PaperStone: Not Paperocks
By Gail Nickel-Kailing on May 5th, 2009
Recently we’ve discussed mineral-based paper and the development of products out of the waste stream; today we take a quick look at PaperStone, a product made out of recycled office paper or corrugated board.
Let’s be clear here: PaperStone is not the same as Paperocks!
Paperocks paper is a tree-free “paper” made from inorganic mineral powders derived from limestone and calcium carbonate, with a trace amount of non-toxic resin and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a binding agent. Generally about 20% of the ingredients for the film/paper is HDPE.
PaperStone is a composite material made of recycled paper or corrugated used for furniture, interior counter tops, wall paneling, conference tables,signs, cutting boards, window sills, and partitions.
There are two versions of PaperStone:
- “Original” – made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard
- “Certified” – made from 100% post-consumer standard office paper
Both are made with water-based phenolic resin with cashew nut shell binder and pigment. Heat and pressure transform this mixture into a thoroughly impregnated network of cellulose fibers that give PaperStone its hardness, density and strength.
Like Tom Szaky, founder of TerraCycle, the engineers at Paneltech International, the manufacturers of PaperStone, envisioned a way to used paper products in the recycling stream for new and different applications.
Who knew those recycled corrugated boxes could look so good?
4 Responses to “PaperStone: Not Paperocks”
By Eric Kube on May 6, 2009 | Reply
Also look @ Richlite which is the predecessor of Paperstone for almost 50 years. Richlite is a paper phenolic product that has many uses least of which is countertops. Richlite has been used in Aerospace, boat building and skateboard ramps. you have seen it at Pizza hut as the serving tray they bring your pizza out on. Richlite’s manufacturing processes emit 1/5 the amount of CO2 as does PaperStone/ Paneltech. Richlite has recycled colors as well as FSC certified colors
By Melanie Turner on May 6, 2009 | Reply
It’s truly amazing what one can accomplish when thinking outside the corrugated box.
By solid surface fabrication on May 11, 2009 | Reply
PaperStone is a great material! We have done a bunch of different applications and it always comes out great
By solid surface countertops on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
Agreed! It’s durable, beautiful and easy to work with.