Synthogra has developed Pure-Durable, claimed as the first synthetic paper made entirely from renewable sources.
Pure-Durable is a 100% bio-based material, with more than 70% based on sugar cane. The remaining 30% comes from natural minerals. Printable using conventional and digital technologies, the material is suitable for tags, tickets, self-adhesive labels, loop labels and more. It has been engineered as an equivalent film to Synthogra’s established Syn-Durable, offering the same properties but with a greener footprint.
As such, the film has been developed in response to the drive towards more sustainable packaging options, as well as addressing the overuse of materials and the resulting waste.
Synthogra CEO Nanette Thomas said, ‘I have developed this product to meet the requirements of a green, non-fossil film, but without compromising the recycling stream or by using a product that could otherwise be used as food.
‘During the past 25 years I have developed numerous films, so this one required a lot of thought and attention as I wanted to make sure that what we were working on did not subsequently prove to be flawed. At Synthogra we believe it is important we consider the full lifecycle of our products, and that we behave and act responsibly and with respect for the environment.’
Addressing the use of sugar cane, Synthogra noted it as, ‘the most responsible renewable, non-fossil, natural plastics currently available.’ The plastic is made from the waste from sugar production, so it sees an existing by-product being utilised rather than diverting virgin resources.
As a caveat, Thomas said, ‘We do need to consider the farming and are still waiting for a complete picture when comparing sugar or other renewable plastics with fossil-based ones.’
Also introduced is Pure-Durable Seal, a paper-like synthetic paper with a sealing layer for packaging. This film is also based on sugar cane and natural minerals and consists of 83% renewable material. The sealing layer cannot yet be produced from renewable sources, although as the market develops Synthogra aims to introduce a sealable film made entirely from renewable sources in the future.
Ms Thomas added, ‘When people say no to plastic and use more than 10 times the amount of paper to accomplish the same thing, I get a bit upset. It is not very often that you reuse your paper bag, and if you have a lot of groceries the supermarket often double-bags for you. What is the idea there?’
Both products debut on the Synthogra stand at Labelexpo Europe 2019.
