A Revolutionary New Paper – Rock Stock
It’s not very often that we get to write about new technologies in the world of paper. Granted, the modern processes behind the manufacturing of papers and coatings are incredibly sophisticated. However, those advancements could be classified as evolutionary to a very old technology. The first evidence of paper comes from the 2nd century BC in China. The first pulp-making process was written by Cai Lun. From there paper technology spread to Middle East and Europe through the 13th century where the first paper mills were built.
Our last major change in the papers industry came in the mid-80s with the introduction of a new class of synthetic papers made from different thermoplastics. With great properties such as being waterproof, resistant to tearing and general durability for tough applications. These materials have opened up new opportunities for print providers. Cost factors and environment impact have slowed their adoption and limited acceptance to specialty applications.
Meet stone paper.
Conceived during the late 1990s in Taiwan by Lung Meng Tech Co. stone paper, or rock paper, is literally made from stone byproduct. Although not technically a paper, the look, feel and properties give a common user the impression of it being regular paper. In many ways, stone paper helps to bridge a gap between common paper and synthetic papers. It does so by filling living in-between the two market spaces. It also marries together the properties of both.
Stone papers benefits are numerous.
Firstly, it is static-free, which is an enormous benefit on the manufacturing side. It will resist stains and tears and will not break down in the presence of water. Its superior durability lends it perfectly to tough environments like outdoor signs and manuals that will undergo rigorous handling.
Advantages:
- Anti Static
- Acid Free
- No Grain Direction
- Water Resistant
- Grease Resistant
- Tear Resistant
- Insect Resistant
Applications
- Maps & Charts
- Tags & Labels
- Posters
- Brochures
- Catalogs
- Menus Manuals
- Banners & Signs
- Packaging
- Point of Sale
- Shopping Bags
- Outdoor Applications
Unfortunately there are downsides.
Stone paper is described as being eco-friendly but this is a declaration that the market hasn’t fully backed. The product is known to be non-biodegradable which is a large concern considering the percentage of landfill volume made up by paper. It is recyclable with number 2 plastics. This means that the stone paper could continually be processed and re-manufactured with very little waste, assuming it lands in the recycling bin rather than the waste bin. Another concern is the issue of compatibility with many laser printers. Digital printing systems use heat as their curing method and this high temperature can cause problem with stone paper or even damage sensitive digital imaging components. Digital printing is a huge portion of the printing industry so this needs to be worked out.
Some of these environmental pressures are alleviated by the fact that no trees are used in the creation of stone paper. There’s also no bleach, acid or other harmful components used to treat wood pulp before it’s made into papers. How everything stacks up in terms of business decisions is still being worked out by the industry as a whole.
If there’s one we thing to know, it’s that the technology is young. We’re in a heyday of advancements in materials science. In time I believe we could see large improvements to stone paper and it may even carve out a sizable market share.
Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
midstatelitho.com