Built for the bite – Premier GPMI introduces Stora Enso’s Performa Natura Aqua grease-proof GC2 folding cartonboard for foodservice and bakery

Premier GPMI are excited to announce they are sole stockists of Stora Enso’s innovative Performa Natura Aqua GR, a dispersion-coated barrier board for foodservice and bakery packaging in the UK and Ireland.

Performa Natura Aqua GR is designed to deliver three main requirements of food packaging in a single product: strength, grease resistance, and print quality. It has a three-layer GC2 cartonboard structure, which makes it strong and stiff – perfect for transporting a wide range of food products.

The packaging also features a special double pigment coating on the top side, and Stora Enso’s ‘Aqua’ dispersion barrier coating on the reverse side, with an indicative kit level of 12 – the highest level of grease resistance for packaging paper.

The barrier provides exceptional grease resistance, which ensures that the end product maintains consistent integrity even when transporting oil-heavy food items. Because this barrier is integrated with the board directly, it’s ready to use immediately, with no extra processing steps.

The Aqua dispersion coating is water-based and uses less plastic content than conventional barriers. This means that the barrier-coated board can be repulped faster using conventional recycling methods, increasing the amount of paper recovered.

The pigment-coated top side of the packaging allows for excellent printing quality across standard printing and finishing processes, and is suitable for offset, flexo and digital printing (subject to trialling). Combined with the stiffness of the board, which helps achieve stable printing runnability, it makes for versatile, customisable packaging suitable for transporting and protecting bakery goods, takeaways, frozen food and more.

Duncan Green, Sales Director – Premier Board says: “Strength, printability and grease proofing together in one product is a mouthwatering combination. That’s why we’re so excited for Premier GPMI to supply Sora Enso’s Performa Natura Aqua. It’s a high-quality product that enables our customers to supply the food industry with robust, sustainable packaging we know they can trust.”

Jenni Kenttamaa, Business Development Manager – Stora Enso said: “Performa Natura Aqua is exactly developed for packaging in everyday applications where grease resistance is needed. Performa Natura Aqua also enables higher fibre recovery in the recycling process compared to PE coated solution, and its enhanced paperboard structure enables further source reduction too.”

Stora Enso Performa Natura Aqua is available to order now from Premier GPMI: https://gpmi.ie/products/performa-natura-aqua/.

For more information contact:

Lizzie Dodd, Product & Brand Marketing Manager: lizzie.dodd@premier.co.uk

Duncan Green, Premier’s Sales Director – Premier Board: duncan.green@premier.co.uk

Premier GPMI

Unit 10,
Fonthill Business Park
Dublin 22,
Ireland
Telephone: + 353 (0)1 456 5620
www.gpmi.ie

About Premier GPMI

A leading supplier of paper, board, packaging and sign & display materials within the UK and Ireland, Premier GPMI is a subsidiary of the Premier Paper Group, part of OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd., a global corporation spanning 23 countries and 130 companies, each with interests in diverse sectors, including ICT systems, real estate, power generation, and paper manufacturing and distribution.

PremierGPMI becomes the official distributor of Contra Vision in Ireland and Northern Ireland

PremierGPMI, a trusted distributor of sign and display materials across Ireland and Northern Ireland, is proud to announce its appointment as the official distributor of Contra Vision® window films and laminates. This partnership brings a comprehensive range of innovative window film solutions to the region, enabling printers and businesses to enhance their visual communications and brand.

Contra Vision® is renowned for pioneering one-way vision window graphics, allowing vibrant, high-impact graphics to be seen from the exterior of the windows while maintaining clear visibility from the inside. Ideal applications include vehicle windows, shopfront displays and building facades. The range also includes specialist films such as frosted and reeded options, which provide complete privacy by preventing visibility from either side, giving printers and clients even more flexibility for creative and functional applications.

As the official distributor, PremierGPMI provides access to Contra Vision’s product range:

  • Performance™: Premium polymeric perforated films with exceptional durability and print quality.
  • Campaign™: Versatile monomeric films for short-term applications and promotional campaigns.
  • AutoGraph™: Exclusive perforated air release films for vehicle windows, designed for smooth application and removal.
  • Dual-Color™: Perforated films intended for the production of dual-colour back-lit signage
  • Advance™: PVC-free films offering an eco-friendly alternative without compromising performance.
  • Privacy Films: Micro-perforated, mirrored, frosted and reeded options for versatile privacy solutions.

Brad West, Wide Format Media Director (UK & Ireland) at Premier, commented, “We are excited to keep developing our Sign & Display product portfolio and with the addition of Contra Vision’s innovative window film solutions, we can continue to cater to the market. As the official distributor in Ireland and Northern Ireland, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality, versatile materials that meet the needs of their customers. Contra Vision’s range, including their renowned perforated films, specialist privacy options, signage films and laminates, offers our clients the tools to create impactful visual communications with enhanced functionality.”

Beyond distribution, PremierGPMI supports printers with technical guidance, print profiles, and application advice ensuring optimal results and high-quality installations.

Contra Vision® products are available through PremierGPMI’s network of branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland. To request a free sample or for more information, contact us at gpmi.ie/contact-us.

PremierGPMI launches eTEC FibreLite

September 2025 – PremierGPMI, a trusted supplier of print media and display materials, has announced the launch of eTEC FibreLite, a 100% fibre-based, premium nano-fluted corrugated display sheet designed for indoor applications.

Combining bright white, rigid liners with a lightweight yet robust structure, eTEC FibreLite offers printers a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional plastic-based display boards. The board’s excellent dimensional stability and flatness ensure outstanding print results, while its nano-fluted core delivers strength whilst remaining lightweight and easy to handle.

eTEC FibreLite is suitable for UV, latex and screen printing and is certified for HP Latex inks. It can be processed using a wide range of finishing techniques, including flatbed cutting (oscillate or drag knife), v-grooving, CNC routing, die cutting, guillotining, hand trimming, scoring and folding. This versatility makes it ideal for applications such as ceiling-mounted signage, point-of-sale displays, short-run packaging and exhibition graphics.

The display board is fully recyclable through national waste paper collection systems, is PVC free, acid free and static free.

Commenting on the launch, Steve Jones, Display Sheets and Thermoplastics Director (UK & Ireland) at Premier said, “Printers are increasingly looking for materials that meet both performance and environmental requirements. eTEC FibreLite delivers on both fronts, it’s easy to work with, produces excellent print results and offers a sustainable end-of-life solution. It’s a win for printers, their customers and the planet.”

eTEC FibreLite is available now from PremierGPMI. For more information, visit gpmi.ie or to request a free sample of eTEC FibreLite, contact your local sales branch.

PremierGPMI launches eTEC MagnetiX

PremierGPMI has expanded its Sign & Display portfolio to offer printers a smart solution for producing flexible magnetic graphics and a valuable opportunity to broaden their product range.

Developed with modularity, ease of use and print performance in mind, the eTEC MagnetiX range comprises three products, all REACH, RoHS and toy safe (EN71 Part 3) compliant.

By mounting the Self-Adhesive Black base with the PP Ferro film, users can transform any flat surface into a magnetic base for easily interchangeable and cost-effective graphics. The high-quality printed visuals make them ideal for end-user applications in retail, exhibitions, hospitality, menu boards and POS.

The eTEC MagnetiX White range is available in a gloss and matt finish. It is a ready-to-print magnetic solution with the printable PVC face already bonded to a magnetic backing. Once produced, these can be applied to any ferrous surface, including metallic display systems, steel panels or modular installations, making them ideal for vehicle fleets, retail campaigns, temporary signage and other display applications where speed, simplicity and flexibility are key.

“Magnetic display systems are growing in popularity, especially in environments that require frequent campaign changeovers with minimal installation time,” says Brad West, Wide Format Media Director (UK & Ireland) at Premier. “eTEC MagnetiX offers a professional solution for print service providers looking to add value for their clients, with reliable material performance and strong print compatibility.”

eTEC MagnetiX is available now from PremierGPMI. For further information, samples or to place an order, contact your local branch or visit www.gpmi.ie.

Press contact:
Eve Reid | Group Marketing Director
marketing@paper.co.uk
www.gpmi.ie

Drytac Launches PVC-Free Paper Fleece Smooth for Stunning, Sustainable Wallcoverings

Drytac paper fleece image

GPMI, the exclusive distributor of Drytac products in Ireland, is delighted to announce the launch of Drytac Paper Fleece Smooth, a revolutionary PVC-free, non-woven wallcovering. Available from 18 June 2024, this innovative product combines sustainability with exceptional quality, perfect for a variety of settings including homes, retail stores, hotels, and offices.

Paper Fleece Smooth has excellent dimensional stability ensuring trouble-free printing and excellent durability, its smooth satin finish delivers photorealistic prints, producing sharp, detailed graphics with quick drying times. Transform interior spaces using Paper Fleece Smooth to create vibrant custom wallcoverings.

Key features of Drytac Paper Fleece Smooth include:

  • PVC-Free: Environment-friendly wallcovering solution
  • Repositionable Permanent Adhesive: bubble-free technology allows effortless installations.
  • Fire Regulation Compliance: Safe for use in public areas that require strict fire safety standards.
  • Smooth Satin Finish: Provides sharp, detailed graphics and quick drying times

GPMI’s commitment to continuously work with suppliers who provide innovative and sustainable products that do not compromise on style or functionality can be echoed by this Drytac launch. Request a free sample today and transform any space effortlessly with Drytac Paper Fleece Smooth, available from 18 June 2024 through GPMI.

For more information about Drytac Paper Fleece Smooth, please visit Drytac or contact your local sales branch here.

Press Contact: Brad Goldsmith – Marketing Manager GPMI.Marketing@paper.co.uk

GPMI www.GPMI.ie

About GPMI

GPMI is a leading Irish distributor offering diverse materials and services to support the display industry. GPMI provide a comprehensive range of high-quality

products within the Irish market, providing expert industry knowledge and customer service to multiple market sectors including commercial and office papers, plastics for industry, industrial packaging, signage for signwriters and signmakers, print machinery, print consumables, vehicle wrap and vinyl, and general display solutions.

About Drytac

Drytac is a highly regarded manufacturer of adhesive-coated products, with offices around the globe and manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom and Canada. Catering to an international marketplace, Drytac offers an extensive range of products that serve virtually every facet of the graphic arts market.

DP Imaging install second Kongsberg table

DP Imaging have invested in their second Kongsberg table, this time adding the flagship C24 conveyor table to their portfolio, based in Ballymount Dublin, DP imaging offer a range of large and small format print and finishing services to their clients. Quality and innovation has always been to the fore of their decision making process. The Kongsberg C24 is equipped with a VariAngle, a unique tool only offered by Kongsberg and the only one installed in Ireland, It automatically changes the cutting angle of the knife in increments of 0,5 degrees. The cutting lines can be defined in the structural design file or directly in the Kongsberg table’s front-end software.
With conventional V-notch solutions, you have to either stop the production to change tools or blade angle. The new VariAngle lets you run the cutting table without the need of interventions during the production.
shorturl.at/bCS34

The company also opted for the fast tool enabler, When Two Fast Tools are better than one: The new Fast Tool Adapter makes sure that you can unlock extra production power with your Kongsberg C table.
No need for tool changes, just let the Kongsberg run through the job with two Fast Tools.
shorturl.at/lyGIS

A big thank you to Paul & Patrick for continuing to invest with GPMI. Your support is greatly appreciated by all the team here.

 

Company Announcement

GPMI Holdings has recently (2020) acquired Reilly Plastics in Navan. This is a small and opportunistic acquisition which came about as the owner was retiring. Reilly Plastics was established in the early 1990’s and supplies plastics to a wide and varied customer base including food processing/servicing industry as well as engineering firms. Bernard Hoey was seconded to the position of General Manager last August and is leading a team of three staff. This move represents further diversification for GPMI. We wish Bernard well in developing and growing the business in the future.

Mimaki UJV100-160 UV LED Printing

New Product Launching First quarter 2021

Mimaki UJV100-160 UV LED Printing.

Expert printing made easy.
– Well-balanced entry-level models with excellent operational performance, image quality, speed, and cost –

With two newly developed heads, the UJV100-160 has pursued high quality, high productivity, and stable operation as a UV-curable inkjet printer.

In addition to NCU (Nozzle Check Unit), NRS (Nozzle Recovery System) and MAPS4 (Mimaki Advanced Pass System4), which enable stable high-quality printing, the DAS (Dot Adjustment System) was incorporated into the new “100 series” printers. Dot position and feed correction, which used to take a lot of time and effort to do manually, can now be done automatically, reducing the workload on the operator.

  1. Latest features that achieve Mimaki quality
    – Dot position / Feeding amount auto correcting function “DAS”
    – Mimaki technology that enables stable and high-quality print
  2. High productivity at a competitive price
    – High-speed printing at a maximum of 23m²/h *
    – Because no drying time is required, it is possible to perform installation or lamination immediately after printing.
  3. Capability of supporting various media types and value-added prints, achieved by using UV-curable ink

 

New Mimaki 3D Printer announced

The new Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 was launched this week at the online Formnext Connect event and provides much of the functionality and unique features of the existing 3DUJ-553 full colour 3D printer, in a more compact and affordable package. Still sporting the ability to print in 10 million colours at exceptionally high quality, the new model has a build area of 203 x 203 x 76mm.

The innovative 3D printing solution represents a huge step forward for detailing and post-processing, with the unique combination of its full-colour capabilities and water-soluble support materials enabling super-fine details to be printed in vibrant colour, and then beautifully preserved without the substantial breakage risks usually associated with manual cleaning, painting and finishing. With additional features such as Mimaki’s trademark clear resin, which can be utilised alone or mixed with colours to achieve varying levels of transparency, the new 3DUJ-2207 3D printer presents a robust, advanced 3D printing solution with an affordable price tag – all within a machine sufficiently compact to fit in an office lift.

Set to be commercially available worldwide from January 2021.