Dennis Maps’ customer EastWest Mapping has been creating maps of Ireland since 1990, plotting the…
If you’re printing a map for outdoor use, you’ll want it to withstand the toughest conditions. That’s why Dennis Maps specialises in printing maps with Polyart – a material designed to go beyond the limits of paper. It’s a high-density polyethylene film with a matte clay coating on both sides, that combines the properties of paper with a synthetic material. We speak to Polyart’s Phil Brophy to find out more.
Where does Polyart Group operate and sell?
It’s an international group and we sell on a worldwide basis. We have our corporate office in Paris and there are manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK and US.
When was the material originally developed?
It was developed in the late 1960s. The original strapline for Polyart, ‘when paper reaches its limit’, was fantastically accurate, because when it does you need a material like Polyart.
What makes Polyart so special?
What you can do with paper – whether you want to print it, fold it, die cut it, perforate it, sew it, glue it – you can also do with Polyart. It has the properties of paper but with additional strength, water resistance and durability. When you need something to last, you need a product like Polyart.
What can it be used for?
Polyart can be used for maps, manuals, menus, luggage tags, food labels, notebook covers and much more. It’s all around you but you might not realise that what you see is printed on a synthetic substrate.
Why is it particularly good for maps?
Because of its durability, longevity and water resistance when used outdoors, particularly in harsh environments. It also doesn’t feel like plastic, it feels like paper. Polyart folds very well, making folded maps last longer. With normal paper maps, the more times you fold and unfold them, the more the paper fibres break down and the ink wears off. With Polyart, it’s not going to do that.
Have you got any other examples of Polyart being used for maps?
I cover all Northern Europe in my role and in the Netherlands Polyart is used for canal maps, in the Nordic Arctic Circle it’s used for maps too, as it’s suited to harsher environments.
Has Polyart changed over the years?
The coating hasn’t changed in 30+ years, which is a big selling point. If a printer printed with Polyart five years ago, they can reorder now and have the same print result. We don’t mess around changing elements because it’s such a good product. Alongside standard Polyart, we’ve extended our product range, but the same clay coating is used across all our products
Do you offer different size Polyart sheets?
We can produce unique sheet sizes in different quantities, so Dennis Maps and other customers can maximise the print area and minimise waste.
Do printers need specialist knowledge to print with this material?
No, but you do need to give a bit more care and attention to Polyart. Dennis maps have become very proficient at printing with it. Their facility is very well controlled in terms of how they maintain machines and humidity, which is important for Polyart as well as paper.
Can you describe your experience working with Dennis Maps?
Their understanding of maps is second to none, their facility is extremely good and printing and folding is their speciality. Their print staff are very knowledgeable and collaborative. I’m lucky to work with them, they get the product.
Do you think there’ll always be a place for paper maps alongside digital ones?
Yes, 100%. In fact, maps are a growth sector for us. When you’re in the middle of the mountains mobile signal is variable. If you have a map and a compass, you know where you’re going. If you drop your phone, you could have an issue. If you drop your map, you can pick it up, dust it off and carry on.
Image credit
All images above courtesy of Polyart Group
Case study: HARVEY Maps
Dennis Maps has been printing HARVEY Maps products on Polyart since 2018. This range of maps are designed for outdoor pursuits, such as walking, cycling and running, so need to withstand all the British weather may throw at them. All the maps – which are available at 1:25,000, 1:30,000 or 1:40,000 scale – need to be tough, lightweight and water resistant. Adam King, CEO of HARVEY Maps, says: “Polyart is the best way to give outdoor enthusiasts a map that is long lasting, reliable, fit for purpose and that will not fall apart when the conditions become tricky.” The maps are so tough they’ve even withstood tugs of war!
Image credit
Image above courtesy of HARVEY Maps