Pulp and Paper Products Key Terms

Get ahead with knowledge of pulp and paper products key terms

Pulp and paper products are an essential part of our everyday life. If you're just getting started in the business, you'll find that there are a number of new terms that you need to learn to maximize your profits. Mechanical pulping may make things go quicker, but you may want to consider wood-free paper as an alternative. Many pulp and paper companies are becoming increasingly concerned with the environment, so sustainability and responsible sourcing are high on the list of their priorities. Learn the following terms to increase your success in the industry.

 

Mechanical pulping

Mechanical pulping is the way that pulp and paper factories create the pulp that is used for making paper. It is done by a large machine that turns wood into pulp through grinding or refining.
Try: Learn more about mechanical pulping through Siemens.

Wood-free paper

While much paper is made from wood, many consumers are concerned about the effect this has on natural forests. Because of the demand for "greener" papers, companies are starting to produce wood-free paper, or paper that is made from other substances, such as cotton or hemp.
Try: You can read about wood-free paper from the NSW Good Wood Guide.

Sustainability and responsible sourcing

Trees have a longer lifespan than many other types of products. A tree that's been cut will take several years to replace. Because of this, many paper and pulp companies are concerned about sustainability and responsible sourcing. Sustainability focuses on using practices that can be sustained for the long term. Responsible sourcing means that the company is aware of where the wood that they use comes from.
Try: Visit Weyerhaeuser to see how this company focuses on sustainability and responsible sourcing.

Consumer paper

Consumer paper is the type of paper that is most often sold. It's the type of paper you find in notebooks and in printers and copies. It's thinner than other types of paper, but is affordable.
Try: See some examples of consumer paper at Wausau Paper.

Chipboard vs. corrugated cardboard

Chipboard and corrugated cardboard are two types of paper products that are frequently used in packaging. Chipboard is a dense, sturdy paper product. Corrugated cardboard has a fluted center, which makes it stronger.
Try: Blick Art Materials shows an example of chipboard, while you can learn more about corrugated cardboard at Corrugated Packaging.

Paper grades

Paper grades refers to the strength and durability of different types of paper. These can range from tissue paper to egg carton paper.
Try: Learn about the different types of paper grades and styles from Old and Sold Antiques Digest.

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