As one of the top ten industries in the U.S. economy with shipments exceeding $1.5 trillion per year and hundreds of thousands of employees, the paper industry appears to be alive and well. Annual production of paper, paperboard, paper for packaging and tissues continues to climb steadily; only the newsprint market segment has experienced declines.

A strong paper industry is vital in maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the global market. Currently, the US accounts for 30% of the world's paper and paperboard and 35% of the world's pulp. Biolithe will help the U.S. maintain its position as the world's top producer by facilitating responsible end-of-life treatments for paper and paper products and taking a leading position in combating climate change through methane gas reduction.

The Paper Chain

With the introduction of Biolithe, the end-of-life stage is now as critical a part of the "paper chain" as forest conservation and renewal, recycling, energy capture and use, and other means to improve sustainability.

It's an important component of the "corporate food chain" as well. Paper and packaging companies incorporate Biolithe into their products, and retailers and consumers embrace and purchase these environmental friendly brands and products. Demand increases, which helps boost paper and packaging manufacturers' businesses while significantly decreasing the production of methane gas. It's a win/win for all involved.

The Process

Biolithe is a natural, readily available compound that is cost effective and does not interfere with a products' recyclability. Further, it is compatible with all aspects of paper manufacturing, and can be implemented at various points in the production of a product. Below are several examples:

Chipboard. The bonded wood particles in chipboard form a rigid board with a relatively smooth surface that is perfect for the backs of notepads, business forms and stacks of scrapbooking paper. Chipboard manufacturers can add Biolithe during the starching and/or sizing process.

Fine Writing Papers. Elegant stationery, cards and invitations are created using 100% cotton fibers. Because all cotton fiber paper is sized at some point in the manufacturing process, Biolithe is added during the sizing process so that it is actually integrated into the fibers.

Packaging. Incorporating Biolithe into packaging materials is a different process than for chipboard and fine stationery. Once the packaging has been produced, Biolithe is mixed with the protective aqueous coating that is applied during the final stages of the printing process, prior to the die cutting and folding of the package. If the package requires a mounted sheet, Biolithe can also be added to the glue during the mounting process.

Corrugated. For corrugated products, Biolithe can be added to the starch-based adhesive that bonds the fluted paper to the flat linerboard. It can also be sprayed on the board during the drying process at the end of the line.

Vendor List