Southeast Asia and India is well aware of the
role played by minerals in improving the
advertising revenue potential of magazines
or the "pop" of image laden books, and the
eye appeal of branded packages.
Pigments for Paper Asia-Pacific puts it, "The
flexibility to evolve grades with advanced kaolin
and/or carbonate formulations assures higher
profit potential for our customers in Asia. And
they are ready to try the latest ideas we have
even if they are not proven commercially."
formulations, which are in tune with what
markets want, is critical. Carbonate rich
formulations are as high as 100% in much
of Asia, while Japan continues to lead the
way with multi-pigment and novel kaolin
formulations. The key reason for carbonates
strong presence in Asian markets is the cost
advantage of local supply, and advances in the
application of engineered, steep carbonate
grades, which rival or enhance the finest
engineered kaolins.
develop reserves, processing and applications
solutions at an accelerated rate. Imerys' further
development of marble reserves in Qin Yang
County, Anhui province China, reflect a move
toward backward integration into marble raw
material. This business strategy is a response to
central China's demand for high performance
papermaking. Doing so, the best practices for
safety, environment, and sustainability are another
important measure of progress in the region.
to grow within Asian markets, developing
reserves, processing and applications solutions.
The recent acquisition of a marble reserve in
Qin Yang County, Anhui province China makes
Imerys the only GCC producer to the paper
industry backward integrated into marble raw
material. This move is a response to central
China's demand for high performance
papermaking.
outpacing other regions in tangent with paper
itself. Initial developments by European
companies like Stora Enso and UPM, longtime
advocates of value added paper, resulting from
carbonate-kaolin formulations, local producers
are catching up and in some cases leading the
way in grade development. A case in point is
Yueyang Paper, launching the first SC grade
paper machine in China.
supply multi-pigments to all paper centres in
Asia, based on length of experience in that
market and relationships with both domestic and
foreign producers. Strategically placed reserves
in China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia are
vital to our ability to meet customer needs. An
established commitment to logistical movement
of minerals from around the globe makes what
appears difficult to be routine."
that engineered carbonate or multi-pigment
formulations play in brightness and performance
of the sheet. For some time now, global brands,
made in China, have reported on quality levels
comparable with sister products from Europe
and North America, fueling the large printing
presses in China, which supply global customers.
in advances in controlling coating weight,
coating colour, and coating characteristics.
Because of attention to coating formulations,
built upon a better base sheet, producers are
receiving high marks from printers. With the
increasing amount of high-speed printing
presses in China, superior sheet properties
and runnability on the presses are a necessity.
And this trend will continue.
have proven to be a winning strategy for paper
producers and mineral providers alike. Cost
savings figure prominently into this equation,
but quality and branding are equally important.
When a relationship goes beyond steady,
consistent supply to an active partnership
around end properties in paper, there's a
message to all involved added value along
the supply chain enhances sustainability and
prosperity for everyone contributing to the
paper sector.
of innovation with shape-engineered minerals,
even within the context of nanotechnology."