FAQ’S about TerraSkin®

Q: What is TerraSkin®?
TerraSkin® is tree-free specialty paper made from 80% Calcium Carbonate, (one of the most abundant minerals found on earth) and 20% HDPE (High Density Polyethylene, a binding agent.) These two materials combined give TerraSkin® a buttery soft feel as well as many unique characteristics. It is inherently water resistant, tear resistant, grease resistant, mold resistant, and acid-free. It uses 20-30% less ink than regular paper because it does not have pulp fibers which tend to absorb ink. The printed images stay crisp and clean.

Q: What applications are best suited for TerraSkin®?
Shopping Tote Bags, Bottle Labeling, Maps, Posters, Plant Identifiers, Hang Tags, Custom Printed Boxes, Belly Bands, Book Jackets, Promotional Materials & Marketing Collateral such as Pocket Folders, Brochures & Signage. TerraSkin® can replace many applications currently using plastic; it’s both cost-effective and better for the environment.

Q: What are some ecological benefits of TerraSkin®?
1.) We do not harvest a single tree to produce TerraSkin®.
2.) Instead, we use calcium carbonate which is the most abundant natural mineral on earth. Calcium carbonate makes up 70% of all minerals on earth.
3.) Calcium carbonate is a renewable natural resource and is produced at a much greater rate than we use.
4.) We obtain our mineral powder from ISO certified suppliers of the CaCo3 .
5.) We do not need to use a single drop of water to manufacture TerraSkin®.
6.) We do not use any bleaching chemicals because calcium carbonate is naturally bright white (Calcium Carbonate is often added to whiten many common household products such as: paint, food, gum, plastic containers, toothpaste, pulp paper & cosmetics.)
7.) Terraskin® uses less energy and releases half as much CO2 as conventional pulp paper production.
8.) TerraSkin® can replace many applications currently using plastic or plastic film. This means your plastic content can automatically be reduced by over 70% simply by switching to TerraSkin® material.

Q: What end-of-life options exist for TerraSkin®?
TerraSkin® is infinitely recyclable. TerraSkin® can be recycled with #2 plastics in industrial recycling streams or in communities where they collect #2 plastics. We currently recycle by converting used paper into pellets; our in-plant recycling is located at our manufacturing facility in Asia. TerraSkin is suitable for take-back recycling programs where it can be collected for a higher value and longer life cycle such as playground equipment or decking material. We are currently working on establishing such a program.

Q: Is TerraSkin® really degradable?
Yes, over time TerraSkin® will break down and turn back into mineral powder if left in the correct environmental conditions of heat, moisture and UV light. The small percentage of PE heats up from the UV rays and helps break the calcium carbonate into smaller fragments and then eventually into powder. Egg shells are 95% calcium carbonate and decompose in a similar way. We do not condone littering landfills while waiting for nature to take effect, so degradation is just another benefit of TerraSkin® rather than the end-of-life solution.

Q: Can TerraSkin® print on a Flexo, Digital, Offset, Gravure, Screen, Rotary or Web Press?
Yes, unlike Yupo or other synthetic paper, TerraSkin® is suitable for all of the above and uses regular inks, or vegetable/soy based inks. Each press differs, so we suggest you speak directly with your ink manufacturer for best compatibility and test samples prior to production. TerraSkin® accepts finishing processes such as: scoring, cutting, gluing, embossing, hot-stamping, varnishing and laminating. We can supply finished, turnkey end-use products or we can furnish TerraSkin® material in rolls or sheets.

Q: What are the standard inventory sizes?
Our stocked sheets are 28” x 40” and our stocked rolls are 40” wide. Sheets are sold in increments of reams (500 sheets). Minimum sheet order is one ream and the minimum roll order is one mater roll. Volume orders and custom rolls can be ordered in these standard widths: 35”, 40”, and 43” master rolls. We manufacture 4pt. film(S series), 4pt through16pt text / cover weight (R Series) and 10pt – 14pt rigid board (B Series). Please contact us regarding our current stocked inventory, we will recommend compatible product based on your application. Often times our customers are able to order thinner material than they currently use, simply because it is a tear resistant alternative.

Q: How long is the lead-time to custom manufacture?
We keep a wide variety of thickness and finished in our inventory at our US distribution centers. If you require a larger volume we’ll order for you directly from our manufacturing plant in Asia. Typical sea freight from Asia to the US West Coast is 45 and from Asia to the US East Coast is about 55 days. Additional time for custom production and/or special conversion will add approximately 45-60 days.

Q: Are there other “stone based” papers in the marketplace?
We have been working with TerraSkin® since 2001 and our first products appeared in 2004, primarily as shopping bags and packaging applications. During the past 18 months we have recognized similar products that claim to be stone based paper. When we researched these, we found that they had a variety of composition, such as 50% calcium carbonate along with several other binders. We realize our marketing efforts are making a great impact, and of course we are flattered by those who want to ride our coattails. We knew we had a very special material early on and wanted to make sure we took every step along the way to verify the superior nature of our material. If sustainability claim verification, supply chain management and third party certification are important to you, there is no comparison. TerraSkin® is the only “stone based paper” with certifications to verify all our claims.

Q: Who has certified, or endorsed TerraSkin®?
*TerraSkin was awarded 2011 Edison Awards Best New Product Gold Winner, in the Energy and Sustainability for Packaging Category. Coca-Cola was awarded Silver, and Replenish Co. was awarded Bronze in the same category.
*TerraSkin® was the first tree-free paper awarded the Silver Cradle to Cradle certification by MBDC. We received the Cradle to Cradle certification in July of 2007, one of the very first materials to be certified. (http://www.c2ccertified.com)
*Burts’ Bees TerraSkin® soap wrapper won the Silver Sustainable Packaging Leadership Award from the Packaging Association of Canada.
*TerraSkin® meets Wal-Mart sustainability requirements (to qualify, all certifications must be review by three independent sources.)
*The degradation testing was conducted by Advanced Material Center, a third party lab certified to test for the US Composting Council and Biodegradable Products Institute.
*Material Safety Data Sheets, done by SGS, certify that both Calcium Carbonate and HDPE are both safe and non-toxic.
*Greener Package 3rd Party Certified (Walmart Score Card integration site) www.greenerpackage.com
*Design & Source, a Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, the parent company and worldwide distributor of TerraSkin®, was awarded Best Green Business Practice by The New York Enterprise Report for Small Business 2008. (www.designandsource.com)
*The proprietary manufacturing process of TerraSkin®, using high percentages of calcium carbonate and small amounts of HDPE, has been patented in 40 Countries.

Q: Who can I contact for additional information?
HQ: TerraSkin 30 W 22 St. 3rd Fl. New York, NY 10011
Email: general@terraskin.com