Alan was associated with the paper and printing industries in Aotearoa New Zealand for most of his working life. He helped instigate three technology start-ups, however it was his introduction to stone paper that ignited a passion for sustainability.
Stone Paper (branded in Aotearoa New Zealand as Rockstock) is a tree-free paper that is an alternative to regular paper made from wood pulp or synthetic paper. Stone paper is manufactured from waste marble and offcuts used in the building industry. It uses no water or trees in its manufacture, no harsh chemicals and is non-toxic.
In 2015, The Stone Paper Company won the New Zealand section of the international Energy Globe Awards. In 2020 Alan was interviewed by Jesse Mulligan on RNZ about stone paper. You can listen to the interview to find out how it is made.
One of Alan’s last interactions with SBN was to list Stone Paper on the Circular Economy Directory. His legacy continues, and the Stone Paper Company has been taken on by Olivia Woodroffe and Paul Shale.