Monadnock Paper
Did you know that, in addition to the well known Text and Cover brands Astrolite, Astrolite PC 100, Dulcet, Caress, Envi and Duraprint, Monadnock manufactures over 200 different papers and boards for technical/specialty and converting applications?
Each of these grades is engineered to meet specific end-use requirements through the development of critical performance specifications. Customers challenge Monadnock to develop new solutions to improve performance, meet changing requirements and to satisfy corporate sustainability goals. Lessons learned developing distinctly different products create a broad base of expertise that helps to improve Monadnock’s paper making capabilities overall.
Here is a sampling of products and the specific properties that make them work:
- poster and signage papers and board – weatherproof, dimensionally stable
- archival papers and museum boards – 100 percent cotton, long lasting
- wallcovering – print-receptive coatings optimized for a variety of printers
- reinforced abrasive backings – polymer-reinforced, non-slip coating
- wood veneer backing – polymer reinforced, dimensionally stable
- sterilizable medical packaging – ultra clean, strong surface strength
- medical diagnostic and blotter papers – pH controlled, absorbent
- tape system components – polymer reinforced, high tensile strength
- tag and label – polymer reinforced, strong when wet, printable
- ceiling tile backing – dimensionally stable, high tensile strength
- drywall/corner bead papers – wet strength, abrasion resistance
A client might approach you with a project requiring performance papers or boards, something other than traditional printing papers. It may be something as simple as a special weight, or as complicated as a weatherproof sign material or an especially durable yet eco-friendly cover stock.
Monadnock has a long history of manufacturing special papers and boards that meet the exacting requirements of a wide variety of markets and specialty end users. The talents accumulated over many years allow Monadnock to customize printing and packaging papers as well.
Why Monadnock is Unique
- Over 200 different paper grades are manufactured under one roof on two Fourdrinier machines.
- As a non-integrated mill, Monadnock creates fiber blends from over 25 grades of pulp
(not confined, as many integrated mills are, to their own, limited pulp supply)
- Extensive fiber refining capabilities enhance strength and fiber formation characteristics.
- Calendar stacks achieve extraordinarily smooth, level surfaces of consistent caliper. Ultra smooth surfaces are a hallmark of Monadnock papers.
- Functional and aesthetic coatings are available. Monadnock has an off-machine coater to add print coatings and functional coatings customized for individual client requirements. Specialty coatings consist of adhesive, barrier, anti-slip and holdout coatings.
Bringing Green Solutions to the Marketplace
Monadnock doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Companies look to Monadnock for unique solutions for enhanced product performance and/or characteristics that will reduce the environmental impact of their existing material. Consider these examples:
Challenge 1
“Green” vintners want sustainable packaging solutions. They have FSC cork and recycled/recyclable bottles. What about the label?
Solution
Monadnock already understands durable printing stocks. A 100 percent postconsumer recycled FSC-certified product was engineered with the appropriate wet strength and printability characteristics to satisfy pressure sensitive and glue-applied label requirements.
Challenge 2
Retailers want an environmental packaging solution – how much recycled fiber content can they put into their packaging without compromising aesthetics and performance?
Solution
Monadnock determined that the optimal PCW content is about 80 percent. Through extensive lab work and paper machine trials, Monadnock understands fiber characteristics as well as how to engineer folding strength into a sheet. Envi folding boxboard was developed to meet the needs of premium retailers around the world.
Challenge 3
Vinyl and film signage, while beautiful, is not environmentally sustainable.
Solution
Monadnock, through superior fiber formation and uniquely durable, weather-resistant coatings, engineered Ultraform Backlit papers as an environmental alternative for backlit posters that are displayed in transit shelters, pedestrian panels and shopping malls. Ultraform is now synonymous with Backlit Poster.
Partnering for Sustainability
Businesses want to partner with like-minded businesses. Consumers want to know who you are as a company. Purchasing decisions are now being made based on a company’s social, ethical and environmental profile. Choosing Monadnock paper is a meaningful way to support sustainable manufacturing and have a positive impact on the environment.
Monadnock feels that the best way to assure customers of its own environmental performance is through accredited third-party verification. Monadnock’s certified ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System calls for an accounting of all the impacts to the environment from its operations. Key tenets of ISO certification include regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
Monadnock is also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified (SW-COC-001160). The FSC standards ensure responsible use of forest resources.
All products made by Monadnock are engineered with the environment in mind. While sustainable manufacturing is good for business, the company has pursued this course for decades because protecting the environment is simply the right thing to do.
New Markets Open New Possibilities
Why is Monadnock telling designers and printers about these technical specialty capabilities and its history of environmental sustainability? New markets open new possibilities – that’s what Monadnock is all about.
Adapting to changing market demands is fundamental to success. If you have a particular design challenge, with concerns about environmental footprint, strength, moisture resistance, fold or any other physical or performance characteristics, contact Monadnock. They are ready to collaborate with you to develop a solution that meets your goals and needs.
