The right choice of paper

In Switzerland, 139 kilograms of paper and cardboard were consumed per capita last year, six kilograms less than at the turn of the millennium. The reason for the decline in consumption continues to be digitization. For example, daily newspapers are now increasingly read on a laptop or tablet; the variety of media has shrunk massively in recent years.Participants in training events receive presentations and lectures on a USB stick, and even shareholders are often no longer sent the annual report home by post, but instead have it posted on the company's own homepage.But anyone who wants to stand out from the mainstream and get their message across in an eye-catching way will continue to use the advantages of printed media. New paper grades play a major role in ensuring that print products remain attractive and can also be produced cost-effectively in short runs using digital printing.

Holistic and solution-oriented consulting

When it comes to selecting the right paper, advice is of great importance. This is also confirmed by paper wholesaler Antalis AG. The range of paper types is now huge, and for this reason alone it is not always easy to find the right paper for the print product in question. "We support our customers with specialist consultants who advise advertising agencies and end customers on all aspects of printable media," says Melanie Stutz, Marketing Communication Manager, Antalis AG. "Today, our customers expect holistic, solution-oriented advice as well as project advice," says Stutz. It doesn't matter whether it's about supporting a global company in paper procurement around the world, or whether the customer wants to create an elegant Christmas card for his business partners or for his own customers. Today, however, it's not just a matter of advising on paper," emphasizes Stutz, "our expertise ranges from paper to packaging and products for visual communication, such as sheets for trade show construction or films for signaling or bonding cars. It is this holistic approach that our customers demand and appreciate today."

Rethinking takes place

In many cases, a change in thinking has taken place in companies. More and more customers know that the most cost-effective variant is not always the one that also suits the company or the product. In this context, finishing techniques also play a role. Here it is particularly important that these are optimally matched to the message or underline it.foil finishes, embossing and varnishing are increasingly being used again today. This development also places higher demands on the printing stock and its quality. "We are in a time in which almost anything is possible that appeals," says Gaberthüel; "similar to the current fashion trends, the paper market is also in a phase in which right or wrong hardly exists. However, clear trends are sustainability and environmental protection, haptic as well as optical differentiation, and the increased use of finishes."

Natural and with a pleasant feel

"Our Plano natural paper line is particularly expressive, impressive and convincing," explains Gaberthüel. The Plano natural papers appear natural and convey a pleasant feel with their volume and high-quality surface. Further advantages are the high whiteness and opacity. In production, the Plano natural papers would remain just that: as natural as possible, as little processed as necessary. The high-quality papers from Arctic Paper, which Papyrus carries exclusively in its range, meet all the requirements in terms of sustainability.Munken papers are produced in a mill in the middle of a nature reserve in Sweden. With four different colorings as well as smooth and rough surfaces, it leaves nothing to be desired in corporate communications. And the coated grades of Arctic Volume come from CO2-neutral production. According to Gaberthüel, they can be excellently combined with the uncoated Munken. Furthermore, Papyrus has one of the most extensive ranges of colored and surface-finished papers on the market with the Specials range. Gaberthüel: "Our customers will find the right paper for their communication for every requirement in terms of paper color and surface."