James Cropper Paper’s innovative direct print, no-adhesive, instant wall art product, Khora is awarded Best Special Application Substrate at the European Digital Press Association Awards in Cologne.

Turning a photograph into instant wall art was made effortless with the launch of Khora by James Cropper Paper in September 2014, allowing image makers of all backgrounds to put print-ready art directly onto a no-adhesive, no-fixings, no-fuss display box. The innovation has taken less than a year to receive its first industry plaudits, with an award from the European Digital Press Association (EPA).   

Presented in front of an international audience of paper and printing specialists on Wednesday 20 May at the FESPA 2015 print technology exhibition in Cologne, Germany, Khora was named as the year’s Best Special Application Substrate. Opening up the possibility for an image to be taken from a camera to a professional box presentation in five minutes, the product was recognised by judges for its versatility, convenience and permanence. The EDP jury commented “Developed by British boutique paper mill James Cropper.  It uses the firm’s high-quality archival paper to ensure long-lasting high quality results that meet the most demanding artist and gallery requirements, while being simple to assemble needing no glue, tape or staples”.

Supplied flat for digital inkjet printing, the pre-scored product offers immaculate reproduction from high-resolution image files. The quick and easy ‘lock-in’ construction, completed by one person, uses fold-in tabs to create a canvas-like box structure ready for hanging direct from the printer, without the need for further processing. The high-definition, conservation-standard board offers sharp and long-lasting print results on both water-based dye and pigment inkjet systems.

Watch the high speed construction of Khora here: https://vimeo.com/104613857

Geoff Leech, Art and Digital Director for James Cropper Paper, said on receiving the award: “Khora is a new and exciting product and for it to be recognised as such by the printing industry so soon after its launch is testament to its great potential. Convenience and exceptional quality are two things that image makers – whether private photographers or commercial designers – are calling on us to provide, and with Khora we believe we have delivered exactly that. Product development is a day-in day-out activity at James Cropper Paper and we’re grateful that the hard work that has gone into making Khora so special has been acknowledged.”

The EPA Awards are presented by the industry body in association with a number of global media outlets. The Federation of Global Screen and Digital Printing Trade Associations holds the FESPA trade exhibition every year to showcase the work of the biggest names in printing innovation, from textile printing to automotive body wraps.

To find out more about James Cropper Paper and the art and design projects they support, please visit: www.jamescropper.com