Prior to a recent meeting, I was opening my note book and observed that the paper was made of stone. This aroused my curiosity. On the back cover, it stated that stone paper is: “recyclable, durable, grease resistant, tear/scuff resistant, water resistant and never turns yellow.” Some of the women attending this same meeting, tried writing on the paper to experience what it was like. The pen seemed to glide along the page. A certain ink took a few moments to dry. The paper looked very white and felt smooth to the touch, strong and thick. I began to wonder if stone paper is a viable option when searching for school supplies or purchasing wrapping paper and wallpaper. Being a lover of nature, who is alarmed by the devastation of the forests, I was hopeful.
Travelling the information highway, I discovered further enlightenment. The internet told me that this “flexible, mineral-based medium” is growing in popularity. It is argued that stone paper is a better alternative to the pulp-based standard since trees, water, chlorine acids and petroleum are not used in its production nor does its creation cause air or water pollution. Only half the energy needed to produce normal paper is required for this process. Stone paper is made primarily from calcium carbonate, a very common element which is the principle component in many types of stone, including limestone and marble. On mining and quarry sites, enormous amounts of calcium carbonate are scraped away in order to get at precious minerals. This excess material can be put to use in the paper industry. Stone paper is made in Canada.
Along with crushed stone powder, stone paper products are made with a non-toxic and recyclable binding agent called “High Density Polyethylene.” Although logging would be reduced, an alarming fact I read stated that, “if all paper were replaced by stone paper, global plastic production would increase by up to two-thirds.” Some environmentalists claim that the recycling potential of stone paper is a controversial topic. The producers say that stone paper “can be reused in many areas such as construction”, others note that the “plastic and stone components are leached out during recycling and end up in our wastewater” causing pollution. In order to be decomposed, stone paper needs to be exposed to “direct sunlight.” It is suggested that “unbleached recycled waste paper” is a better alternative. Stone Paper … hmmm … it is not a clear cut way to go!
Kathy O’Keefe CSJ