NewPage's Truejet line of gloss coated digital inkjet paper receives Kodak's 5 Diamond rating in new paper rating system for Kodak Prosper presses, measuring image quality and performance

Sandy Yang

DÜSSELDORF, Germany , May 17, 2012 (press release) – Kodak recognized NewPage Corporation with the first 5 Diamond rating in its new Paper Rating System for KODAK PROSPER Presses. The NEWPAGE TRUEJET line of gloss coated digital inkjet paper received the 5 Diamond rating—the highest in the program—for its image quality and performance, which equates to “offset quality” within the rating structure.

Launched by Kodak at drupa, the Paper Rating System relies on the collection and analysis of quantifiable data to determine the expected image quality characteristics of printing papers. Kodak measures image quality using a wide variety of factors and then ranks that substrate using a rating system that ranges from one diamond to five diamonds. The rating helps customers make smart purchasing decisions.

“We’ve been working with Kodak on this for a number of years, and have been committed to providing them with the very best digital paper products in the industry,” noted Jim Niemiec, Senior Manager of Product Development, Fine Papers and Digital Printing for NewPage. “Offering a portfolio of high-quality, leading-edge products for various applications is part of our commitment to our customers. In fact, the TRUEJET Paper line employs patent-pending technology that was recognized with a 2011 InterTech Technology Award. We look forward to collaborating with Kodak on more products to move the digital inkjet printing market forward.”

Kodak developed the Paper Rating System to help printers and publishers make more informed decisions about the right combination of quality and price when evaluating substrates for each of their print jobs. In assessing paper surface capabilities, there are five metrics that can quantify and characterize the image quality expectations for each paper type. The metrics are: Black Optical Density; Show Through; Line Raggedness; and for color printing, Color-to-Color Bleed and Mottle/Uniformity. These tests are conducted under standardized conditions and results are simplified by Kodak into the 5 Diamond rating system. Customers will immediately know the image quality potential of a given paper, and with data, can make application-specific decisions based on economics and quality.

“For production inkjet printing, choosing the right paper remains one of the largest variables in delivering quality, value, and customer satisfaction. By working closely with paper manufacturers like NewPage, we are taking the guesswork out of substrate selection,” said Don Burns, Kodak’s Business Development Director for Media. “Identifying the first 5 Diamond rating in NewPage’s TRUEJET Paper is the culmination of a lot of hard work between the two companies. Combining our imaging and surface science with NewPage’s paper making technology is the kind of development that creates value to the industry. Printers will reap the benefits.”

Hundreds of papers are being evaluated and paper manufacturers continue to improve surface quality and economics through what they learn. The program will be ISO certified and is rolling out globally throughout the year.

Burns added, “We’ve been running the paper in our stand at drupa with excellent results. Attendees have been blown away by the outstanding print quality. Kodak’s Stream technology with this paper enables offset class quality.”

For more information about Kodak at drupa, go to www.kodak.com/go/drupa.

About Kodak

As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of images, information, and printing to enrich their lives.

In the graphic communications industry, Kodak serves customers in the printing, publishing, packaging and enterprise markets with intelligent solutions for competitive advantage and greater return on investment. For more information, visit graphics.kodak.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/kodakidigprint and visit our blog at growyourbiz.kodak.com

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