An Extensive Range Another seller of speciality papers, Antalis, offers what it dubs as “one of the most extensive ranges of speciality papers in the industry.” Its portfolio includes premium creative papers for luxury packaging, publishing, and corporate communications; high-performance digital papers optimised for dry toner and HP Indigo presses; and technical papers designed for security, food contact, and industrial applications. Flagship brands include Curious Collection, Keaykolour, Olin, and Conqueror, as well as eco-conscious options such as Cyclus and Cocoon, which offer FSC certification and 100% recycled content. It also distributes synthetic solutions like Xerox Premium NeverTear, which is enhanced with antimicrobial coatings and has been calculated to inhibit the growth of bacteria by up to 99.94%. Speaking about its latest launches, Tim Percival, category director at Antalis, says that they “respond to the market’s increasing demand for sustainable, tactile, and digitally compatible substrates.” Percival states that “brands are under growing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. We therefore expanded our offering of recycled, plastic-free, and FSC certified papers to support more responsible communication and packaging.” These papers include options like Cyclus Offset, Nautilus SuperWhite, and Image Recycled Bright White, designed for a variety of printing needs while aiming to minimise environmental impact. In parallel, Percival highlights a resurgence of interest in print-driven brand storytelling, particularly for premium packaging and direct mail, which led Antalis to introduce its Curious Collection of papers with distinctive textures, colours, and finishes that “enhance sensory impact and emotional connection,” as he puts it. “The Curious Collection is now complemented with an eco-innovative range, Curious Particles,” Percival explains. “Working along with one of the most sustainable and environmentally committed mills in Europe, the new range was developed with the aim of decreasing its environmental impact by using a mix of sugarcane and bamboo.” In describing the full Antalis range, Percival makes clear that each application requires a bespoke solution, informed by the particular needs of the customer and the desired impact, with no ‘one size fits all’ option. For a hand-made finish, he suggests Conqueror Connoisseur 100% Cotton, which is produced through a unique manufacturing process that uses a mould-cylinder paper machine. For luxury packaging applications, Keaykolour papers could be a strong choice, with the 45-colour range now complemented with Keaykolour Extra-Rough in black and white, adding a heavier grade with more long fibres. Food-safe or pharmaceutical packaging requires certified barrier papers, with MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB, for example, specifically designed for food and food service end-use. Percival summarises this, saying: “Application determines everything – from surface finish and weight to print method and environmental credentials. Our consultative approach helps clients choose the right substrate to balance aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and budget.” Antalis sees the sector becoming increasingly circular, digitised, and experience driven. While Percival stresses that sustainability is part of the continued drive towards innovation, he also sees personalisation and digital print as key to fuelling demand for substrates that are versatile, high-performing, and compatible with short-run workflows. Percival says: “As Europe’s leading distributor, Antalis is committed to staying at the forefront – investing in product innovation, sustainable sourcing, and the expert guidance needed to help our customers navigate this evolving landscape.” Application determines everything – from surface finish and weight to print method and environmental credentials ▲ Conqueror Connoisseur 100% Cotton is produced using a unique manufacturing process, utilising a mould-cylinder paper machine 82 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 SPECIALITY PAPERS | JONATHAN PERT James Cropper offers over 2,000 individual colour shades on-site, including 184 blacks and 62 whites 2,000
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