Major investment plus innovative new products – how Sappi is securing the future of digital transfer printing

In challenging conditions for the dye sublimation paper market, Sappi is taking a lead through investing in new products and a full range of solutions


Sappi has announced the launch of Transjet Flow, a new high-quality coated inkjet paper for digital transfer printing. The new paper is made at its Carmignano Mill in Italy, where the company has invested substantial sums to create a fully integrated hub that combines product development, technical service and logistics for maximum efficiency.

Challenging market conditions for the digital transfer printing industry over recent months have placed a spotlight firmly on dye sublimation paper companies who can deliver security of supply hand-in-hand with reliable, high-quality solutions. 

Two key announcements from Sappi Europe place the company firmly at the forefront of those seeking to lead the industry forward.

Carmignano mill photoshoot Nov 2022

Innovative paper, increased investment 

Firstly, the company has unveiled a new high-quality coated inkjet paper for digital transfer printing. Transjet Flow is designed for transfer to polyester-based materials including home textiles, sportswear, soft signage and hard substrates.  

At the same time, Sappi Europe has completed a multi-million-euro infrastructure investment programme at its Carmignano Mill in Italy, with the site now transformed into a fully integrated hub where product development, technical service and logistics are combined for maximum impact and efficiency. 

With a high-speed, fully automated 1.9m converting machine and packaging line, alongside an oversize 3.2m converting machine, the mill achieves increased flexibility in converting mother reels into well-packed, well-protected plotter rolls or mini jumbos. 

The new Transjet Flow dye sublimation paper, in tandem with such significant investment in a new converting and automated packaging system, underscores Sappi’s long-term commitment to its dye sublimation customers across Europe. 

 

A new high-performance paper joins an established portfolio 

 

The new Transjet Flow 100 g/m² paper offers a smooth, matt surface and a specially treated reverse side to ensure excellent on-machine runnability and outstanding efficiency. 

Key benefits include: 

  • Instant ink drying to support high productivity 
  • Suitability for both industrial high-speed and non-industrial printers 
  • Enhanced colour release and densities, ensuring vibrant and high-quality results 

The new Transjet Flow paper joins an extensive Sappi portfolio of coated and uncoated dye sublimation papers designed for water-based inks.  

Alongside Sappi’s uncoated Basejet paper, the Sappi Transjet family already includes seven options including such brands as Transjet Eco II (for non-industrial printers), Transjet Sportsline (for stretchy textiles), Transjet Industrial and Transjet Fashion. All are renowned for their technical features, capacities and sustainability credentials. They boast: 

  • A wide range of grammage options, including Transjet Drive and Transjet Industrial for lower grammages Perfect flatness, high ink-load capacity, fast drying and high dimensional stability 
  • Maximum reduction of textile shrinkage, low ink consumption and excellent colour brilliance 
  • All papers available with FSC™ or PEFC certifications and recyclable in the standard paper waste stream 

Investing in the future of a fast-evolving market 

The launch of Transjet Flow comes at a critical time for the industry, when many businesses have been left seeking reliable, high-quality options for their transfer paper needs. With Transjet Flow and the wider Transjet portolio, Sappi is providing customers new and old with secure solutions that can be trusted to perform.

Meanwhile, the investment in Sappi’s Carmignano Mill is focused on further support for the dye sublimation market. The multi-million-euro investment includes: 

  • A new converting capacity to handle a range of reel sizes 
  • A fully automated packaging line to ensure precision and protection during shipment 
  • Expanded warehouse facilities to improve lead times and flexibility of service 

With this setup, we can offer a full range of dye sublimation papers in different widths and formats from a single, integrated source. Our investment is a direct reflection of our commitment to the market – something that allows us to serve our partners faster and with more flexibility.

Michael Bethge, Sales Director FlexPack, Glassine and Dye Sublimation at Sappi


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