Sappi Europe, a leading global producer of specialty papers, is enhancing its range of wet-glue wet-strength label papers with the introduction of a linen embossed variant of its successful Parade Label WS. Manufactured at Sappi’s Gratkorn mill in Austria, this new Parade Label WS Linen demonstrates outstanding printing and converting capabilities, specifically designed for applications like food and drink packaging, particularly for returnable beverage bottles. With exemplary performance and visual allure, the paper’s launch in early October aligns with the completion of a significant investment project at Sappi’s Gratkorn facility. Two years ago, in September 2022, Sappi committed tens of millions of euros to upgrade the facility’s technical infrastructure. This initiative aimed not only to secure future production capacities of wet-strength, alkali-resistant label papers but also to firmly establish Sappi as a comprehensive supplier of label papers in the long run.
- Parade Label WS Linen enhances label performance and aesthetic appeal
- Validated results: confirmed precision and speed suited for premium brands
- Completion of the investment project at the Gratkorn mill
- Sappi: a dependable partner in the beverage industry
Parade Label WS Linen: exceptional performance coupled with visual appeal
Sappi’s Parade Label WS is a well-established wet-strength and alkali-resistant label paper, globally recognized for its remarkable printing and finishing outcomes. With the launch of Parade Label WS Linen, Sappi continues its success story in the realm of wet-glue label papers. This one-side double-coated wet-strength paper primarily focuses on wet-glue labelling applications for food and drink sustainable packaging, particularly returnable beverage bottles.
The linen embossing not only improves the visual presentation but also enhances label functionality, yielding superior labelling performance through better label separability and significantly reduced static adhesion. Available in weights of 65, 68, 70, 75, and 80 g/m², this paper guarantees exceptional washability during the bottle preparation process for reuse, working notably well with metallised papers that create eye-catching labels.
Sappi will showcase the new Parade Label WS Linen alongside other outstanding products for beverage applications at this year’s FachPack (September 24-26) in Hall 4A, Stand 306, and BrauBeviale (November 26-28, 2024) in Hall 4A, Stand 410 in Nuremberg.
Successful validation of labelling performance and visual impact
In September 2023, Sappi rolled out Parade Label WS in a classic Gloss version. Since then, this wet-strength and alkali-resistant paper has been produced and delivered to selected customers as part of a long-term validation program. These validations involved brand owners, converters, and printers, yielding impressive results regarding quality and performance. Brand owners expressed satisfaction with how the paper showcased their brand image, maintaining flawless labelling performance even on high-speed labelling lines operating at up to 70,000 bottles per hour. Converters and printers lauded the high printing speed and the remarkable results achieved with Parade Label WS.
Sappi encourages customers to leverage this validation opportunity. Interested parties can request product samples by contacting Sappi at psp@sappi.com.
Sappi completes a significant investment project at the Gratkorn mill
The launch of Parade Label WS Linen coincides with the successful completion of Sappi’s investment project at the Gratkorn site. In September 2022, Sappi announced its initiative to expand its label paper business through a long-term investment worth double-digit millions. This project focused on adapting production capacities to meet the growing demands of the beverage industry, along with enhancing capabilities for producing high-quality wet-strength, alkali-resistant label papers. Products like Parade Label WS and Parade Label Pro, designed for high-quality non-wet-strength labels in food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors, have notably benefited from the integrated pulp production and cutting-edge manufacturing and converting equipment, including a new embossing calender. Additionally, the Gratkorn mill produces Sappi’s successful Parade Face Semi Gloss for self-adhesive labels.
Reliable partner in production, availability, supply, and support
Through this investment, Sappi has fortified its Austrian facility as a vital hub for label papers within the Group’s mill network, establishing itself as a trusted partner for the beverage industry.
Alongside its other plants in Alfeld (Germany), Carmignano (Italy), and Somerset (USA), Sappi is strategically positioned to ensure the reliable supply of premium label papers. Its state-of-the-art production facilities facilitate flexible production cycles, ensuring quick availability. With innovative backup solutions, seamless supply chains, and rapid deliveries—supported by logistics built over decades—Sappi adeptly meets its customers’ diverse needs.
For more information, visit Sappi at: www.sappi.com
