Verso (Memphis, Tenn., USA) on Sept. 18, 2018 announced the launch of three new label papers, OptiLabel™ HB, OptiLitho™ C1S and OptiPrime™ Inkjet WS, further expanding its specialty label paper portfolio, which the company said is the largest in North America.

"We are pleased to be launching three new innovative label products for pressure sensitive, label and converting, and inkjet food contact applications to satisfy the growing needs of our specialty paper customers," said Verso's president of Graphic Papers, Mike Weinhold. "We are very proud to be featuring these new products for the first time at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago next week."

Verso’s OptiLabel HB family of general purpose pressure sensitive face stock papers expands with the addition of a new 58 lb. (3300 ft2 / 86 gsm) basis weight offering that is optimized for laminating, label printing, die cutting and high speed label application processes. The OptiLabel HB family is also offered in a 53 lb. (3300 ft2 / 78 gsm) basis weight and is designed for high-end, pressure sensitive label applications requiring premium label appearance and high strength for matrix stripping and runnability. Ideal for flexographic printing, OptiLabel HB features premium brightness and an enhanced blue-white shade, combined with high opacity and a semi-gloss finish.

OptiLitho C1S is a new family of C1S glue-applied cut and stack label papers for label and converting applications. OptiLitho C1S is offered in 55 lb. (3300 ft2 / 81 gsm) and 60 lb. (3300 ft2 / 89 gsm) and features a smooth surface, excellent ink holdout for offset, flexographic and rotogravure printing, and is designed to perform in demanding and unique printing and converting applications.

OptiPrime Inkjet WS joins the OptiPrime family of specialty pressure sensitive label papers for emerging label printing technologies and is offered in 42 lb. (3300 ft2 / 62 gsm) and 38 lb. (3000 ft2 / 62 gsm). OptiPrime Inkjet WS is a wet strength label paper designed for premium aqueous inkjet and flexographic direct food contact pressure sensitive label applications requiring wet strength performance for better durability in higher moisture environments. OptiPrime Inkjet WS has high strength for fast die cutting, matrix stripping and runnability along with a high brightness, high opacity and premium blue-white shade.

"OptiLabel HB and OptiLitho C1S products are made on PM 3 known for making high quality release liner and label papers at Verso’s Escanaba Mill in Michigan, a fully integrated pulp and paper manufacturing facility," said Verso VP and GM of Specialty Papers, Ed Buehler. "OptiPrime Inkjet WS is produced at Verso’s Stevens Point Mill in Wisconsin, North America’s largest state-of-the-art specialty paper mill."

These new offerings join Verso’s label paper portfolio which includes Aspect®, Sterling®, OptiTherm™, UniTherm™, DuraPoint, ProPoint, OmniPoint, LithoPoint, EcoPoint and CraftPoint™ – as Verso noted "the most comprehensive label paper portfolio produced in North America".