Technical & specialty papers for graphic and industrial applications
From Digicol® rigid boards to functional papers, Coldenhove technical papers support demanding converting, printing and processing environments.
Technical applications need performance
Whether you are producing rigid display boards, or functional papers for industrial processes, performance is non-negotiable. Surfaces must print cleanly and papers must behave reliably.
Converters and brand owners therefore need technical papers with carefully engineered stiffness, porosity and surface properties — backed by a supplier who understands complex applications.
How Coldenhove supports your processes
Coldenhove combines centuries of papermaking with a strong engineering focus. From Digicol® rigid paper board to other specialty grades, we design papers to run stably on your equipment, integrate into your process, and deliver the right mechanical behavior.
Our Innovation & Development team works closely with customers to understand requirements, converting lines and end-use conditions — helping you reduce trial-and-error and move more quickly from idea to production.
Technical applications with specialty papers
Our technical range brings together different paper types used in graphics, display and industrial processes. Some serve as functional substrates, others replace plastics or support laminates — all are developed with a clear application in mind.
Paper-based rigid boards with Digicol®
Digicol® is our paper-based alternative to PVC foamboard for signage and visual communication. It combines rigid board construction with a printable surface and can be used for indoor displays, retail communication and short-term outdoor use. 100% paper and fully recyclable in the standard paper stream.
Engineered surfaces and cores
Technical papers often have to balance printability with strength, stiffness or absorbency. We tune fiber composition, caliper and surface treatment so substrates perform well in printing, laminating or forming — without unwanted dusting, curl or instability.
Support for trials and scale-up
New applications often start with technical trials. Our teams can help interpret test results, adjust paper specifications where possible and prepare for a smooth transition from pilot runs to regular production.
Key challenges in technical applications
Replacing plastics with fiber-based solutions
Brands and converters are under pressure to move away from PVC and other plastics where possible. Fiber-based alternatives like Digicol® must match or exceed the performance that users are used to, while still being recyclable.
Balancing function and print quality
Technical substrates often need to carry graphics while also providing stiffness, absorbency or barrier properties. Finding a single material that prints well and still meets mechanical requirements can be challenging.
Demanding converting and processing conditions
Die-cutting, creasing, laminating and digital or analog printing place different stresses on the paper. Materials need to run without excessive dusting, cracking or dimensional change — at industrial speeds.
Consistency across batches and projects
Technical applications often run over long periods or in repeated campaigns. Small shifts in caliper, stiffness or surface can create downstream issues, so stable paper properties are essential.
Recommended technical papers for graphics & industry
Digicol
PVC-free, FSC®-certified board that matches the smoothness and rigidity of foam — fully recyclable and ready for sustainable signage.
Colkraft
Durable kraft paper with excellent printability, available in multiple weights for versatile applications.
Supercol
Premium office and specialty paper with superior strength, smoothness, and high-end finish.
Filmcol
Protective packaging board designed for handling and storage of X-ray film and offset plates.
Lamicol
Packaging paper for industrial lamination in food-contact packaging.
How Coldenhove supports technical converters
Technical customers need more than a catalogue. Coldenhove papers are backed by experienced engineers who understand paper physics, converting processes and end-use requirements — helping you select the right grade and keep your lines running smoothly.
Application-driven development
We start from your application, not from a generic paper type. Our Innovation & Development team looks at printers, presses, laminates and end-use conditions to recommend a suitable grade or, where possible, tune properties together with you.
Innovation with Digicol® rigid board
Digicol® shows how fibre-based materials can replace plastics in visible applications. We continue to refine board construction, surface and converting behaviour in collaboration with printers, converters and brand owners who want a recyclable alternative to PVC foamboard.
Support from engineers who know paper and processes
Our engineers and application specialists help interpret test runs, adjust settings and troubleshoot issues such as curl, dusting or cracking. Their experience with converting machinery and workflows can shorten your development time.
Worldwide availability and consistent supply
With a global network of partners and distributors, our technical papers are available in key converting and printing regions. Stable production and coordinated logistics help you secure continuity for long-running projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to common questions about our technical range. Can’t find what you need? Send us your question and we’ll help you further.
What do you mean by “technical papers”?
Technical papers are specialty grades used for specific functions in graphics or industrial processes. They can act as rigid boards, functional layers, base papers or process supports, rather than traditional communication papers like books or magazines.
What is Digicol® and where is it used?
Digicol® is a rigid, paper-based board designed as an alternative to PVC foamboard. It is used mainly for indoor signage and display applications such as retail communication, POS materials and exhibition graphics, where customers want a print-ready, fully recyclable board.
Can you help develop or adapt a paper for my application?
In many cases, yes. Our Innovation & Development team regularly works with customers on trials and application studies. Depending on volumes and technical feasibility, we may be able to recommend an existing grade or discuss tailored options.
How do your technical papers support sustainability goals?
All Coldenhove papers are made from FSC®-certified fibers and produced in a mill focused on reducing environmental impact through water reuse, energy recovery and the use of an electric boiler to cut fossil fuel consumption. Fiber-based solutions such as Digicol® can also help brands reduce plastic use and choose materials that are easier to recycle.
Why technical customers choose Coldenhove
- 350+ years of papermaking expertise – combined with a strong focus on modern technical and graphic applications.
- Application-focused portfolio – from Digicol® rigid board to other specialty grades, designed around real use cases.
- Consistent quality – we control key steps of the production process in our own mill, allowing stable properties over time.
- Technical support – engineers and application specialists who understand both paper and your converting or printing equipment.
- Global availability – a worldwide network of distributors and agents, close to industrial and graphic production hubs.
Sustainability in technical applications
Many technical customers are looking for more sustainable substrates without compromising performance. Our papers help support that transition.
- Electric boiler – by generating steam electrically, we significantly lower CO₂ emissions.
- Water reuse – we currently reuse around 95% of our process water and are working towards 100% reuse with our water treatment plant (IWE).
- FSC®-certified fibers in every paper – we only purchase wood fibers from responsibly managed forests, so every Coldenhove paper product is FSC® certified.
Ready to discuss requirements?
Let’s talk about your process
Share details about your current material, process and goals. We’ll help you assess whether Digicol® or another technical paper is the right fit.