Global pulp and paper producer, Sappi, has come up with another environmentally sound solution that combines the natural look of uncoated paper with the smoothness of a coated grade.
Masuga was recently launched in Johannesburg, with renowned chef Justin Bonello giving a ‘sweet cooking’ demonstration to reiterate Masuga’s branding as ‘Sappi’s sweet paper’. Masuga is produced primarily from sugar cane waste (bagasse) and wood fibre derived from sustainably certified and well managed forests.
During his demonstration, Justin highlighted the analogies between cooking and making paper. Both require specific, quality ingredients and fail-proof recipes. And in both instances, the end product is something tactile that can be touched and enjoyed in a way that no digital product can.
Masuga is also a ‘sweet’ choice for many other reasons. The development of this paper is the prime example of a manufacturer understanding and interpreting the needs of its customers, and as a result producing an innovative local grade made from alternative fibres.
“Masuga was developed in response to a specific customer request (from Woolworths) for a very smooth, uncoated environmental paper in a natural shade. This makes it the first text and cover grade of its kind on the market,” says Sappi Paper and Paper Packaging Business Develop Manager, Kathy Ormerod. The new grade is a double win for specifiers across the board. “Not only does it provide a natural-looking ‘canvas’ to unleash design creativity and provide more end-use options, but its smooth surface gives it the excellent printability and quality finish that are characteristic of a coated grade.”
The paper’s environmental and socio-economic credentials are equally impressive. It consists of 90% sugar cane waste and 10% wood fibre sourced from a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified plantation. The unbleached mixture is pulped, revealing the fibres’ natural shade when turned into paper. Masuga is 100% recyclable. A further benefit is that the sugar cane mill that supplies Sappi with the sugar cane waste, is black owned; and 25% of the mill’s shareholders are local cane farmers.
Masuga was developed in response to Woolworths’ need to use a paper that supports its Good Business Journey goals of protecting the environment and empowering people. “We are fortunate to have partnered with Sappi in developing this exciting and innovative paper. Their expertise has made this possible,” says Woolworths’ Good Business Journey Manager, Justin Smith. Woolworths’ 2010 Annual and Sustainability Reports were the first documents to be printed on Masuga.
“Being a 100% locally produced paper is an added bonus,” adds Sappi’s Kathy, “as buying ‘local’ supports the economy and job creation in our country. It also assists in establishing a unique South African offering of paper that is manufactured according to the highest environmental standards; and without the big carbon footprint that is evident in many of the imported grades.
Masuga’s smoothness and natural look makes it a great choice for printing annual reports, corporate stationery, books, brochures, tags, folders etc. It is available in an extended grammage range of 100,120,170 and 350g/m² and is exclusively distributed by Antalis.