Verso Corp., Memphis, Tenn., USA, a producer of flexible packaging, technical, and label and converting papers, this week announced the introduction of its NK Series, a family of lightweight, machine-glazed natural kraft papers manufactured using unbleached virgin fiber. The NK Series will be produced at Verso's Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, with an initial focus on foodservice and flexible packaging applications such as quick service restaurant and concession bags, sandwich wraps, pouches, microwave popcorn bags, and specialty tape and waxing base.

"Market demand continues to grow for unbleached fiber papers as more and more consumer brands incorporate a natural look and feel into their product packaging and foodservice papers," said Ed Buehler, Verso VP of Business Development, Specialty. "Lightweight natural kraft papers are the latest addition to Verso's industry leading portfolio of top-performing American-made specialty papers, all of which are backed by the same exceptional level of service that printers and converters have come to trust from Verso."

Verso will produce uncoated machine-glazed natural kraft papers using unbleached fiber with basis weights (3,000 sq. ft.) ranging from 15 lb. to 40 lb. These natural kraft products will join the Androscoggin Mill's growing portfolio of established specialty papers designed for a wide variety of foodservice, label, release liner, and packaging applications.

"Our new NK Series focuses on natural kraft papers with specific performance attributes such as oil and grease resistance, low porosity for moisture holdout, and high strength for demanding converting processes," said Buehler. "These unbleached products complement our well established lightweight bleached foodservice and flexible packaging papers, and provide us with an excellent base for long-term growth and development of natural kraft specialty papers."

Additional information about Verso's NK Series of lightweight natural kraft machine glazed papers or its broad portfolio of other specialty paper products is available online, or by email.