Yupo and competing products now are used primarily for labels—Procter & Gamble (PG) uses the film[film?:film cutting machine] on detergent and soap bottles—as well as printing[printing?:printing cutting finishing solution] materials such as menus and maps. Olson says it competes with laminated papers and synthetic sheets rather than paper[paper?:paper sample maker cutting machine].
Other polymer sheets have worked their way into different markets. Valéron Strength Films of Houston manufactures a film for tags, labels, signs, banners, envelopes, wristbands, and high-strength tapes. Teslin, a synthetic sheet made by Pittsburgh's PPG Industries (PPG) is used in driver's licenses and other identification cards. Polymer films also show up in milk containers, butter wrappers, and yogurt cups. For this part, paper manufacturers have explored alternative fibers, including hemp, kenaf, and cotton, which has long been used in U.S. currency.
Products such as TerraSkin might broaden the market for synthetics. Unlike plastic[plastic?:Plastic sample cutting machine] films, they can be folded like paper and have a matte, almost chalky texture. It "feels like luxury paper—that actually is a great advantage" for certain uses, says Dent.
