App-etite for Paper

By Gina LoRusso, Creative Coordinator

I love when paper representatives come to the agency with updates. I love getting new swatch books. I love getting new printed samples of their paper stocks with pages filled with information, interesting designs and intricate processes. I also like hearing about the advances the mills have made on making their paper and their processes more eco-friendly.

In case you haven’t gotten it by now, I love paper. So when our Neenah Paper representative came for a visit, I was surprised when he said he had something new to show that wasn’t paper. I did a quick mental search to think what else could it be? I was more surprised when the answer turned out to be an iPhone app!

Think Ink: Color Unleashed was released in early May, and allows iPhone and iPod touch users to create custom color palettes, use the Dewey Color System to examine color meanings and color combinations, and then find Neenah Paper products that correspond to their custom palette. Samples can be ordered right from the device, or can be saved to a palette and ordered later by phone or email from a Neenah Paper representative.

This isn’t the first time Neenah Papers has found a digital outlet for their product. They have also launched BlackBerry applications called Paper Math, for specifying paper, and Eco Calculator, to determine environment savings from the use of recycled paper.

While I won’t be using this app anytime soon (as I am without iPhone or iPod) I’m excited about the possibility it opens up for paper/digital collaboration like this in the future. I’m excited that companies like Neenah Papers are embracing the ‘digital revolution’ and finding ways to apply it to their non-digital product, and I look forward to what they’ll think of next.

Comments

[I love paper 2 - ba]

We are very fortunate that Xpedx still recognizes the need for a spec rep to visit and update agencies. Jean Clemens of Xpedx has done a great job of bringing in paper reps and keeping us updated on the ever-changing world of paper. She is a much appreciated resource and helps the creative/production department with paper samples, stock dummies and printed samples.

[Mac]

I will likely never order paper from my phone, but besides that- you should still get yourself an iPhone or iPod Touch. Definitely well worth the cost, if you can live with AT&T service.

[Jean Clemens]

Gina,

A great article! Neenah has always been on the cutting edge & the iphone app with the Dewey Color System is no exception.
They are a truly innovative corporation.
..And we cherish your enthusiasm!