Enterprise in Pingyao develops method to make paper from stones

A coal chemical enterprise in Pingyao, Shanxi province has won plaudits from the local government for developing a new method to manufacture paper from stones.

Officials hailed Pingyao Coal Chemical Group as an example to Shanxi's business community, as the government attempts to spur innovation and industrial transformation in the northern Chinese province.

The bio-degradable stone paper, which is made from coal gangue, can be used in packing, cleaning, construction and storage. It is waterproof, non-toxic and has a high tearing resistance.

The method also saves previous natural resources because, unlike traditional papermaking, making paper from stones requires neither water nor trees. In addition, no waste gas or residues are produced during the production process.

"According to the annual output of 120,000 tons of stone paper, this new technology can save 24 million cubic meters of fresh water and 2.4 million trees in a year compared to traditional papermaking methods," said Yan, the director of Pingyao Coal Chemical’s papermaking subsidiary.

The breakthrough comes at a useful time for Pingyao, as a recession in the coal industry makes industrial upgrading more crucial than ever. By developing new products from seemingly useless by-products, the company is able to maximize its use of coal resources and achieve much-needed growth in revenue.

The former state-owned colliery has also developed a new material from coal that can be used to make liquid crystal display, which previously could only be manufactured from petroleum.