FiberMark launches two fiber-based gift card and horticultural tag products FiberCard and FiberTag aimed at replacing plastic substrates, touts products' durability and eco-friendliness

Sandy Yang

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont , April 13, 2012 (press release) – FiberMark (www.fibermark.com ), a world-class producer of specialty fiber-based materials used in decorative coverings for luxury packaging and publishing, performance boards for office products and graphic design and many technical specialty applications, announces a major product launch that promises to bring sweeping innovation to the horticultural tag and gift card industries.

With the recent development and release of two new fiber-based tag and card products -- FiberTagTM and FiberCardTM -- FiberMark continues to solidify its leadership position by introducing more environmentally sensitive—as well as more durable—card and tag materials for the many products that require them.

• FiberTagTM is a highly durable fiber-based stock that has been uniquely engineered to withstand the rigors of horticultural and other rough-use applications, such as tags, labels and signage, while providing a base for both fade- and weather- resistant printed stock. It is made using 30-percent post-consumer recycled fiber, is chlorine-free and is free of lead and phthalates. What’s more, its dimensional stability makes it rigid enough to resist curl and its high strength allows for efficient processing in converting and maximum performance in the field. (To view a short video on a FiberTag application, please visit http://www.fibermark.com/details.php?productID=310 )

• FiberCardTM is a cellulose-based, environmentally sensitive card stock aimed at replacing plastic substrates in the gift & key card market. While providing all the benefits of its petroleum-derived competitors (“plastic-like” look and feel, and the ability to accept traditional gift card decorating techniques like magnetic stripes/embossing/signature panels/scratch-offs/barcoding/die-cutting), unlike them, it’s without the negative environmental impact. And, like FiberTag, it is manufactured using 10% PCW recycled materials and is itself recyclable.
The smooth white surface of both fiber-based stocks readily lends itself to offset and digital print platforms for robust image fidelity. Both are available FSC® certified upon request.
FiberMark is Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSC) – certified. This certification (certificate code SW-COC- 003054) verifies the flow of FSC-certified forest products through FiberMark’s supply chain and into its final products, assuring FiberMark customers that the papers they are choosing are made from trees harvested according to strict environmental standards and forest management practices.

As many scientists and health experts increasingly agree, plastic substrates, phthalates, and other petroleum-based, plastic materials typically used in tags and labels can pose serious, long- term environmental and health concerns. By introducing tags and labels made from recycled, biodegradable, fiber-based products, FiberMark and other companies are demonstrating their commitment to the environment and to eliminating health hazards.

Brian McAlary, FiberMark’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing put his company’s achievements into perspective. “It’s almost mind-boggling to consider the numbers of plastic cards, and tag- and label-bearing products that we, as consumers, encounter in the span of 24 hours,” he notes. “Open anyone’s purse or wallet and you’ll likely find a handful of plastic gift cards. Buy a sapling tree at the nursery and chances are there’s a tag hooked on the stem with a vibrant photograph of the plant in bloom and planting and watering recommendations on the back. These products’ influence on our daily lives is quietly enormous, not to mention the impact on our planet when you try and dispose of them.”

McAlary explained that the launch of both products underscores FiberMark’s longstanding commitment to environmental preservation. “They’re products of our environmentally sound manufacturing processes—and they both emerge on the market as highly innovative and functional, while being considerably ‘greener.’ We’re thrilled with their potential.”

About FiberMark

FiberMark offers thoughtfully engineered, fiber-based materials that express brands, inspire design, and provide technical solutions. With an impressive range of visual, tactile and performance capabilities, FiberMark is uniquely positioned to provide myriad solutions for the graphic design, technical, luxury packaging, publishing and performance boards markets.
The company’s premium products are made from sustainable materials, and are crafted in accordance with environmentally sound manufacturing practices. FiberMark’s experienced Research and Development team continually drives toward a balance of environmental stewardship and cutting-edge design, resulting in a range of products to delight the discerning customer.

FiberMark is a global manufacturer and marketer, crafting its materials in the U.S. and Europe, providing world-class solutions for world-leading brands.

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