Application-specific synthetic paper specialist Hop Industries (Lyndhurst, NJ), manufacturer of Hop-Syn Synthetic Papers, has published a market report on the environmentally friendly and low-cost alternative to laminated, pulp-based paper for durable signage and displays. The report reveals four key steps that printers can take to educate their customers about reducing their collective carbon footprint. “Lamination is commonplace in print shops, but it’s a dated method for creating durable printed materials,” said Jack Smith, Senior Vice President at Hop Industries. “Our latest report highlights easy alternatives, like Hop-Syn synthetic paper, and the steps that print service providers can take to have a more positive impact on the environment.”
The company added that, although lamination can extend the life of pulp-based paper by protecting it from tears and water damage, its manufacturing process uses harsh chemicals. Plastic coatings also add more time, steps and cost to the print-production process, as well as preventing the material from being recycled. The report pointed out that one alternative to lamination is environmentally friendly Hop-Syn Synthetic Paper that offers a variety of grades that are dimensionally stable, durable and more affordable than laminated paper for mid-run to long-run applications. Hop-Syn is made from from polypropylene (PP) resins and calcium carbonate (CaCO3), that provide extra durability and weather resistance over traditional pulp-based papers. Customers traditionally use Hop-Syn to print high quality graphics via offset litho, UV offset, flexo, screen, UV inkjet or standard laser-printing equipment. For more information, please visit the Hop Industries website.