Iran’s 1st Stone Paper Factory Launched

Iran’s first-ever stone paper factory opened in the city of Shendabad in East Azarbaijan Province’s Shabestar County on Tuesday. Stone paper, also known as rock paper, paper from waste marble, mineral paper, sustainable paper or eco paper, is a type of strong and durable paper-like product manufactured from calcium carbonate bonded with high-density polyethylene.  It is used for stationery, leaflets, posters, books, magazines, bags, packaging, wallpaper, adhesives, tags, in-mould labels, plates, trays and containers. According to director general of the factory, Hamidreza Ilkhani, 76 billion rials (more than $2 million) worth of investments have gone into the construction of the factory’s first phase that has the capacity to produce 3,000 tons of paper per year, IRNA reported. Ilkhani explained that stone paper produced in this factory is made up of 80% calcium carbonate and 20% polypropylene and polyethylene, adding that the products are recyclable and 70% cheaper compared to paper made from wood pulp. “We have succeeded in indigenizing 70% of the technical know-how and production formulation of this eco-friendly product,” he said.