Strength in Papers
He explains, "The YUPO paper (formerly Kindura) is very durable. It is waterproof and tear-resistant. Publishers producing books for harsh environments may want to consider using this product. However, they will have to consider the cost implications because this paper costs about 10 times as much as regular paper." YUPO's synthetic paper (www.yupo.com) holds inks for perforation, die-cutting and foil stamping. In fact, YUPO was the official paper supplier for the Alaskan Iditarod race because the paper is capable of surviving arctic weather.
Greg Bill, development director of the annual Iditarod, explains, "We selected YUPO synthetic paper because of its rugged qualities. YUPO is tear-proof and waterproof. Having paper that is virtually indestructible will serve as a boon to mushers. They will be able to keep track of their dogs' eating and sleeping patterns in the dog diaries. Additionally, the race officials and veterinarians can highlight routine evaluations for race officials at the next checkpoint with complete confidence that the documents will remain in excellent condition over the course of the two- to three-week race."
Mainthow explains like many of the synthetics on the market, durable traditional paper can also survive the elements. He says, "TruTech is more rigid, where a synthetic is usually more flimsy, which is not necessarily a derogatory quality, just different."
Arjobex (www.arjobex.com), a subsidiary of Arlo Wiggins, produces a printable synthetic called PolyArt that contains no chlorine or halogens, producing neither dioxine nor any other toxic by-products. The paper, though it can be used in traditional printing applications, also stands up to the test of water, weather and grease. According to the company, PolyArt satisfies flexography, lithography, gravure, rotary letterpress, screen, as well as variable systems such as thermal transfer, ion deposition, dot matrix and ink-jet printing. Its clay coating holds color without requiring special preparation, unlike many other synthetics. "Use litho inks (which have low mineral oil content) to control ink/water balance," instructs Arjobex. "You'll get the same printing result, with minimum damping and less ink film."
