Hop Industries, manufacturer of the durable Hop-Syn synthetic paper, has announced that its line of synthetic papers are in compliance with, and exceed, three environmental standards, CONEG, RoHS, and REACH. Compliance with these standards validates that Hop-Syn synthetic papers can be safely used in a variety of packaging, labeling, and printing applications. It also demonstrates Hop Industries’ ongoing commitment to sustainability in its manufacturing process and product offerings.

“Compliance with environmental standards, including CONEG, RoHS, and REACH, assures brands and their print partners that their Hop-Syn print projects meet sustainability requirements at all levels,” comments Jack Smith, Senior Vice President, Hop Industries. “Supporting these environmental standards is as important to our customers as it is to us.”

Unlike other durable substrates, the company says, Hop-Syn synthetic papers are free of toxins, heavy metals, and stearates, which are detrimental to the environment. Hop-Syn synthetic paper is a single layered sheet made from a mixture of polypropylene and calcium carbonate, and is 100% recyclable. The Hop-Syn substrate exceeds compliance requirements with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. RoHS restricts the use of heavy metals and hazardous chemicals used in the labeling and packaging of consumer products.

Hop-Syn synthetic papers also exceed compliance with legislation introduced by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), which requires reductions in the amount of four heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium) in packaging and packaging components sold or distributed in the participating states.

Hop-Syn synthetic papers also exceed compliance with Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), a European Union regulation that addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impact on both human health and the environment.