PPG Launches Bio-Based Synthetic Paper for Credentials

The new Teslin Envos material reduces carbon footprints for identity documents and security labels by up to 25 percent.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Materials Science

Isometric editorial illustration showing a single clean, white synthetic paper sheet resting on a grey surface. — PPG has launched Teslin Envos, a new bio-based synthetic paper designed to reduce the carbon footprint of secure identity credentials and documents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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PPG has introduced Teslin Envos, a new bio-based synthetic paper designed to improve the sustainability of secure documents. This material offers enhanced durability while maintaining compatibility with existing printing and finishing processes.

Why it matters

The development aims to help organizations lower the environmental impact of physical identity credentials. It allows users to meet carbon reduction goals without sacrificing performance standards like brightness or tear resistance.

Teslin Envos contains 30 percent bio-based content as measured by the ASTM D6866 standard. The carbon reduction assessment utilized the ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067 environmental impact calculation standards.

The players

PPG

PPG is a global manufacturer of paints, coatings, and specialty materials that serves the automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The details

Using microporous technology, the substrate provides a durable, printable layer suitable for high-security applications like identification cards. It improves on previous iterations by offering increased tensile strength, flexibility, and puncture resistance while remaining compatible with standard production hardware.

October 20, 2026: PPG officially announced the launch of the Teslin Envos substrate.

The Big Picture

This development follows the implementation of ISO 14067 carbon footprint standards for measuring manufacturing environmental impact. The launch marks a move to align commercial synthetic paper production with established international protocols for carbon reporting.

This material may soon appear in government-issued IDs, driver licenses, or high-security business badges. Users will likely notice the same physical performance and print quality as traditional synthetic papers, but with a smaller environmental footprint per unit produced.

The takeaway

Companies can reduce their reliance on traditional petroleum-based synthetic materials by adopting these bio-based alternatives. This shift highlights how manufacturers are prioritizing circular economy goals without requiring customers to upgrade existing printing equipment.