By Cassandra Balentine
Paper-, wood-, and fiber-based rigid substrates continue to improve in terms of versatility, cost, and durability. These options are getting attention as consumers look for ways to replace plastic whenever and wherever it makes sense to do so.
Our November issue features a full-length article on the topic, find a roundup of available options below.
Falconboard
Falconboard is a fully recyclable rigid media board that Roberto Rodriguez, managing director, DGS USA, says offers superior performance over most traditional foamboard options as well as high-quality printability. It is made from renewable materials and approved for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
“The engineering behind the material relies on a honeycomb internal structure which provides superior rigidity and amazing resistance so it can be formed into many shapes and custom sizes to create exciting, eye-catching point of purchase (POP) retail displays. It can also be used for interior signage, exhibits, framing, and mounting,” shares Rodriguez.
Falconboard is available in thicknesses from .25 to two inches and different finishes such as white/kraft/white, white/black/white, all white, all black, and all Kraft.
Bob O’Neill, national sales manager, Competitive EDGE U.S./Canada Falconboard Manufacturer Reps, adds that Falconboard is manufactured and produced by Hexacomb, a PCA Co., and has seven plants across the U.S. with many of them offering regional Falconboard access to their distributor partners.
Lamitech, Inc.
Lamitech offers Thru White, Earthboard, and Solid Black Plush rigid media options.
Thru White enables users to print vibrant designs on its flawless bright white, rigid canvas.
Earthboard focuses on sustainability with its 100 percent recycled fiber composition, while maintaining strength and print quality on both sides.
Solid Black Plush is meant to redefine luxury packaging and displays with its velvety black surface.
“These rigid substrates aren’t just materials—they’re statements. Elevate your brand’s image while respecting the environment. Join us in shaping a future where aesthetics, function, and sustainability harmonize seamlessly,” says Adam Reiser, GM, Lamitech.
Metsä Board Americas
MetsäBoard Prime FBB Bright is used for luxury packaging and graphical end uses. It is a fully coated bleached paperboard with coated back, as the company’s flagship grade it combines superb brightness, whiteness, and stiffness. Its dashing white look, bluish white shade, and excellent printability enhance luxurious designs and special features.
Monadnock Paper Mills
Monadnock’s ENVIsual Board is part of the Envi line of products. It is FSC certified, available in 100 percent post-consumer, wood fiber that is recyclable. ENVIsual Board provides an “unplastic” alternative to styrene for rigid signage.
According to Vince Queau, senior sales representative, Monadnock Paper Mills, ENVIsual Board is a renewable, fiber-based, rigid board designed to support a new generation in retail, hospitality, POP displays, and event signage.
Panel Processing
Its Eco-Finish Digital Print media boasts a specially formulated water-based coating that is environmentally friendly and provides an excellent print surface. With the substrate or core material MDF, HDF, or plywood it is an excellent choice for POP, signage, and more.
UltraPartners, LLC
UltraPartners’ Mako-Board is a 100 percent recyclable, premium paperboard for both indoor and outdoor application exposed to hot, cold, moist, and wet environments as well as for temporary outdoor signs. According to Tim Bolton, president, UltraPartners, it is an ideal alternative to plastics. It has a beautiful smooth white print surface and is FSC certified.
UltraPartners also offers Oppboga Excellent, which is made from 100 percent virgin wood fibers, has a clean center, and is lighter than most other boards due to its high bulk, says Bolton. Its triple coated surface offers a bright, smooth finish ideal for printing.
Xanita
Xanita board is a fully repulpable fiber board, which is free from volatile organic compounds and harmful substances. Rowan Maher, CMO, Xanita, says this robust lightweight material is designed for the wide format printing industry and lends itself to various applications from eye-catching point of sale displays to immersive exhibition stands and much more.
Rigid Options
As paper-, wood-, and fiber-based rigid media offers continue to advance, print providers—and their clients—have more options.
Nov2023, Digital Output
