The Italian company, which specialises in high-end papers aimed primarily at the fashion and creative industries, has produced the new paper, called Remake, using 25% by-product from the leather goods industry, 30% FSC-certified post-consumption recycled cellulose, and 45% FSC-certified virgin cellulose fibre.
The product comes from a new process developed by the company that treats leather by-products in order to obtain a recyclable, biodegradable product that can be combined within traditional paper-production techniques.
The process leaves leather particles that are visible on the surface of the paper, giving a distinctive look.
Favini calls the result “a luxurious, recyclable and 100% biodegradable paper that offers excellent print and conversion performance, making it suited for a wide range of applications”. These range from brochures and cards to shopping bags and packaging.
Key account manager graphic specialities, Gillian Thomas, who is based in the company’s UK branch, said: “It’s ideal for fashion and this type of client would be particularly interested in it. It’s great for luxury packaging but I wouldn’t like to put a border around it because a designer will come along and do the opposite.
“When they touch and feel the product I think clients will be engaged by it. When you touch it you want to keep looking at it, it does engage the senses. It’s slightly warm to the touch and it has a velvety feel. It’s got a very soft look to it. It looks great with litho print but I really look forward to seeing it embossed.”
Favini said the production of Remake saves an estimated 25% of greenhouse gas emissions compared with other papers with similar characteristics. Any unavoidable emissions are then offset in their entirety by the carbon credits which are purchased by the company, as part of its sustainability strategy.
Favini chief executive Eugenio Eger said: “Our research and development labs never stop testing potential sources of industrial waste for use in the production of new papers. We are proud to have been able to achieve such a high-quality paper containing leather by-products. Thanks to Remake, we can increase our focus on high-value products for niche markets and on methods for reusing the by-products of other manufacturing segments.”
Remake is being launched at Luxe Pack in Monte Carlo, Monaco this week. The show runs until Friday.
Thomas will be sending out sample packs over the next few weeks. She added: “Our brand recognition is growing. It’s all very, very positive.”
