Sappi North America Debuts First Paperboard Packaging Line

Leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions unveils two new innovative, sustainable paperboard packaging products at Pack Expo International

BOSTON, Oct. 12, 2018 -- Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving pulp, today announced the launch of its paperboard packaging line, with two premier boards, Proto and Spectro, during Pack Expo International. This product launch comes on the heels of a year-long rebuild of Sappi's Paper Machine 1 and modernization of the woodyard both at its Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, Maine. Together, Sappi invested over $200 million in these two projects.

"We're excited to bring these new paperboard grades to market and showcase them for the first time on a global stage at Pack Expo International. This line will allow us to provide luxury packaging and folding carton applications that complement our existing specialty packaging products," said Deece Hannigan, Vice President of Packaging and Specialties Business, Sappi North America. "Sappi has a long history of bringing innovative, sustainable and high-quality products to market and these packaging products continue that legacy. This investment in our business allows us to further diversify our portfolio, bringing us closer to meeting the goals set in our 2020Vision."

Sappi was the first company to set standards for graphics paper, with roots extending back to 1854. For 160 years, it has transformed the entire industry through cutting-edge, dynamic paper solutions. Now, using innovation to lead the way, it is setting the new standard in paper-based packaging by providing high-quality, cost-effective products.

The two new paper-based packaging product lines to the market include:

  • Proto: A sturdy, single-ply SBS capable of meeting a breadth of applications from general folding carton and food packaging to pharmaceutical and OTC. It's the paperboard for everyday jobs, providing an unmatched yield advantage, and superior surface and printability for a lasting impact.
  • Spectro:  A single-ply SBS with enhanced optics, making it ideal for premium applications that call for dynamic and vibrant images. Whether using UV, aqueous, or specialty coatings, hot foil stamping, embossing, special effects, or varnishes, Spectro has the surface for the most demanding applications.

Both product lines will provide convertors with superior color consistency, printability and downstream performance. Sappi will continue to expand its new paperboard product line to meet customer needs around the globe.

Sappi will showcase its new additions and its entire global paper-based packaging line at Pack Expo International in Chicago on Oct. 14-17, 2018. Attendees are encouraged to visit the company at booth S-4233 to view the new products.

To learn more about Sappi, please visit www.sappi.com.

About Sappi North America, Inc.

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. The success of our four diversified businesses – high quality Coated Graphic Papers, Specialised Cellulose, Release Papers and Specialty Packaging – is driven by strong customer relationships, best-in-class people and advantaged assets, products and services. Our high quality Coated Graphic Papers, including McCoy, Opus, Somerset and Flo, are the key platform for premium magazines, catalogs, books and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods, and one of the world's leading suppliers of Release Papers with our Ultracast, PolyEX, Classics and Neoterix lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries. Our Specialty Packaging products, such as LusterPrint and LusterCote, represent an important asset in the food packaging and labeling industries and our paperboard products, Proto and Spectro, provide a single-ply SBS solution for folding carton and luxury packaging applications. Customers rely on Sappi for high technical, operational and market expertise; products and services delivered with consistently high quality and reliability; and, state-of-the-art and cost-competitive assets and innovative spirit.

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries around the world. Learn more about Sappi at: www.sappi.com.