You may have heard about stone or rock papers. When they were first introduced in the late 1990s, they were hailed as an environmentally friendly alternative to paper made from trees.
Stone paper solution for eco-conscious customers at first glance. It is mar at first blanketed as a ‘tree-free’ tree-free. However, its unique properties are what is popular with hospitality product producers.
The stone paper industry has grown steadily over the past decade. As its name suggests, stone paper is non-toxic and tree-free. It is also waterproof, tear-resistant, durable, and smooth to the touch.
Plastic meets paper
What’s not love about this? According to Environmental Choice, only 28,390 litres of fresh water is used to make one tonne of paper. And, of course, it saves trees.
The stone paper is made up of:
- 80% Calcium Carbonate (powdered limestone extracted from limestone quarries).
- 18% HDPE Resin
- Exclusive Coating 2%
A closer look shows that the rock-paper industry is not happy with the 20% of the ecological binder. HDPE is used in stone paper to bind the calcium carbonate sheets together and give them the “foldability” that wood-sourced papers have.
Why is there more waste than ever before?
The recycling of rock paper can be complicated because not all stone papers are the same. It is photodegradable in the right conditions but not compostable. The difficulty of recycling can lead to more waste being disposed of in landfills and contribute to further environmental degradation.
Rock paper is also made by chemically treating the limestone mined to make it into a pulpy substance. These chemicals, such as acids and bleaching agents, pose potential environmental risks.
HDPE done the right way
Here’s full transparency. HDPE, or high-density polyethene, is used in some products at Astro Hospitality. HDPE, the most environmentally friendly plastic available, is widely accepted by domestic and commercial recyclers. HDPE is a plastic with code number 2. It’s widely recycled but not everywhere. Stone paper proponents don’t advertise this fact. Consumers who are looking for 100% eco-friendly papers may be surprised when they learn that the stone paper journal they have purchased is not the “ultimate” green paper.
The present is a blast.
Although limestone is abundant, some critics claim that the extraction method also raises environmental concerns. Quarrying limestone involves blasting, excavation and soil erosion. These activities can disturb local ecosystems by displacing animals and compromising biodiversity. The transport of massive quantities contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Emissions from heavy machinery, such as trucks and bulldozers, also negatively impact the production of rock paper. The disposal of waste from this process raises concern about soil and groundwater contamination.
A greener future
What can we learn from all of this? Stone paper is a low-carbon alternative to paper. No. Due to environmental factors and the 20% binding, it isn’t as eco-friendly as claimed, leading to concerns about its sustainability. Stone paper is not the most eco-friendly paper available, which will disappoint suppliers, customers, and consumers alike who are looking for the best paper options.
Are you looking for alternatives to stone paper?
Pure White Enviro’s dry amenities range is FSC Certified and compostable.
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