[BC Trips] Research Journal #14 - Taipei

Cradle to Cradle Certified™ is a globally recognized measure of safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy. To receive certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness. A product is assigned an achievement level (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for each category. Unfortunately we were not able to find any Japanese products with the certification as of today.

However, we found a Taiwanese company that have passed such strict standards and have obtained patents in 40 countries around the world and achieved level of Silver for their product. During our trip in Taiwan, we were able to meet with this company. The name of the product is "STONE PAPER"; a paper made from marble waste used for construction of buildings.

The characteristics of this paper are:

- Waterproof

- Durable 

- Adhesives such as seals can be removed cleanly

- Insect-free

- Decomposed in 6-12 months due to the sun's ultraviolet rays and can become a new resource

- Toxin-free

... and so on. It works well with oil-based ballpoint pens and pencils, and the letters do not stain or disappear even if water is applied from above. Stone papers are manufactured without the need to cut trees, without water pollution and without harmful gaseous wastes. Compared to the production of one ton of pulp paper, it can reduce 20 trees, reduce 7,480 gallons of water and 900 kg of CO2.

We want you to know that there are alternatives such as these, especially after the wildfires in the Amazon and Australia forest. Let's keep in mind the actions and consumption that contribute to the global environment.