Chicago company develops tree free paper

Washington, September 13 (ANI): A company, based in Chicago, US, has produced 100 per cent tree free paper, which implies paper made without any usage of products from trees.

According to a report in ENN (Environmental News Network), the company in question is GPA, a Chicago paper company, which has produced Ultra Green paper a 100 per cent tree free paper.

Ultra Green is 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, and no usage of chlorine.

GPA said that the paper combines the printability of a traditional paper product with the durability of a plastic sheet. It does not require special inks or manufacturing processes.

Some advantages of the paper are that it wont yellow or become brittle, no matter how long its exposed to sunlight.

The paper is resistant to scuffing, water, grease and oils and can be used outdoors without being at risk from decomposing.

Also, it offers antimicrobial protection and conforms to FDA standards for food contact, and due to the water and energy savings made in its manufacturing process, Ultra Green paper is priced 30 to 40 per below than regular synthetic paper and film.

According to Environmental Defenses paper calculator, replacing one ton of traditional paper with one ton of Ultra Green paper saves 20 trees.

It also eliminates 42 lbs of waterborne waste, 7,480 gallons water/wastewater, 167 lbs solid waste and 236 lbs carbon emissions.

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The painting is by Laura Tasheiko

Verso donating $100K to forest preservation

Verso Paper Corp. has announced a $100,000 grant over two years to help preserve U.S. forests.

The grant was provided to the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands and will go to expand the organization's Forest Stewardship Council group forest certification program. The program seeks to identify small, family forestland owners and to certify their lands to specific standards.

Verso officials said the grant will help expand the program through six states and help certify about 100,000 additional acres.

States included in the program are Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont.

Once certified, landowners receive education on the proper forestry techniques to preserve trees for years to come, company officials said.

Based in Memphis, Verso Paper produces coated papers, including coated groundwood and coated freesheet, and super-calendered products. Verso's paper products are used primarily in media and marketing applications, including magazines, catalogs and commercial printing applications such as high-end advertising brochures, annual reports and direct-mail advertising.

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