Closeup on Synthetics
Synthetic materials remain good options for 
durability and can help in the fight for sustainability, But, a couple hurdles remain.
Natural Source Printing (Orange, Calif.) is another company using stone for one of its products. The company's FiberStone paper is made from 80 percent calcium carbonate, which comes from collected limestone, and 20 percent high-density polyethylene (HDPE). When calcium carbonate is ground up as a powder-like chalk and combines with the HDPE, it produces a material that is water- and tear-resistent, like its synthetic counterparts. Natural Source Printing says that FiberStone is used as a substitute for synthetic paper and film, premium coated paper, recycled paper, and PVC sheet. Once discarded, the photodegradable paper will break down from exposure to sunlight in 14 to 18 months.
- Companies:
- Smyth Companies, Inc.
- People:
- Bill Orme
- Stephen Hill
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