC certified. Adding to its environmental credential is the use of ‘green electricity’, while the remaining carbon footprint is offset via a reforestation project in Uganda to restore more than 6,200 hectares of Kibale National Park.
How does it differ from previous products?
Crush builds on Favini’s environmental heritage and use of unusual materials in its Shiro range including algae from the Venice lagoon in Alga Carta and annual crops such as bagasse, bamboo and cotton in Tree Free. More recently Favini has launched Remake, a paper that contains 25% by products from the leather industry.
What is the USP of the product?
The use of agricultural residues to reduce the need for virgin fibre. Agricultural residues from citrus fruits, corn, kiwi, olive, almond, hazelnut, lavender, cherries and coffee production are used to provide 15% of the composition of the paper. In some products the colour of those residues imparts colour to the paper, while others are boosted using vegetable-based dyes.
How easy is it to use?
“The use of 15% agricultural residue was chosen to ensure there was no compromise on performance,” says UK merchant Fenner Paper’s marketing director Justin Hobson.
Hobson adds that Crush can be printed using offset, screen and Indigo presses and is able to handle post-press processes such as foiling, embossing and debossing.
“It’s got high bulk and great compressibility, it’s sold without limitations,” he says.
What support is on offer?
Fenner offers full support including swatches, printed samples and dummies and can provide additional recommendations and troubleshooting for print and finishing processes.
How much does it cost?
As an uncoated grade from a small speciality mill Crush is not a commodity grade, so is more expensive than standard stocks. However, it’s not a super-expensive premium product either.
“It’s a mid-price paper with a twist and an interesting provenance” says Hobson.
USER REVIEW
“My printer Zone Graphics in Tonbridge suggested Crush for Bristol Bean, my guide to coffee shops in Bristol, as it’s made from coffee. The paper then led the design and had exactly the right weight and feel”
Sam Baum, director, Studio Baum
SPECIFICATIONS
Description Uncoated fine paper produced using 15% agricultural residues
Accreditation FSC
Composition 15% agricultural residue, 15% post-consumer waste, 70% virgin fibre
Colours Corn, citrus, kiwi, olive, almond, hazelnut, lavender, cherry and coffee
Stock weight range 120, 250 and 350gsm. Corn and citrus also available in 100 and 200gsm
Sheet size 720x1,020mm
Price Order dependent
Contact Fenner Paper 01732 771100 www.fennerpaper.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Arjowiggins KeayKolour
KeayKolour encompasses a wide range of coloured papers with standard and recycled options. There are also dedicated versions for digital presses and embossing.
Accreditation FSC
Composition Virgin fibre, recycled grades offer 30%-100% recycled content.
Price POA
Sheet sizes 450x320mm, 460x320mm, 450x640mm & 700x1,000mm
Contact Antalis 0370 6079014 www.antalis.co.uk
Exotic Paper Company
The Exotic Paper Company lives up to its name with its range of UK manufactured sheets using a range of unusual fibre sources including Elephant dung, banana skins, coffee, grass cuttings and banknotes.
Composition Dependent on grade chosen
Weights 100-300gsm (depends on material)
Sheet size 450x640mm (SRA2)
Price POA
Contact Exotic Paper Company 01458 251662 www.elliepoopaper.co.uk
Fedrigoni Freelife Kendo
Fedrigoni’s Freelife Kendo is an uncoated natural white paper that has 5% hemp fibre in addition to 40% recycled content.
Composition Natural white 55% FSC pulp, 40% post-consumer FSC fibre and 5% hemp fibre
Weights 120, 150, 200, 250 and 300gsm
Sheet size 700x1,000mm
Price POA
Contact Fedrigoni 0845 071 4408 www.fedrigoni.co.uk
Gmund Urban
Urban is inspired by the built environment. Three finishes Architect, Cement and Brasilia are available in four colours dust, powder, grey and black.
Contents 100% FSC virgin fibre and stone dust (Cement grade only)
Weights 240, 250, 300 and 310gsm
Sheet size 700x1,000mm
Price POA
Contact GF Smith 01482 323503 www.gfsmith.com
James Cropper Cocoa & Coffee
The Cocoa range includes up to 10% cocoa shell powder and is available in seven colours, including one certified for food contact. James Cropper built the world’s first plant for recycling coffee cups in 2013. This range of papers, available in six colours all contain 50% fibre from recycled cups.
Composition Cocoa: up to 10% cocoa shell powder; Coffee: 50% recycled fibre from coffee cups
Weights 120, 240, 270, 300 and 350gsm
Sheet size 640x900, 700x1,000 and 720x1,020mm
Price POA
Contact James Cropper 01539 818 240 www.jamescropper.com
