Stonepaper – material & recycling
How is stonepaper made?
The stone paper production process is an invention from Taiwan. Over the past 20 years, a technology was developed to produce paper with less impact on the World than traditional pulp paper. The stone paper now has a Cradle to Cradle silver certificate and the technology is spreading rapidly around the World. We would like to share the basic process of making stone paper.
The stones used for the production of stone paper are calcium carbonate, and come from mines. The color of the stones, is the color that the paper will take on. Therefore, mainly white/yellow-white stones are used.
These stones are ground to dust, then mixed with a little (partly recycled) HDPE. This component functions as ‘glue’ for the stone minerals. Due to this combination of resources, recycling of the material becomes infinite. The Calcium Carbonate minerals don’t lose their form, as opposed to pulp paper fibers that do break after recycling and end up as waste in the end.
The heated mix of HDPE and dust pellets, become a texture comparable to a balloon. This mixture can be stretched out very high, and thus as thin as wished for. At the same time the material cools down and can then be rolled up into paper rolls.
Why is stonepaper more sustainable than pulp paper?
In this chart, you can see the difference in resource usage in production for both stonepaper and virgin – as well as recycled pulp paper.
Why did stonepaper receive a cradle to cradle certificate?
The stonepaper we use for our Rockbooks, is cradle to cradle certified by the official cradle to cradle Institute. The paper has a silver cradle to cradle label. On the right you can see what valuation was given to different aspects of the paper production.
Cradle to cradle literally means there is no ‘grave’ for the product after it has been used. The material does not need to leave any waste behind after usage, but can be properly recycled.
How to recycle stonepaper and your Rockbook
Our Rockbooks are made from original stonepaper and can thus be recycled easily.
In theory, stonepaper is infinitely recyclable. If there were a stonepaper recycling stream, we would be able to fully re-use all stonepaper. However, in practice this still works a bit different, mainly due to a lack of sufficient volume for an own recycling stream.
We advise you to throw away your Rockbook (if you really want to), with plastic recycling (stream 2). This way, the paper can be fully incorporated in an existing recycling stream. The Calcium Carbonate (the stone that is used) is already a common additive to some plastic products and will thus be properly recycled.
What happens if stonepaper or my Rockbook enters the paper recycling stream?
Stonepaper will be recognized as a non-pulppaper product in most recycling streams that we know of. It will thus be filtered out with other products that are not recyclable in a paper recycling stream. Then, it will be processed according to the facilities rules. Sometimes this means that it will be burned, or that it will be sorted and used in proper plastic recycling. The stonepaper will in fact be recognized as a plastic-type product.
Just to make sure – we recommend you recycle our Rockbooks with plastic recycling.
Will the HDPE in stone paper be replaced with bioplastic?
A lot of research and development is done to continuously improve the sustainability of the stonepaper and its production process.
Tests are being done with bioplastic replacing the HDPE component of the stonepaper. This will most likely be a bioplastic variety that is not made from a food resource, but for example from non-consumable weeds.
At this moment, the HDPE component is made from partly recycled plastic.
Rockbooks
Where are Rockbooks produced?
Our Rockbooks are produced in the Netherlands. For us, it is very important that we know the ins and outs of the production process. This way, we can keep it as sustainable as possible. We partnered with a Dutch production firm that operates as eco-friendly as possible and also holds an ‘eco-printed’ certificate.
The paper we currently use for the Rockbooks comes from Taiwan, where stonepaper was invented. The paper is shipped in bulk to Europe. In the near future this paper production will also start to take place in Europe.
What is the carbon footprint of a Rockbook?
For Paper On The Rocks B Corp certification we were required to calculate the CO2 footprint of our Rockbooks. We are very happy with the initial figure – and will continue to reduce this footprint as much as possible.
Hardcover Rockbook: 0,36 kg
Softcover Rockbook: 0,28 kg
When will the collection be expanded?
Thanks for asking! 🙂 Our Classic collection features ruled hardcover and softcover Rockbooks and four softcover Leafbooks. Our Studio collection features three ruled hardcover Marble Rockbooks.
We plan to add further editions to our collection. Via our social media channels and our newsletter we will update you on the newest releases. We’re looking forward to release a new collection of very limited editions in the near future…
What happens to damaged Rockbooks?
In printing and production, you will almost always find defective or damaged Rockbooks, unfortunately. We choose not to throw these Rockbooks away. Instead, once or twice a year, we donate these books to educational projects. For example, during Christmas of 2016, we donated the damaged books to a center for language education for refugees in the Netherlands.
Does the production of Rockbooks use renewable energy?
In printing and production, as much renewable energy as possible is used.
Currently the production of stone paper runs on energy provided by solar panels.
The energy used to produce is 85% renewable energy.
Shipping & delivery
When will my order be delivered?
The Netherlands
We always ship your order within 2 working days. After shipment, you will receive a confirmation by email, including a track and trace code so you can follow your order. If you have received this confirmation email, you can assume that your package will be delivered within 2 working days.
We send our packages with Fietskoeriers, which means that if you live in one of the cities where they are active, your package will be delivered by bike. If you don’t live in these cities, your package will be delivered by DHL. By checking the track and trace code in your confirmation email you can see to which delivery service will deliver your package.
Other European countries
Packages that we need to send abroad are sent within 3 working days. The delivery of these packages depends on the delivery address and the local delivery services. We don’t send packages abroad with track and trace code by default. Whether the package gets a track and trace code, depends on the size of the package.
What are the shipping costs?
Netherlands
For orders up to €20, the shipping costs are €3.96.
Shipping is free for orders above €30.
Other European countries
For orders up to €100, the shipping costs are €7,95.
Shipping is free for orders above €100.
Do you want to send your order to a country outside of Europe? At this moment, you cannot place orders to countries outside Europe in our webshop. However, if you would really like to buy our stationery (good for you! ;)) and have it delivered outside of Europe, please send us a message via hello@paperontherocks.com.
I have not received an order confirmation
Whoops, we’re very sorry! Please drop us a line via hello@paperontherocks.com, then we’ll provide an order confirmation for you as soon as possible.
The delivery service has been at my door, but I was not at home / I am not at home during the week, but I entered my home address
The Netherlands
Most packages that we send are letterbox packages, so luckily you don’t have to be home for the delivery. Is your order a larger package and have you missed the delivery person? Then the delivery person comes back the next day. If your package will be delivered by Fietskoeriers, the delivery person will also make an attempt on the second and third day. After that, the package will be delivered to your neighbors. If your package is scheduled to be delivered by DHL, you can pick it up at a service point or choose a different delivery time or location yourself. In any case, look at the card in your letterbox that the delivery person has dropped off. On this card you can find more information about the delivery.
Other European countries
You will find more information about the delivery of your package on the message from the delivery person in your letterbox.
I have not received a track and trace link
The Netherlands
Whoops, you’re supposed to receive a track and trace code, so please send us a message via hello@paperontherocks.com. We’re in good contact with our delivery service, so we promise we’ll fix the problem as soon as possible.
Other European countries
We don’t always send packages abroad with a track and trace code. If you send us a message via hello@paperontherocks.com, we can check if we have sent your package with a track and trace code and, if so, where the package is at that moment.
About your delivery or order
I would like my VAT code to be on the invoice
The VAT amount is standard on your invoice. If you want a VAT number, please let us know via hello@paperontherocks.com and we’ll prepare an invoice for you including the VAT number.
My parcel was delivered damaged
If the delivery service hands over a damaged package to you, first try to refuse the package so it will be send back again. If you have declined the package, don’t forget to contact us at hello@paperontherocks.com. This allows us to solve the problem ‘behind the scenes’ and ensure that new stationery comes your way as soon as possible! If you have already received the package, send an email to hello@paperontherocks.com with a photo of the damaged books and packaging. We will contact you as soon as possible. Please save the books and packaging until the case is closed.
My delivery is incomplete
That means something went wrong on our side. Please drop us a line via hello@paperontherocks.com. We promise we’ll make it up to you 😉
I want to place/send an order abroad
You can enter the delivery address separately when completing your order, which means the billing address can be different from the delivery address. Please keep in mind that the shipping costs depend on the delivery address and that sending a package abroad is more expensive.
The address I have entered is wrong
If we haven’t sent your package yet, we can still change the delivery address. Therefore, please let us know as soon as possible if the address you entered is incorrect (hello@paperontherocks.com). Also, please send us a message if the package has already been sent. We will find a solution then.
Returns
How do I return a delivery?
If you would like to return your order, first send an email to hello@paperontherocks.com to register your return. We are sorry that you want to return your order, so we would like to hear your feedback. However, it is not mandatory to provide a reason for your return. Once registered, you can send your order to our address on your own account. If the order isn’t damaged if we unpackage your return, we’ll transfer the purchase amount to you as soon as possible.
Do I have to pay for returns?
If you exercise the right of withdrawal, you are responsible for the cost of your return.
Will the delivery costs for my web shop purchase be refunded?
Unfortunately, we don’t reimburse those shipping costs.
When will my purchase amount be refunded?
Once we have received your returns, the costs for the purchase concerned will be refunded as soon as possible, but no later than 5 working days.
Paper / on the Rocks
Why was Paper on the Rocks founded?
An activistic stationery company that creates a healthy paper industry – that’s us!
Why are we doing this? Well for one, we like a good challenge. Speaking of challenges:
The paper industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Grinding down forests and swallowing unimaginable amounts of water. Oh, and don’t forget the tons of CO² emissions added to the mix. Needless to say it’s in everyone’s interests to explore alternatives. Luckily, there are some great ones up for grabs.
We are passionate about anything paper related. Writing, drawing, doodling, colouring… You name it, we love it. Producing paper products designed with an eye for detail, with that elusive book-ish smell, touch and feel – it just tickles us in all the right places. And you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have that too…, it takes one to know one.
To give you the best notebook experience humanly possible we’ve wrapped up all of the above in one solid solution.
When was Paper on the Rocks founded?
Paper on the Rocks was founded by Anne Pleun van Eijsden at the end of 2015.
Anne:
”It was always my intention to not start just ‘any’ company. When I witnessed all the dirty ways in which people produce – and sell – products, I knew we could do better. We HAVE to do better.
I guess I’ve always been one for stepping out of my comfort zone (what’s one of those, anyway?). Going against the stream. I studied history and I specialised in revolutions – the non-violent variety. Having a strong urge for justice, I ended up receiving a Masters’ degree in European Union Law. I didn’t work even one day in either of those fields, but they helped form me and my beliefs.
Stemming from a family of forthright entrepreneurs it might have been in my DNA to found a company with a strong mission – to change a vested industry.
When I was 12 years old, I desperately wanted to become a writer, to inspire people to keep on dreaming. And I kind of feel like that’s what I’ve ended up doing. Only from a different angle. At Paper on the Rocks, we produce the tools that help people to keep on dreaming, writing, drawing and sharing thoughts.”
Can you piece together where the Paper on the Rocks mission came from?
Anne:
”An activistic stationery company that uses business to inspire and implement solutions to protect our forests and nature. I’m living my dream to make the world a better place. What’s your story?
Feel free to contact me at anne@paperontherocks.com!”
Where is the company located?
Our office is located in Amersfoort. A centrally located city in the Netherlands not far from Utrecht.
Within our team we speak English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian and German!
What are your bank details for a bank transfer?
If you’ve chosen a bank transfer as a payment option, please include your order number in the details for a swift handling of your order.
Company name: On The Rocks B.V
Bank: Triodos Bank N.V. Zeist
IBAN: NL 04 TRIO 0391024329
BIC: TRIONL2U
If you have any questions regarding your order or the payment, please contact Stijn on stijn@paperontherocks.com.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
We’d love to help you. Just drop us a line via hello@paperontherocks.com or via our contact page.
