Print service providers (PSPs) are choosing Hop-Syn synthetic paper over laminated paper for mid- to long-run applications for a number of reasons. In addition to saving money, the 100% recyclable substrate also improves a company’s carbon footprint. In this article, we explain how and why.

The Cost of Lamination
Consumers understand the advantages of laminating pulp-based paper documents and signage. Lamination can extend the life of the items by protecting them from rips and water damage. However, few consumers are aware of the environmental impact of lamination and the harsh chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Lamination also forces the printed piece out of the recycling stream.

For PSPs, lamination has more implications than just the environment. Lamination also adds more time and steps to the production process. Instead, PSPs are using Hop-Syn synthetic paper. With its advanced manufacturing, Hop-Syn offers a variety of grades that are dimensionally stable, durable, printable and more affordable than laminated paper for mid- to long-run applications.

One Step Process
One of the ways Hop-Syn synthetic paper saves PSPs time is by removing the need for additional finishing after printing. Once a sheet of Hop-Syn’s waterproof paper runs through an offset press and is either UV or aqueous coated, it’s ready to go. Whereas laminating a sheet of standard paper or card stock, requires additional steps of a lamination machine and then die-cutting into its finished form. While this may not seem takes too much time, for mid- to long-runs, it adds up. Hop-Syn offers the convenience of printing documents, menus, posters, signs, or anything on demand and shipping it out the door within 24 hours.

Durable and Quality Substrate
Hop-Syn synthetic paper offers the printability and flexibility of traditional paper without the extra step and hazards from lamination. Due to its composition, Hop-Syn synthetic paper is waterproof, tear resistant and more durable than laminated paper. It won’t discolor or peel when exposed to sunlight, moisture, grease or rough handling.

Hop-Syn’s clay-modified finish allows it to easily print by offset, flexo and digital methods such as UV inkjet, laser, Indigo and latex inkjet where the dot gain is crisp and the color resolution is as sharp as standard offset paper.

Durability from Calender Manufacturing
Hop-Syn is calender manufactured, using a unique mixture of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. The paper’s single layered construction easily allows printed images to anchor onto its surface. Its durable construction helps prevent the printed image from scratching or scuffing off the surface when exposed to water, grease, chemicals or harsh environmental conditions. Thanks to advances in calendaring, Hop-Syn synthetic paper is made into a diverse range of grades to meet a variety of requirements. This is why Hop-Syn is commonly referred to as “the application specific synthetic paper.”

Printability and Environmental Benefits
Hop-Syn is a clay-modified synthetic paper that is made with a smooth matte, white opaque finish. This allows print service providers to easily print by offset, flexo and digital methods such as UV inkjet, laser, Indigo and latex inkjet. The substrate is made from a unique mixture of polypropylene (PP) resin and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that contains no harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, phthalates, stearates or heavy metals that are damaging to the environment. Hop-Syn is a 100% tree-free synthetic paper that uses very little water in its manufacturing process, resulting in the conservation of forests, water, and clean air (by emitting no sulfur, nitrogen or dioxin gas when incinerated). Hop-Syn’s polypropylene composition also makes it 100% recyclable.

More Options and Greater Flexibility
From waterproof menus, identification and loyalty cards, horticulture tags to tear resistant manuals, book covers, maps and posters, Hop-Syn synthetic paper offers more options and greater flexibility than lamination. For example, it is manufactured in a wide range of thickness (from .003 to .035 ga), with added opacity for two-sided printing or for translucent displays where light needs to shine through. UV-inhibitors can be added for outdoor applications, and a top coating can be offered to make it more suitable for digital printing. With a variety of grades that are dimensionally stable, durable, printable and economically priced, Hop-Syn offers a grade that can custom fit print projects better than laminated paper.

Why is Synthetic Paper Growing in Popularity?
Consumer brands want their promotions to be durable and recyclable. By using Hop-Syn synthetic paper, they are contributing to a more sustainable environment that will use less natural resources. This is why Hop-Syn is commonly referred to as “tree-free” paper.

Fueling this growth is more print advertising that needs to be durable and can last for longer periods of time (three to six months) as compared to one to two weeks with laminated, pulp-based substrates. Companies also want a substrate that is tear resistant and can hold up under harsh environmental conditions, such as rain, humidity, wind and extreme temperature changes. Hop-Syn is easily printable by a wide variety of printing methods to help provide quick turnaround for durable printing applications without having to depend on outside sources such as custom laminators.

Steps PSPs Can Take to Encourage Lamination Alternatives

• Show customers the print quality and durability of synthetic paper. Samples allows them compare the difference in quality and cost versus laminated paper.
• Order free sample sheets of Hop-Syn synthetic paper to make prototypes for printing and finishing any durable application that may require lamination.
• Explain how a synthetic paper substrate can impact cost, turnaround time and offer a more environmentally-friendly alternative to laminated paper.
• Encourage environmentally-friendly solutions. Laminated paper cannot be recycled, whereas Hop-Syn synthetic paper is 100% recyclable and an environmentally-friendly substrate that meets with CONEG, RoHS and REACH environmental regulations.

Contact Hop Industries Corporation for a consultation, free test samples or a price quote to compare the cost difference in printing and processing applications that require a durable substrate. Call 1-800-524-0757.