24 March 2016

Save money and improve quality with Stora Enso Lumipaper

Stora Enso’s Mario di Lieto gives his views. 

In an industry that is suffering from over competition, we, at Stora Enso Lumipaper, are always looking for ways to help print companies in the UK to be more competitive.

We have been looking at the market, and we know that cutting waste is a key issue within any print business. One major way to save waste on paper is to order bespoke tailor made sheets cut to the exact size required for the job being printed, rather than going for an off the shelf product. And, that is exactly where Stora Enso Lumipaper can help.

Our research shows that just by taking the simple step of specifying bespoke sizes, printers could reduce waste by an average of 22% – that adds up to a lot of paper over a year! This potentially means reduced spend on one of the major components of any print job. 

As an example, if you buy standard stock at 640 x 900, but really need 620 x 860, Stora Enso can help you save 7%. If you buy standard stock at 520 x 720, but really need 480 x 660, you can save 15%, or for 720 x 1020, when you really need 660 x 920, you can save 17%.

Another area where we have identified efficiency savings is in the grain direction that companies choose for the paper on their press.

Using a short grain sheet up to 170 g/m2 has some very definite benefits – foremost is the improved press feed and delivery stability – essential for productivity. The orientation of the fibre in a short grain sheet reduces potential stretch, which is often greater on a long grain sheet – as impression and tack pull the fibres in the direction of greater natural elongation. Using a short grain paper means a more precise impression and a crisper image.

When it gets to post press, folding is also better and easier with short grain stocks. Therefore selecting the correct grain direction, in combination with a special bespoke size, opens up a number of possibilities in both page size and pagination.

At our centrally located converting facility in Mendlesham, Suffolk, we have all the equipment necessary to convert paper into both standard and bespoke sheet sizes.

Our finishing and distribution facility enables rapid turnaround of bespoke sizes in five to seven working days, with a ‘day after tomorrow’ premium service for those that are in a hurry.

Stora Enso recognises that if we help print companies to be more productive and efficient, they will be more successful. We therefore stock Lumi paper, including premium papers such as LumiSilk and LumiArt, here in the UK, ready for conversion.

Lumi is an FSC certified range of woodfree coated papers and boards with a range from 90 to 300 g/m2. It is suitable for high quality magazines, books, high end brochures, art prints and more. The paper is characterised by a smooth, white surface and promises brilliant runnability, high productivity, consistency and reliability. Simply specify the size and grain direction for your requirements and save money by reducing waste, whilst enhancing your reputation by producing exceptional print. And, if you are not sure what paper you really need, just ask our experts and they will be happy to help.