St. Petersburg, Russia 15 December 2014 -- Ilim Group and International Paper have expanded their portfolio of high-quality office paper with the launch of a new product: a premium class cut-size paper Ballet Brilliant, the only A+ grade paper produced in Russia at Ilim Group branch in Koryazhma.

Paper production is part of the joint marketing agreement between International Paper and Ilim Group. Under this agreement, distribution and sales of all uncoated printing paper produced by Ilim Group's Mills are managed by International Paper.

The improved specifications of the new product ensures high CIE whiteness (168%), basis weight (82 gsm), exceptional ISO D65/10° brightness (112%), and strength (150 mN MD / 70 mN CD) to offer superior picture and color reproduction.

Ballet Brilliant is FSC-certified confirming our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing while meeting ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 9706, and OHSAS 18001 requirements. It is also manufactured using ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) technology reducing its environmental footprint. "Ballet Brilliant, is a terrific product that our customers have been looking for" said Ksenia Sosnina President of International Paper Russia "this new A+ grade guarantees that your most important documents will look extra impressive when printed and it's yet another sign of our critically important partnership with the Ilim Group and further proof of the robust growth of the paper industry in Russia."

"The launch of the first A+ grade cut-size paper in Russia is the result of our excellent cooperation with International Paper and proof of the high level of technology development at Ilim which took the industry to a new level," commented Franz Marx, Ilim Group CEO. - Ballet Brilliant launch is in line with our strategy aimed to embrace value-added products and substitute imports."