Impress Communications, Inc.

Re-Think The Possibilities:
Understanding Synthetic Paper

Sustainability is a process. Forest certification, environmental conservation, specifying recycled products, and reducing VOC emissions in the workplace all are steps we take seriously. Clients want to generate less waste, and select the right materials for the task at hand.

For instance, some specialty projects require high visual impact, might be handled extensively and need extreme durability. That's where one might consider using high-end synthetic paper, a.k.a. printable plastic film. It is especially well suited for P-O-P and promotional materials, imprinted using low-VOC UV inks and coatings. It is tear-, water-, chemical- and grease-resistant.

Synthetic papers are very smooth, very opaque, and contain no wood fiber content. It also lasts longer, doesn't curl, is mostly resistant to yellowing from UV rays, reproduces text and images well, contains no chlorine, and is not affected by mold, mildew or fungus under normal conditions. Other design alternatives are static cling and plastic specialties; imagine applying microencapsulated scents, scratch-off coatings, and distortion printing (i.e., lenticulars).

Since printing on synthetic paper and specialty plastics requires different handling than traditional paper, be sure to involve us early in your creative process to ensure optimal results. Impress is committed to making you look good.

Tips & Techniques: Top Synthetic Papers

Though the U.S. is considered a well-established market for synthetic paper, competition is keen. Impress recommends BIOflex by Ultraflex, the first biodegradable vinyl banner material, for your large signage projects. This new PVC material will break down into sodium dust when exposed to darkness, high heat and moisture in a landfill. For brochures and books, check out Ultra Green by GPA. It is made entirely from mineral powder derived from limestone or calcium carbonate, bonded to resin and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Of course, synthetic paper is readily available from suppliers who dominate this market including:

• Yupo Corporation (Japan) has the global lion's share of this niche with text, cover and transparency papers;
• Hop Industries (USA) offers the Hop-Syn and Dura-Lite synthetic paper lines made in China;
• Arjobex (UK/France) has Polyart synthetic paper; and
• PPG Industries (USA) offers Teslin, a polyolefin-based synthetic paper that can be used in laser copiers.
• Agfa (Belgium) just introduced SYNAPS a polyester-based synthetic paper, this spring.

To get ideas about projects that are ideal for printing on synthetic paper and plastic, check out our newest Tips & Techniques on the website.