Sappi North America, a producer and supplier of paper and packaging products, has launched LusterCote, a C1S paper for labels and other related end use applications.

LusterCote is an updated version of the company’s LusterPrint, which is FDA compliant for paper and paperboard packaging in contact with dry, aqueous and fatty foods. It also can be used in the production of popcorn bags and a variety of other flexible packaging applications.

“Our long-standing experience in packaging gives us confidence that we can meet the growing need for superior labeling papers,” says Jennifer Miller, executive vice-president of the coated business and chief sustainability officer, Sappi North America. “The introduction of LusterCote is a natural extension of Sappi’s packaging line and proof of our commitment to product innovation in response to growing customer demand. In addition to our North American grades, the wide-range of specialty packaging grades now available from our Alfeld mill in Germany, such as Algro Finess, Parade Prima and Fusion, position Sappi to meet the evolving expectations of the North American packaging market.”

LusterCote has been fully qualified by leading label converters in the United States and Canada and is produced at Sappi’s Somerset Mill in Skowhegan, ME, USA. It will be sold directly to label printers and converters and is currently available in both 55lb and 60lb basis weights.

“We are excited about bringing product advantages to the labeling industry that have long been associated with Sappi’s Somerset mill,” says Mark Odgers, commercial director of Sappi’s import and packaging business. “The excellence of our printing surface and superior bulk and stiffness will translate into yield and converting efficiencies and bring real value to the label market.”

Made with nearly 80% renewable energy and available with SFI, FSC or PEFC chain of custody certification, LusterCote offers runnability and stiffness, as well as optimized print performance.

“Hammer Packaging is always searching for innovative suppliers who can bring value, consistent performance and technical expertise to the market,” says Lou Iovoli, vice president of strategic partnerships, Hammer Packaging. “Our relationship with Sappi consistently delivers performance-driven packaging solutions, enabling us to advance the goals of our clients.”

Odgers, a 30-year industry veteran who recently managed M-real’s North American business, will lead Sappi’s newly formed Packaging Group. Assisting Odgers will be Laura Thompson,  Sappi’s director of  technical marketing and sustainable development, who led the development of LusterCote. She will continue to explore new packaging and technical specialty product opportunities.

Sappi’s new Packaging Group will be supported by the following sales team: Wayne Nablo, sales manager, Sappi Europe Specialty Products; Scott Marquis, sales manager, LusterPrint; and, Tom Glas, sales manager, LusterCote.