Special Report Printing, Paper & Production

What's New in Paper

The Hybrids Have It

Freesheet Hybrid, a new high-bulk, lightweight printing paper from Bowater, contains a blend of mechanical and kraft pulp, and it maintains high strength, hefty bulk and high opacity, according to Bowater. The paper is lightly coated, which eliminates dot gain, and is available in basis weights of 40 lb to 50 lb. "Because of the high bulking characteristics, strength and surface, customers can move to a lower basis weight and enjoy improved print quality, as well as savings in yield and postage," Bowater officials note. For more, visit: www.freesheethybrid.com.

Planet Friendly

Innovative Offset, a chlorine-free and environmentally sound paper from Abitibi-Consolidated, uses about 50 percent less wood fiber than commodity offset paper, according to the manufacturer. It delivers a brightness level of 81 and whiteness of 90, and it's surface-treated to assure better ink hold and on-press performance. For more, visit: www.abitibiconsolidated.com.

A Standard of Sustainability

Weyerhaeuser's U.S. pulp and paper mills, and fine paper converting plants, have been certified by outside auditors to meet the procurement provisions of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standard. To earn this certification, mills must know where their logs and lumber chips come from and the type of supplier; monitor suppliers' compliance with state best management practices; and promote sustainable forest practices among log and chip suppliers. The SFI standard is governed by an independent board with equal representation from environmental organizations, the forest products industry and the broader forestry community. It promotes the long-term health of forests through responsible forest-management practices and procurement practices by mills. Visit: www.weyerhaeuser.com or www.aboutsfi.org/core.asp.

—Donna Loyle