The same kind of technology that brought us the customizable possibilities of digital printing has also quietly grown a world of alternative papers – substrates made of synthetics like plastic or organics like minerals.
PaperSpecs asked Bosy Colak, president of Strategic Responses, to lead our December Webinar on this hot topic. Participation was enthusiastic and the questions so numerous (and varied) that we’ve decided to take a deeper look to bring you the answers you requested.
Over the next couple of months, we’ll venture into more specifics like the environmental aspects of alternative papers and printing guidelines for them as well. To kick the series off, you’ll find Mr. Colak’s responses to some of your broader queries.
If you didn’t have a chance to join us for the Webinar, please listen to the recording of the session!
Q: Are digital synthetics recyclable?
A: Polyester films would come under category 7 (i.e. other plastics). They can be disposed of under local authority guidelines for this category. As inert materials, they can be buried in approved landfill facilities.
Q: Do the Synthetics work with offset too?
A: Most do, but you must check with OEM provider.
Q: Can we print on this with a solid ink printer?
A: Most Synthetics will NOT work on solid ink printers, but do some tests to see if it meets your requirements.
Q: Do Synthetics have a “life span”?
A: Depends on the material. Most Synthetics will have a life span that is decades long.
Q: Besides being green, how do you talk clients into the additional cost?
A: Durability. It’s mainly for applications that require constant or heavy use like maps, menus and anything that goes outdoors.
Q: Is it the thickness or the grain that makes it harder to fold?
A: There is NO grain. The folding will be easier on the lighter grades and harder, but still possible, on the heavier thickness due to the density of the material.
Q: Do you recommend using an aqueous or UV coating over the ink when printing on synthetic paper?
A: UV coating is always the best option.
Q: How does oil-based ink dry on the synthetic paper?
A: Depends on which synthetic and what drying options you use. UV drying is the best option.
Q: What about backlit signs?
A: HUGE application for backlit signs, especially variable.
Q: I am new at this synthetic world. Where can I find vendors that cater to this type of printing? What am I looking for in the vendor’s background/experience?
A: Most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will guide you to the right supplier. (i.e. Xerox has its own line.) Other OEMs will send you to a paper merchant that could help you out.
Q: Could recycling or manufacturing legislation affect synthetic paper products?
A: Yes, we all keep a close eye on legislation.
Q: When a printed synthetic piece is submerged into water/or exposed to water, is the ink/toner at risk of being able to be scratched?
A: That depends on the material. You need to give the guideline to your supplier, and they should be able to provide you with a material that will work for this application.
Q: Has a lifecycle analysis been performed on synthetic papers; and if so, are the results available?
A: You will have to approach each Synthetic provider directly.
Q: Is there dependency on foreign oil in their production?
A: Not really, there’s plenty of oil domestically for this use.
Q: Can PVC substrates be incinerated safely?
A: No, they cannot be incinerated safely.
Q: Can you use vegetable-based inks on synthetic paper? Mineral-based polymers only? What about soy?
A: Depends, you need to contact your Synthetic provider.
Q: Do Synthetics work on inkjet print technologies?
A: Yes, but you have to let the provider know you will be using inkjet as a special coating is required.
Q: Paper accounts for 25 percent of landfill waste. So how does using a synthetic substrate ease the burden since it’s not easily recyclable or burned safely?
A: Polyester films would come under category 7 (i.e. other plastics). They can be disposed of under local authority guidelines for this category. As inert materials, they can be buried in approved landfill facilities.
Q: What do you mean by Inert and Benign?
A: Inert means it does not harm. Benign is similar, meaning that Polyester is not dangerous to the environment like a PVC.
Q: How big is the market? And how has the growth rate been during the past three years?
A: The market is HUGE – estimates are in the billions of dollars. Growth in the digital Synthetic markets has been over 40 percent over the last several years.
Q: Can these synthetic materials be used for large-scale applications such as window clings?
A: Yes
Q: What are the most popular materials? Specifically, what would be ideal for manual covers?
A: Polyester is the most common and most likely the best material for this application.
Q: There are “plastic” boxes sometimes used for things like lettuce in the grocery store that are actually made from corn. Do you know if bio-products like that have been tried to create products w/similar water proof, strength, etc. qualities like these synthetics have?
A: PLA material is another complete topic, which is very exciting. Polylactide acid (PLA) is a polymer derived from lactide acid. This means that it can be fabricated using renewable resources and is also biodegradable. Right now these materials are only available for offset, but hopefully digital devices soon!!
Q: How well do Synthetics capture/hold inks? Are they prone to any typical flaws?
A: Synthetics, if they have the right coating, print EXTREMELY well.
Q: Comment: Mineral-based papers are extremely heavy.
A: Yup.
Q: How well do these work as backlit signs (fire hazard? vibrant colors? opacity?)
A: Depending on material and the coating, they do EXTREMELY well for backlit signs.
Q: Using Epson K3 Ultrachrome ink, need standard pigment coatings. Available?
A: You will have to approach Epson and see if they have done tests on the particular Synthetic material you are interested in.
Q: Any compatibility issues with glue for perfect bound book cover applications?
A: For the most part, glue should be fine, but again a small test is advisable.
Q: Where can I order these samples to test?
A: Contact your equipment OEM provider, and they will guide you.
Q: Are there any synthetic products with magnetic coatings that can be used on digital presses?
A: Work is being done on that now, but am not aware of anything readily available.
Q: What does bi-axially mean vs. core?
A: Core means is a solid one piece. Bi-axialated means the material is spun in multiple directions for strength.
Q: Are manufacturers doing anything specific to work with municipal recycling systems?
A: Some work is being done, but not on a large scale.
Q: Would adding overall UV coating to a UV-cured offset printed Synthetic increase the staying power of the printed image?
A: YES!!!!
As long as recycling companies make it easier on people to recycle Synthetic paper (as well as other plastics that fall under category 7, etc.) I think it can be a good alternative to regular paper stock.
I specialize in environmental printing. Can I make a case for being Green using synthetic papers?
We are printing on rock paper, which is tear resistant, and water proof. We use AQ coating to seal the inks.
I assume that is true of synthetic paper. But, you feel UV is better?