Biodegradable Stone Paper as a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Paper: A Review.

Stone paper is a relatively sustainable alternative to traditional fibre-based paper. Stone paper is made using resin such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and a mineral such calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Plasticizers, bulking agents, coupling reagents, dispersing agents, and inorganic fillers are added in the stone paper formulation for imparting different properties. However, the HDPE, used in stone paper formulation, is not biodegradable and can be replaced with biodegradable polymers to make stone paper more environment friendly. The biodegradable stone paper can be easily made using relatively cheaper blown film process. The stone paper can also be made from CaCO₃ waste of traditional paper industry and recycled polymer waste. This review paper provides overview about the stone paper, the biodegradable polymeric materials which can be used instead of HDPE, information about the converting processes for stone paper; it's applications and comparison to the traditional paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]