Spicers Paper, which markets the Ambassador range in New Zealand, was connected with 35 Gold Medals at the awards, and says that printers are showing their preference for paper stocks that give consistency of results for top-line work, rather than seek more exotic options.
This has particularly been of benefit to printers at a time when global paper supply conditions are difficult, says Spicers’ marketing manager Carolyn Lockstone.
“Shipping to this part of the world is also becoming more difficult as shipping lines substitute direct services with trans-shipment which impacts on lead times to indent product. Container shipping costs have had two increases since January 2005 at US$300 each respectively and shipping lines are projecting an additional two US$300 increases before the end of the year.”
Ms Lockstone says the paper mills are facing pressure on profitability because of the deterioration in the ratio between selling prices and raw material costs, as well as the considerable increase in energy costs. Strike action in Finland also means 300,000 tonnes of paper production has been taken out of the market with a resulting global impact on supply.
“All this uncertainty means it is reassuring for printers to know there is a stock available readily in New Zealand that will give them an assurance of quality in their top-line output. Ambassador has again proved its worth in that regard.”
Ambassador is manufactured by Burgo, one of the leading paper producers in Italy and the world. Burgo specialises in the production of graphic papers (mostly coated), and employs more than 5200 people producing in excess of 2.6 million tonnes of paper annually.
The relationship between Spicers and Burgo goes back nearly 30 years with Ambassador first being launched into the New Zealand market in 1977, making it one of the most established and successful coated papers available here.
“Our philosophy is being consistent with our offer to market, hence Ambassador’s longstanding reputation, combined with the ability to carry a comprehensive stockholding,” says Ms Lockstone.
“This is evident in Ambassador’s high profile within the design and print community. Time and time again Ambassador has proven to be an excellent choice for printers given its exceptional ability to produce sharp crisp images whilst being trustworthy on the press.
“It has maintained continuing success each year to win Gold at the prestigious Pride In Print Awards, and 2005 was no exception.”
Spicers Paper has been a patron of the Pride In Print Awards since their inception in 1993 and Group General Manager Charles Miller says the thrust of the awards has led to continual quality improvements in the industry.
“We are very pleased with our involvement and the showcase for excellence in the NZ print market that the awards have become.
“You can only achieve excellence with inspiration, perspiration and relentless attention to detail — and all this year’s entrants have demonstrated those qualities.”
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter