Recently we've discussed
mineral-based paper and the
development of products out of the waste stream; today we take a quick look at
PaperStone, a product made out of recycled office paper or corrugated board.
Let's be clear here:
PaperStone is not the same as
Paperocks!
Paperocks paper is a tree-free "paper" made from inorganic mineral powders derived from limestone and calcium carbonate, with a trace amount of non-toxic resin and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a binding agent. Generally about 20% of the ingredients for the film/paper is HDPE.
PaperStone is a composite material made of recycled paper or corrugated used for furniture, interior counter tops, wall paneling, conference tables,signs, cutting boards, window sills, and partitions.
There are two versions of PaperStone:
- "Original" - made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard
- "Certified" - made from 100% post-consumer standard office paper
Both are made with water-based phenolic resin with cashew nut shell binder and pigment. Heat and pressure transform this mixture into a thoroughly impregnated network of cellulose fibers that give PaperStone its hardness, density and strength.
Like Tom Szaky, founder of
TerraCycle, the engineers at
Paneltech International, the manufacturers of PaperStone, envisioned a way to used paper products in the recycling stream for new and different applications.
Who knew those recycled corrugated boxes could look so good?
