Closeup on Synthetics

Not only is there a lack of knowledge, there is also a price hurdle to get over. "Synthetic paper is on average four to five times more expensive than coated paper. Despite the surge in polymer prices, the cost of synthetic paper has [decreased] since 2002 as competition has intensified and more efficient production methods have been adopted. However, the cost of coated paper has also reduced over the same period." In the long term, however, Pira expects that the cost of synthetic paper will continue to fall, especially with lower-priced commodities. So, in the near future, synthetics could become more readily available to those businesses that are not currently able to justify the extra cost.