Synthetic paper appears like paper but is smooth, has better rigidity and most importantly better
life cycle on account of lower water absorption. Synthetic paper, an interesting plastic product,
has been known for quite a many years. However, it has a niche market and is therefore relatively
small globally. The market size in 2006 of North America, one of the most well established markets
of synthetic paper, was about 50,000 tons, making it one of the smallest applications of plastic film.
HDPE and BOPP films are used to make synthetic paper. It always contains a higher level of filler that
provides better matt surface and printability. HDPE presently has a higher share of synthetic paper but
PP is catching up quite fast.
The major applications of synthetic paper are divided into two major sectors, which are Label and Non-label:
The non- label sector that started using synthetic paper first consists of banners, maps, menus etc. This sector
had almost 52% share of the 50,000 ton market in North America during 2006. Label sector is catching up faster at
a higher growth (7.5% compared to 6% for non-label sector in 2006-2011 in North America).
Overall synthetic paper
market in North America is expected to grow at 6.8% from 2006 to 2011.