Sihl Professional Photographic Papers

25/07/07

Sihl group launch paper - A leading continental imaging media company is set to launch a pioneering range of high quality professional photographic papers in the UK.

The Swiss-based Sihl group, part of the worldwide Italian-owned Diatec organisation, is well known in the UK for its wide format products and boasts a 100 year history of paper coating and 500 years of paper manufacturing in Europe.

Now its scientists have developed the innovative P3 range of papers including the initial UK launch line, P3 Studio, targeting professional photographers and the growing advanced amateur or ‘photocrat’ market.

The company has developed special SuperDry coating technology for inkjet photo paper, guaranteeing colour saturation, a wide range of tonal values and contrasts and high maximum thicknesses.

Explained Sam Iliaifar, SIHL Group UK Area Sales Manager: “On the continent we are the No1 supplier in the digital imaging wide format business and we plan to build on that foundation as we launch into the professional photography sector in Britain.

Our new P3 papers with their compelling 3D-look, superb black and white rendition and high colour brilliance, provide the ultimate in high quality output but remain at a competitive price point."

He added: “Our extensive market research shows that photographers here are looking for consistent high quality products - and with the P3 range we believe we are providing them with the Ferrari equivalent in inkjet photo-paper.

We are confident that Sihl will be rapidly develop into a well-known and high profile brand in the pro photography marketplace in coming months.”

The new Sihl P3 Studio launch range comprises:

Professional Photo Paper PE 330 (330 g/m² high-gloss finish in A4, A3, A3+, 13”, 17”, 24” reel and 44” reel formats)
Professional Photo Paper PE 300 (300 g/m² semi-gloss finish in A4, A3, A3+, 13”, 17”, 24” reel and 44” reel formats)
Professional Photo paper PE 330 DS (325 g/m² semi-gloss finish, printable on both sides and available in A4 and A3+ format)

Sihl has focused on single layer technology, as opposed to multilayered inkjet photo paper, with its P3 Studio solution.

Explained Iliaifar: “Our SuperDry microporous coating consists of microscopically small particles combined with a special Sihl bonding agent to control ink absorption. Dyes stick to the surface more effectively and that provides higher colour saturation benefits.”

The new range sees a weight increase from the company’s former 280 g/m² European stock. It will ship in distinctive red box livery and will be complemented by additional P3 products in coming weeks.

Johan Gaucher Sihl Diatec International Sales and Global Accounts Director said: “P3 papers will be a brand new creative tool for aspirational UK image makers. Optimised for printing with pigment inks, these papers are extremely robust. They also provide outstanding longevity.

Sihl paper scientists have carried out special accelerated permanence testing which estimate P3 products will offer up to 125 fade-free years under certain conditions. Plus they include the added guarantee of no show-through.”

He added: “In a recent product review in a German magazine, Sihl Professional Papers won high praise for achieving optimum print results across a range of Epson, Canon and HP printers, compared to competitor papers which only delivered good results on proprietary brand printers.”

Sihl has appointed Hatfield-based company, Image2output to distribute the P3 range and complementary product lines in the UK.

For more information on the SIHL range visit their website.

http://www.sihlgroup.com/

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