Teijin launches recycled PET paper

The company claims that the new paper combines the best features of conventional papers and plastic films.

Applications include maps, tags, posters and labels that need to withstand extreme conditions, especially those that are wet. Unlike other synthetic films it is claimed to offer the scoring, folding, gluing, printing and writing characteristics of paper.

Ecopet printing paper is compatible with electrophotographic printing but not inkjet.

The manufacturing process for producing the synthetic paper from the PET fibres, involves a wet laid process which is similar to the process of making paper from pulp.

Teijin claims the manufacturing Ecopet recycled products creates 47% less CO2 emissions and uses 33% less energy than the traditional PET production process, which uses oil as the feedstock

The paper will be sold in Japan via Nisshimbo Postal Chemical, which co-developed the material. Pricing will be 94p (¥135) per A3 sheet. There are currently no plans to offer it for sale outside Japan, but Teijin said if there was enough interest it would consider overseas sales.

It is the first 'paper' Teijin has produced from its Ecopet recycled PET, although the material is already used in a range of woven fabrics including an organic cotton blend Ecopet OC, and two Ecopet Canvas ranges and existing non-woven products.

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