Market launch rounds off label paper portfolio

Sappi, a leading manufacturer of speciality papers, is expanding its portfolio of wet-glue label papers with the new wet-strength, alkali-resistant Parade Label Pro WS, produced at the Gratkorn site in Austria. Exactly one year ago, Sappi announced the investment of tens of millions of euros in a state-of-the-art technical infrastructure at this site to be able to produce wet-strength, alkali-resistant label papers in the future and to establish itself as a full-range supplier of label papers in the long term.

• New Parade Label Pro WS wet-strength, alkali-resistant label paper
• An ideal complement to the non-wet-strength Parade Label Pro for wet-glue labels
• Investment carried out at the Gratkorn site
• Expansion of the portfolio guarantees full coverage of customers’ needs

The high-quality label solutions from Sappi, a leading manufacturer of speciality papers, are the ideal choice for printers, converters and brand owners to achieve the highest efficiency in printing and converting – as well as the best product perception at the point of sale. They are well suited for labelling and wrapping applications where high quality and consistent results are priorities. With its latest innovation – the wet-strength, alkali-resistant Parade Label Pro WS – which is produced at the Austrian site in Gratkorn, Sappi is expanding its portfolio and successfully growing its wet-glue label paper business.

The best properties – confirmed through stringent testing

Parade Label Pro WS is a single-sided double-coated label paper that also features a functional coating on its reverse side. Outstanding printing and finishing results can be achieved thanks to its excellent surface. The universal paper, which is also available linen-embossed, covers basis weights from 65 to 80 gsm and can be processed with the most common printing techniques like flexo, offset and gravure. It is suitable for high-quality labels for returnable containers in the beverage and food industry, such as returnable glass and PET bottles. The paper also excels with its good lay-flat properties and versatile finishing options.

Sappi recently initiated extensive practical testing with selected customers with the aim of ideally meeting the requirements of the industry and perfecting the properties of Parade Label Pro WS. Following the successful completion of this validation phase, the product is scheduled for final release to customers as of summer 2024. In the meantime, Sappi will be making test material available to all interested companies for qualification purposes.

Sappi keeps its promise: Investment in Gratkorn

Parade Label Pro WS complements its highly successful sister product, Parade Label Pro, which was developed for high-quality non-wet-strength labels in the food, beverage and consumer goods industries and is produced at Sappi’s Alfeld and Gratkorn mills. Both paper grades benefit from integrated pulp production and state-of-the-art production and converting equipment, such as a new embossing calender.

Exactly one year ago, Sappi announced that it would significantly expand its label paper business through long-term investment in the double-digit millions. This was aimed at adapting the production capacities for label papers at the Gratkorn site to the needs of the beverage industry – and to also enable the production of high-quality wet-strength, alkali-resistant label paper in the future. With market launch of the new Parade Label Pro WS, Sappi is underlining its long-term strategic focus on the wet-glue label sector and establishing itself as a reliable partner to the beverage industry.

Reliability in production, availability and supply capability

With its plants in Alfeld (Germany), Carmignano (Italy), Gratkorn (Austria) and Somerset (USA), Sappi is the best partner to ensure the reliable supply of premium label papers. State-of-the-art production facilities enable flexible production cycles and thereby fast availability. Innovative back-up solutions, seamless supply chains and fast deliveries through logistics chains built up over decades enable Sappi to ideally meet its customers’ varied needs.