The result, just published, is 54,000 data entries and a 590 page directory featuring all the various papers and boards covering 182 brands. It has been produced independently but with the full support of all major paper merchants and encouragement from PrintNZ.

A system of ranking by product and grammage ensures that any paper or board can be found quickly and easily. For the first time there is the ability to view all merchants’ similar products together.
The main sections cover coated and uncoated paper and board in both white and coloured
Furthermore, sub sections enable the user to quickly identify textured stock, self adhesive, synthetic, carbonless, packaging, watermarked or recycled stock together with the sheet sizes, packet sizes and availability of broken packs. The merchants price book page, as well as the swatch reference and the characteristics/features of the stock, are also included. Information regarding stock characterisation has been gathered from various sources such as technical bulletins, manufacturers specification sheets, swatches and price books and presented collectively. The directory even provides reference to the sample swatch, something not found in price books.

Two very useful sections are devoted to coloured stock and stock that is available as paper/board/envelope combinations. The coloured section groups stock within colour ranges, enabling the user who wants, say a red stock, to see exactly who has what and its attributes. Colours are even graded into light, mid and dark so you do not waste time on something that is not appropriate.

As well as providing comprehensive information on the stock, such as its laser and/or inkjet
compatibility, pH, archival status, and max lpi, there is a brand directory and a glossary kindly provided by BJ Ball Papers.

A by-product of the information presented this way is that those with less experience in the trade, or even some of the “old timers”, be they sales or production personnel, can immediately see the scope or limitations of the stock and instantly compare several different brands presented on one page.

By including deleted stock in the directory (which is marked as such), substitutes can be instantly identified with all relevant details featured. This is particularly useful if a repeat job comes up only to find the original stock no longer available. With the support of the paper merchants, stock “ to be deleted “ is noted, thus avoiding problems if the job is likely to be on going.

To ensure it is kept current free updates will be provided on a regular basis for 12 months.

Further information or an order form can be obtained from Tony Granich at The Directory Company Ltd. P.O. Box 629 Warkworth Tel: 09 425 5327 or doto@ihug.co.nz

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