The launch of a new wine label paper by Paarl Labels in October 2010, could be described as one of the most exciting developments in years for the South African label industry. The paper, containing no wood fibre, hence the name “Treefree”, offers everything a wine producer would expect from a premium quality wine label paper, yet without chopping down a single tree. The fibre comes from a 100% renewable source, bagasse, a fancy name for sugar cane fibre.
“‘Treefree’ has an uncoated surface with a natural texture, while the soft earthy colour of the paper will do justice to a premium wine brand, lending itself to any of the value-added processes such as superior hot-stamp foiling and screen printing,” explains Callie de Wet, Managing Director of Paarl Labels. “For clients preferring a different background colour, we can also add the subtle “buff” colour of your choice.”
Weighing in at 110 grams per square metre, “Treefree” also offers great opacity and trouble-free production hours on application lines. The bulky, rigid nature of the paper may, however, make it unsuitable for thin bottles (like 50 ml miniatures) and for wrap-around neck labels. “We recommend a proper test process before“Treefree” gets selected for any of these “sharp curved” applications,” advises Callie.
He adds, “unlike most of its environmentally friendly counterparts, “Treefree” will retain its good looks, even after spending two hours in the ice-bucket. It is also equipped with the same permanent acrylic adhesive being used on more than 80% of all wine labels leaving our print room. This adhesive performs well on glass bottles, even under cold and damp conditions.” Should the current trend in the wine industry to switch certain products to PET bottles ever create sufficient demand for “Treefree” to become available with hotmelt adhesive, Paarl Labels will be able to comply within a reasonable period.
The launch of the “Treefree” paper is another aspect of Paarl Labels’ commitment to printing responsibly, thereby giving their clients the reassurance that the printing is completed with the least impact on the environment. Like all their other “house brands” (“Premicast” & “Vincote” & “ICE Premium Uncoated”),“Treefree” is a registered trademark belonging to Paarl Labels, and will be available exclusively from them from mid November 2010.
For more information, please contact Paarl Labels at 021 877 6200 or info@paarllabels.co.za.
