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Joanne Gardner tracks down the solutions to your print problems

Q I’ve been told about Triotec paper, but I’ve never seen it and don’t know why I might need it. They say it has a top and bottom layer of normal paper and a middle core of recycled paper. Can you confirm this paper composition is true and, if so, explain how it is made and where I might get some from?
Alan Lee
London South Bank University

A You’re pretty close in terms of its composition. The Triotec process was developed by Mondi Business Paper and is produced using what it calls “sandwich technology”. The recycled fibres in the inner layer and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) fibres in the outer two layers are what makes it an eco-friendly option. In accordance with FSC, the central layer is formed from recycled, or CTMP fibres (the chemo-thermo mechanical process for pulp formation, which has a 90% higher yield than previous pulping processes). It also claims to have “high whiteness and perfect opacity”, which eliminates show-through and makes it good for double-sided printing and copying. The fact it is low-dust paper also means a better hardware performance, enabling long print runs. It comes in 80gsm and A4, A3 and folio formats. Suppliers include Paperflow (020 8331 2000, info@paperflowonline.com), Europapier (0043 1 277 780, www.europapier.com) , Howard Smith Paper, (0870 608 2381, www.hspg.com) and Mondi Group (0043 01 79013 5662, www.mondigroup.com ).

Q I’m seeking a company that can print warning signs onto plastic A4 and A3 size. Each one will have a unique serial number so I need the supplier to be able to print variable data on to plastic up to A3. We need up to 100,000 per year.
Paul Goodwin,
via printweek.com forum

A I’ve had quite a positive response to this job and there are a few options for you to consider. Call John Cartwright at Image Creation (01905 724333) with the full specs and visit the website for examples of their work: www.image-creation.co.uk . Mike Slack from Direct Signs UK is also keen to hear from you with further details.  Call 01455 230122/612292 or email mike@directsigns.co.uk. Aardvark-Digital can print serial numbers and “run-ons” of safety sign graphics to vinyl, which can be bonded directly to a plastic substrate. If that interests you, email Tony Ellam on info@aardvark-digital.com. ImageData Group has iGen3s at its Brighton site with which it can digitally print onto 500 micron substrates (around 3mm thick; non-tear and waterproof), but if you need thicker, more substantial material it can use one of the Inca machines at its Howden site. Email or call Lisa East (01482 652323, lisa.east@imagedata.co.uk) with overall quantities, number of versions and quantities per version, number of colours and stock to be printed on.