BO-PET Nevertear

Nevertear, a durable synthetic paper

Marketed under the brand name Nevertear, this resilient and weather-resistant synthetic paper is made from polyester material. Nevertear looks like paper and has a similar feel. It can be printed like paper, yet it is weatherproof and waterproof. The synthetic paper is available in DIN A4 and DIN A3 formats, and different grammages are also offered. Nevertear is produced in matte white, but it is also available in a wide range of colors, including neon yellow and neon orange. For many outdoor applications such as outdoor menus, table displays, and similar uses, synthetic papers like Nevertear are an ideal material.

The manufacturing process of synthetic paper such as Nevertear

The production process of synthetic papers such as Nevertear or optimont® synthetic paper begins with the creation of polyethylene terephthalate from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The thermoplastic material is extruded into a film, which is then biaxially stretched immediately after production. Stretching refers to the controlled elongation of the still-warm PET film. Biaxial means that the film is stretched both in the machine direction and across the machine direction. This stretching process improves the mechanical strength of the polyester film. The result is what is known as BO-PET film, where “BO” stands for biaxial orientation. BO-PET film offers high toughness; it is tear-resistant, impact-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and dimensionally stable.

In order for BO-PET film to be used like paper, its very smooth surface must be given a matte coating on one or both sides. This creates both the tactile and visual impression of paper. However, synthetic paper is a “paper” that is virtually tear-proof.

Product properties of synthetic papers such as Nevertear or optimont® synthetic paper

Synthetic papers are waterproof, UV-resistant, and weatherproof. When used outdoors in direct sunlight or exposed to heat and moisture, this plastic-based paper demonstrates its strengths. In addition, Nevertear and optimont® synthetic paper do not require lamination. When printed with a laser printer, the print image is also waterproof and weather-resistant.

Synthetic paper is highly resistant to mechanical stress. It does not tear, does not swell, does not become illegible, and does not fade. Even heavily used city maps or manuals do not fray. Menus and promotional print materials remain readable and attractive, even with frequent handling and exposure to wind and weather, rain and sun. Parking permits or ski passes last as long as they are needed and do not have to be replaced before their expiration date due to unreadable barcodes or QR codes. Time-consuming lamination or protective brochure sleeves are no longer necessary when heavily used printed materials for indoor or outdoor applications are produced on synthetic paper.

Some application examples for synthetic papers

• Ski passes and parking permits
• Admission tickets, ID cards, or access passes
• Promotional signs and product stickers
• Table displays and menus
• Information signs, prohibition signs, or emergency plans for outdoor use, as well as for workshops or public buildings
• City maps and manuals
• Weather-resistant labels for the logistics sector

Processing of synthetic papers

Processing synthetic paper is just as easy as processing conventional paper. Nevertear and optimont® synthetic paper can be printed using manual sheet feed as well as in stack processing. Even high-quality color prints are possible on synthetic papers. High color brilliance, excellent runnability, and outstanding mechanical durability make prints on synthetic paper long-lasting products that can still be produced quickly and cost-effectively.

Nevertear and optimont® synthetic paper combine the advantages of two materials: they can be printed and processed like paper, yet they offer the mechanical strength, resistance to various chemicals, and heat resistance of the underlying BO-PET plastic film.

Synthetic paper in logistics

Labels or tags with QR codes, barcodes, or important written information must withstand significant stress during transport or outdoor storage, including high temperature fluctuations, moisture, and dirt. Even under such adverse conditions, the printed information must remain clearly legible – including by machine – over a long period of time. These requirements cannot be met with paper labels.

Labels made from synthetic paper ensure long-term data reliability, even when exposed to UV radiation or high temperatures. Wind, snow, and cold temperatures also do not affect labels made from synthetic paper such as Nevertear or optimont® synthetic paper. Dirt can be easily wiped off synthetic paper with a damp cloth. Even after extended periods, inventory marked with adhesive labels made from synthetic paper can still be reliably identified.

Synthetic papers in the Bleher film portfolio

optimont® synthetic paper is manufactured from BO-PET film with a matte coating on both sides. Bleher Folientechnik supplies this synthetic paper in thicknesses ranging from 120 to 270 µm. Opacity (CIE standard) ranges between 94 percent and 98 percent, depending on the film thickness. It is available in roll form, custom formats, as well as DIN A4, DIN A3, and DIN SRA3 sizes. Light transmission (ASTM D-1003) ranges between 7 and 13 percent. In terms of tear resistance, optimont® synthetic paper achieves values of 1400 kg/cm² in the machine direction (MD) and 1500 kg/cm² in the transverse direction (TD).

optimont® synthetic paper AD is a single-side matte film with a thickness of just 60 µm. Despite its thinness, this synthetic paper can be printed with standard laser printers or copiers, although only on the matte side. It is available in DIN A4 and DIN A3 formats.