Thanks to those of you who replied to my inquiry about the material that Reise Know-How maps are printed on.  I just thought I'd give an update in case others may have been curious, too. 

I received the response below from the company.  I intend to describe their maps as synthetic. -- Gwen

Gwen Curtis
Map Collection
410C Science and Engineering Library
University of Kentucky Libraries
Lexington, KY 40506-0039

(859) 257-1853
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Reise Know-How Verlag [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 3:48 AM
To: Curtis, Gwen <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Waterproof maps

Dear Gwen,

Here is the translation of our maps as described on our website:

The maps of the world mapping project T are printed on POLYART T, a virtually indestructible, absolutely water-resistant synthetic material. It can be folded and folded as desired without tearing.
In addition, it is writable as normal paper, non-toxic and recyclable.


Wir wünschen Ihnen noch viele spannende Reisen!
Ihr Reise Know-How Team

i.A. Renate Schade
Reise Know-How Verlag
Peter Rump GmbH
Postfach 14 06 66
33626 Bielefeld

www.reise-know-how.de

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Am 16.02.2017 um 22:16 schrieb Curtis, Gwen:
> I recently purchased several of your World Mapping Project maps that are labeled as "rip and waterproof."  In cataloging the maps I have to describe the material that maps are printed on when it is something other than paper.  I have seen where some catalogers have used terms like plastic, plastic-coated, vinyl, or synthetic.  I'm just wondering how you would describe the material.  Thanks!
>
> Gwen Curtis
> Map Collection
> 410C Science and Engineering Library
> University of Kentucky Libraries
> Lexington, KY 40506-0039
>
> (859) 257-1853
> [log in to unmask]
>
>