Tokyo-based Teijin develops printing paper with wet strength that is made with 100% recycled polyester fiber; the paper can be used in printers, ideal for outdoor, wet locations due to its superior strength compared with woodpulp-based paper

Debra Garcia

TOKYO , March 12, 2013 (press release) – Teijin Limited announced today that it has developed a water-resistant, wet-strong printing paper made entirely with the company's ECOPET recycled polyester fiber derived from used PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.

As a polyester material, the printing paper is highly water resistant compared to conventional pulp-derived paper and is not easily torn when wet, making it ideal for use in outdoor or wet locations. Potential applications include hazard maps, triage tags and other outdoor or disaster supplies, outdoor posters, recording papers, and labels and price tags for fresh or frozen foods.

The new printing paper is as thin as conventional printing paper, so it can be used normally in regular laser printers with no need for manual feed. Also, unlike conventional water-resistant printing paper made of film, the paper enables easy scoring, gluing and writing with pens or pencils. As a wet laid nonwoven fabric made with the same method as machine-made Japanese paper, it offers levels of flexibility and texture not achievable with film-based printing paper.

Teijin developed the paper in collaboration with Nisshinbo Postal Chemical Co., Ltd., which will handle sales limited to Japan through trading companies and printer makers.

Teijin's ECOPET recycled polyester fiber is used in a wide range of products, including apparel, uniforms, interior items such as curtains and carpets, industrial materials such as tents, banners and filters, and civil engineering materials.

About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibers, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 17,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY 854.4 billion (USD 9.9 billion) and total assets of JPY 762.1 billion (USD 8.8 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012.

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