LIMEX is a new material made primarily from limestone, and it is neither paper nor film. Many of you might have heard about it when it became a topic of conversation some time ago. However, at that time, there were no sticker material options available. Now, with advancements in technology, we can finally offer LIMEX in our sticker market. (We’ve been waiting for this!)
Therefore, we would like to explain LIMEX in detail this time.
LIMEX is an eco-friendly material developed by TBM Co., Ltd. as an alternative to paper products. It is a synthetic material made by combining limestone and polymer, attracting attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional paper and plastic. Note that it is not made of 100% limestone; synthetic resin is mixed in to form the material. For more details, please see "Understanding LIMEX in 3 Minutes".
The main ingredient of LIMEX, limestone, contributes to the conservation of natural resources compared to the wood and oil used in the production of "paper" and "film". This reduces the ecological impact associated with activities such as deforestation and oil extraction.
In the manufacturing process, much less water is required compared to traditional papermaking processes, reducing water waste and minimizing the risk of water pollution. According to TBM, LIMEX can reduce water usage in manufacturing by 97% per ton compared to paper. (So much!?)
Compared to plastic, it reduces the use of petroleum resin and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2.
In summary, LIMEX is an eco-friendly material that excels in conserving natural resources, efficient water use, and low carbon emissions. These characteristics are highly valued from a sustainability perspective. (All good things!)
Water Resistance
LIMEX has excellent water resistance. Similar to film, it does not lose its texture or strength even when exposed to water. It can also withstand high-humidity environments, making it suitable for use in such conditions. LIMEX is utilized in various applications such as water-resistant labels and stickers, waterproof cards, and document storage in humid warehouses.
Durability
LIMEX has excellent physical strength, making it resistant to bending, folding, and compression. Therefore, LIMEX products are more durable than regular paper and can be used for extended periods. It is also suitable for outdoor use, as it can withstand UV rays and weather conditions, making it ideal for posters, signs, and outdoor marketing materials.
Additionally, LIMEX has high abrasion resistance, meaning the surface does not deteriorate easily even with friction, and it is less prone to scratches and wear. This makes it suitable for applications where stickers and labels are exposed to friction.
Furthermore, it has relatively high resistance to common chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and oils, making it suitable for use on cosmetic bottles and aroma oil bottles.
Overall, LIMEX is as durable as film and can be used in various situations for extended periods. Its durability makes it highly valued as a sustainable material in many industries and applications.
Recycling
Although stickers cannot be recycled as they are attached to products, LIMEX can be recycled. To reduce environmental impact, LIMEX can be processed through a recycling process after use. This circularity is one of the reasons LIMEX is noteworthy. However, it is limited to LIMEX's own recycling methods and not general recycling conducted by municipalities.
Printability
LIMEX has excellent printability. Its smooth and uniform surface allows for high-quality printing. It can beautifully print colorful illustrations, text, and photos, with vivid colors and clear details. LIMEX also has excellent adhesion to ink, ensuring that ink stays firmly on the material, making it suitable for labels and stickers. We tested foil stamping with tape, and there were no issues.
Texture of LIMEX
LIMEX has a smooth texture, similar to "Yupo," the most common film for sticker printing. It resembles the texture of Apple product packaging. However, it is slightly glossier than Yupo. One downside is that it is prone to fingerprints. Free samples are available, so feel free to contact us if you are interested.
Disadvantages of Eco-friendly Stickers LIMEX
1. Delivery Issues
Delivery is still a problem. Since LIMEX has not been in the market for stickers for a long time, the supply system is not yet fully established. We have stock for one lot, but anything beyond that requires ordering. Currently, it may take up to a month to receive stock after placing an order. While other materials can be received the next day, a month seems long. The supply system is expected to gradually improve, so we are hopeful for the future. (Let's support them!)
If you plan to produce stickers with LIMEX, it is advisable to check stock availability in advance.
2. Slightly Higher Price
As is common with environmentally friendly materials, LIMEX is slightly more expensive. Among eco-friendly materials, LIMEX is relatively affordable, but it is still slightly more expensive for those switching from standard materials. Additionally, while standard materials can be purchased in needed quantities, LIMEX must be purchased in a lot (approximately 1m width x 200m length), making it less economical.
3. Is it Really Eco-friendly?
While we believe that LIMEX is an excellent eco-friendly material, there are differing opinions. We want to maintain a neutral stance and consider both sides. For instance, while forests used for paper production can be replanted, limestone mining cannot be restored once started.
Additionally, mining limestone requires large machinery and significant energy compared to tree felling. However, most of the limestone in Japan is used for cement in buildings and roads, and the amount used for LIMEX is about 0.01% of domestic consumption.
Moreover, 90% of the wood used for paper production is low-quality or thinned wood with few other uses. The water used in paper manufacturing is mostly river water, which is treated and returned to the river after use, meaning it is utilized but not consumed. (Wow! What a compelling counterargument! The case for paper is also strong!) Both methods aim to be as eco-friendly as possible.
4. Application Required to Use LIMEX Logo and Promotional Mark
Since you are using an eco-friendly material, you might want to print this information to promote your company's environmental efforts to consumers. You can print the "logo mark" and "promotional statement" on printed materials using LIMEX, but an application is required. According to TBM, customers who create the print data need to apply themselves. (This might be cumbersome for some.)
The LIMEX website states: "The LIMEX logo mark and LIMEX promotional statement are used to indicate that the material or product is LIMEX or a LIMEX product and to explain this. They cannot be used for any other purposes. Even for the intended purposes specified in the guidelines, we prohibit the use of any expressions or representations that we deem inappropriate."
Therefore, if you need to use the logo mark and promotional statement, please read the "Guidelines" and apply through the "Application Form." The buttons below link to the relevant sites.
We believe that LIMEX is an eco-friendly and highly functional material. However, no material is 100% eco-friendly. Since it involves human activities, there are always some environmental or resource sacrifices in the supply chain.
Therefore, we cannot definitively answer the question, "Is it really eco-friendly?" Opinions vary depending on one's perspective, and it is challenging to determine the absolute truth when examining the supply chain in detail. Thus, we conclude that customers should make their own decisions about which materials to use.
For us, running a sticker printing business, LIMEX, made from limestone and neither paper nor film, is a highly attractive third material. It is great if more environmentally conscious customers increase. We believe that new things should be actively used without being bound by conventional wisdom. We recommend eco-friendly stickers made of LIMEX.
With over 110,000 clients and approximately 3,000 sticker printing projects annually, we produce uniquely appealing stickers at competitive prices. Our core focus is always on delivering stickers that meet your satisfaction.
Please feel free to contact us. We are here to help with your needs.
