Synthetic Paper: The Choice of Modern-Age Commercial Printer, Packaging Convertors & for Security Printing Applications

Commercial printing & almost all the paper centric industries are abuzz with the launch of Cosmo Synthetic Paper. So, one might be curious about what Synthetic Paper is. Here’s your ready reckoner for the wonder material. Synthetic paper is a plastic-based material that is commonly used in multiple industries due to its various benefits such as excellent tear resistance, universal printability, high durability & more.

Loaded with innovative properties, this makes it ideal for paper applications that need to withstand harsh environments, such as outdoor exposure or rough handling during shipping. The synthetic paper has excellent printing capabilities, allowing for high-quality graphics and text to be printed directly onto the material. Overall, synthetic paper offers numerous advantages for various end uses across industries, making it an increasingly popular choice among manufacturers and businesses looking for cost-effective, durable, and sustainable paper based solutions.

Getting to know the Different types of Synthetic Papers

There are several types of synthetic paper available in the market, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Currently, Cosmo Films offers 6 types of synthetic papers.

CSPS-2 (M) Paper:

It is a co-extruded, tear-resistant, white opaque, uncoated polypropylene-based film for conventional offset printing and screen-printing.  It is available in thickness of 95 to 430 um as reel & sheet.

CSPR-2 (M) TC:

A coated Paper variant of bi-axially oriented polypropylene films has its top side coated and is ideal for UV offset & Flexo printing. In a thickness range of 65-210 um, and available as a reel, this variant is ideal for maps, brochures, doctor’s sheets & other important information display types of applications.

CSPR-2 (M) BTC:

A bi-axially oriented polypropylene film that comes in a variety of thicknesses, this variant is coated on both sides of the sheet & roll. It is suitable for Thermal Transfer Letterpress, UV Offset, and Flexo (UV & Water based inks) printing.

CSPR-2 (MW) BTC:

Closely resembling paper in appearance, it is Non-Tearable Paper with a matte coating on both sides and comes in reel and sheet format. This variant is the best choice for powder toner printing of all brands like Xerox, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Kodak, and Canon.

CSPR-2 (M) HR BTC:

Offered with coating on both sides of the sheet/roll, it is a bi-axially oriented polypropylene film that comes in a variety of thicknesses, going as low as 95um. It is recommended for painting techniques like UV Inkjet and UV Offset.

CSPR-2 (M) FLEXI:

A co-extruded synthetic paper with higher resistance to tearing than others, it comes in finite thickness levels of 125, 150, 200 & 250 um. Available in reel form, it’s recommended for thermal transfer and Flexo printing (both UV & water-based inks).

What Properties of Synthetic Paper are Making the Printing Industry Hooked on to It?

The use of synthetic paper in the packaging industry has several goals and benefits, including:

1. Durability: Synthetic paper is designed to be extremely durable and resistant to tearing, moisture, and other environmental factors. This makes it ideal for applications that need to withstand harsh conditions, such as outdoor exposure, long-term storage, or rough handling during shipping.

2. Printability: Synthetic paper offers excellent printing capabilities, allowing for high-quality graphics and text to be printed directly onto the material. This makes it an ideal choice for end uses that require custom branding or labeling.

3. Sustainability: Synthetic paper can be made from recyclable materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for many roles. Additionally, synthetic paper is less likely to end up in landfills compared to traditional paper products because it is more durable.

4. Cost-effectiveness: Synthetic paper is often less expensive than other conventional paper. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to save costs while still maintaining the durability and printability of their packaging.

5. Versatility: Synthetic paper can be used in a wide range of applications, from labels and tags to boxes and bags. It can also be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries, such as food and beverage, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Overall, the use of synthetic paper in the packaging industry offers several benefits, including improved durability, printability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. These advantages make the synthetic paper an increasingly popular choice among manufacturers and businesses looking for high-quality, eco-friendly paper based solutions.

How to choose the ideal thickness of synthetic paper for a particular print application?

Choosing the right microns of synthetic paper for a packaging application requires consideration of several factors, including the type of product being packaged, the environmental conditions during storage and transport, and the printing requirements. Here are some general guidelines to help select the appropriate microns of synthetic paper for different packaging applications:

1. Thickness: The thickness of synthetic paper is usually measured in microns. Thicker synthetic paper is typically more durable and tear-resistant, making it suitable for heavy-duty packaging applications. Thinner synthetic paper is ideal for applications that require flexibility and light-weight packaging.

2. Environmental conditions: Synthetic paper should be chosen based on the environmental conditions during storage and transport. For example, if the packaging is exposed to high humidity or moisture, a thicker synthetic paper with a higher moisture barrier may be required.

3. Printing requirements: Synthetic paper should be chosen based on the printing requirements of the packaging application. Thicker synthetic paper with a smooth surface is generally better for high-quality printing, while the thinner synthetic paper may be suitable for basic printing needs.

4. End use specifications: Above & beyond the aforementioned criteria, one should also make the choice per the end use for the said product.