Cosmo Films: What is Synthetic Paper? Why Use Synthetic Paper over the Standard Pulp-Based Paper?
                     Why Use Synthetic Paper over the 
Standard Pulp-Based Paper?
WHAT IS SYNTHETIC PAPER?
Synthetic Paper, as the name suggests, is made using synthetic resins, unlike the regular 
paper that uses wood-pulp for the purpose. Thus, it is a 100% tree-free paper that relies upon 
synthetic substrates as raw material. A common thread that runs through both synthetic & 
regular paper is the use of optical brighteners & mineral fillers to attain that paper-like 
smoothness, opacity & brightness.
Another thing to note is that synthetic paper is used as an umbrella term for all papers that 
use plastic resins as raw materials. Over the years, manufacturers have innovated various 
materials for synthetic paper production. One of the latest innovations in this direction is the 
eco-friendly BOPP-based synthetic paper. What makes it stand apart from other synthetic 
papers is its mono-material structure that promotes recyclability & a circular economy. 
However, its benefits are not limited to sustainability. Let’s explore why companies are inclined 
towards the use of BOPP-based synthetic papers.
BENEFITS OF BOPP-BASED SYNTHETIC PAPER
#1) Water and Oil Resistance 
Regular paper is prone to damage when in contact with liquid substances. BOPP Synthetic 
Paper, on the other hand, made using synthetic substrates is 100% resistant to moisture. It 
does not tear or get wet when in contact with liquid substances like oil or water. Thus, many 
applications like restaurant menu cards, coasters & table mats, where paper could not be used 
without lamination, are now switching to synthetic paper for durability. Now, in cases of water 
or oil spills, users can simply clean the paper surface without worrying about damages.
#2) Tear-Free & Scuff Resistance
Synthetic paper is extremely durable and cannot be folded or torn by hand. It is completely 
tear-free and also provides protection against scuff. The traditional lamination over paper 
method fails to satisfy the stuff resistance feature. Most laminations are plagued with 
scratches, harming the appearance of the application. Synthetic paper, being tear & scuff 
resistant, serves the purpose with its durability & aesthetic appeal.
#3) Print Quality & Compatibility
Synthetic paper boast amazing life-like print quality. However, the quality of print may also 
depend on the raw material used & manufacturing practices of your synthetic paper supplier. 
It’s important that you request free samples to test print quality and compatibility with your 
print technology before placing an order with your synthetic paper manufacturer. Mostly, 
synthetic paper is compatible with multiple print technologies like off-set, thermal, laser, digital 
printing & so on.
#4) Compatibility with Converting Technologies
When used for the printing of labels, magazine covers, mark sheets & so on, the applications 
may call for altering the paper to meet design requirements. For instance, the printer might 
require punching compatibility for labels, or even embossing compatibility for labels, 
magazines & other applications to give it an aesthetic appeal. One of the recent & most 
innovative designs printed on synthetic paper was for a magazine cover that featured hot foil 
stamping. Synthetic substrates have a tendency to melt under high temperatures, but the 
unmatched quality of Cosmo Synthetic Paper allowed the magazine creative designers to print 
their imagination to life by offering hot foil stamp compatibility (Read the full story here).
#5 Security Features
To avoid replication or tampering of important documents like mark sheets, diplomas, ID cards, 
organizations are looking for solutions that can be embedded with security features. Synthetic 
paper is the perfect solution for such advanced applications as it allows micro printing, 
invisible printing, high-resolution border, blind embossing, QR code printing, hot foil stamping, 
prismatic printing & much more. That said, synthetic papers by different manufacturers might 
not offer the same security features. Thus, it is advised that you consult with your supplier for 
the required security feature.
#6 Production Cost & Time
Printing on synthetic paper for applications where durability is required eliminates the need for 
lamination. This was, organizations are able to save both cost & time involved in the 
lamination process of regular paper when they switch to synthetic paper.
#7 Sustainability
Synthetic paper is a 100% tree-free solution, as it does not require wood-pulp in the production 
process. Additionally, BOPP synthetic paper offers recyclability, unlike other synthetic papers, 
which are hard to recycle. BOPP uses a homogenous structure that facilitates the recycling 
process and promotes a circular economy.
So what are you still waiting for? Connect with one of the leading synthetic paper producers, 
Cosmo Films, which has been serving the industry with innovative & sustainable BOPP-based 
solutions since 1981. Cosmo Films produces a range of synthetic papers, including top or both 
sides coated, standard, matt & more variants. The team also goes on to meet custom 
requirements to help organizations reduce wastage and boost productivity. Click here to get in 
touch.