A reminder that the 'Optimised paper handling and logistics' reference guide is available as a free download.

The 270-page guide - which is structured into 11 modules - was launched last year following a collaborative project involving more than 30 organisations across the paper supply chain and from different printing processes and paper users.

Project member WAN-Ifra says paper is a demanding cargo requiring specialised techniques, tools and facilities for handling, logistics, storage and preparation: "Substrates are also the highest single cost for all printing and any reduction in their waste and damage improves both economic and environmental performance," says Manfred Werfel.

WAN-Ifra's technical expert working groups and World Printers Forum and partners updated the 24-year-old Ifra orange reference book 'Newsprint and newsink guide', delivering a heavily illustrated guide with easy-to-read text on improving performance and trouble-shooting.

The 11 modules cover: paper and cores (wrapping and pallets); inspect, report, evaluate and repair; warehouse and paper store; paper handling equipment; roll and pallet handling; transport (securing and lashing); road transport; rail transport; transport (containers); transport (maritime shipping); and "at the printer" - paper onto press.

The guide has a cover price of 250/280 Euros for the print edition but is available as a free e-book by registering at www.ophal.info.

Partners in the initiative were ABP; Axel Springer; Bolzano-Auramo; Cascade; Dalim; Earthpac Oy; ERA; FMS; Goss; Holmen; Kasturi & Sons (The Hindu Group); icmPrint; Idealliance; IF P&C; Intakt; KBA; Malayala Manorama; Mondi; NOPA; Paperdam; Sappi; SCA; Sonoco-Alcore; SpanSet; Stora Enso; tesa; The Times of India Group; Transwaggon; UPM; and WAN-Ifra. For more information about the initiative
please contact one of the project team leaders - Manfred Werfel manfred.werfel@wan-ifra.org, Nigel Wells, icmPrint vimw@wanadoo.fr, or David Steinhardt dsteinhardt@idealliance.org.