Dive Brief:
- A group of entrepreneurs have reportedly created a system that transforms discarded PET bottles into mineral paper. The paper is biodegradable and can be used in books, boxes, and stationery.
- Cronology, a company based in Ecatepec, Mexico, designed the process that combines recycled plastic bottles with calcium carbonate and stone to make paper.
- No water or chemical agents are used in the process. The paper is reportedly waterproof and stronger than standard paper.
Dive Insight:
The Cronology process is less costly than other methods of making paper because there are no chemicals necessary for production. One ton of paper made using PET saves 20 trees and 56,000 liters of water.
During the process, plastic bottles are transformed into pellets, mixed with the calcium carbonate, then cast. Big sheets of paper are then formed and rolled.
There are some companies that already manufacture paper using similar methods, but this process is four times less expensive than previously used systems.