Sources and Origins

• Paper is made from fine fibres that come from either natural or synthetic sources
• What is the primary source of fibres used to make paper?

  Wood
• Hemp fibres are four to five times longer than wood fibres
• Flax fibres originate from the center of the flax plant.
• Steps in the process of making paper from wood

  1️⃣ The bark is removed using a rotating drum

  2️⃣ The remaining logs are chopped into small chips

  3️⃣ The chips are placed into a large steamer to break down the fibres

  4️⃣ The wood pulp passes through a screen

  5️⃣ The pulp runs through rollers to compress it

  6️⃣ The fibres are pressed together with water and then dried
• Texture and surface finishes can be applied to paper by adding chemicals such as bleach
• What is the purpose of coating paper with an agent that fills tiny spaces between fibres?

  To create a smooth surface
• The production of pulp for papers and boards is largely imported from countries such as China, USA, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Finland
• In which countries is rice paper commonly found?

  Eastern Asian countries
• Paper is usually measured in grams per square metre (gsm).
• Paper usually weighs between 80-220 gsm
• What is the classification of paper that weighs more than220 gsm?

  Board
• Match the type of board with its properties:

  Solid white board ↔️ Strong, made from bleached wood pulp

  Corrugated board ↔️ Recyclable, impact resistant

  Folding boxboard ↔️ Can be scored without splitting
• Corrugated board consists of layers of fluted board sandwiched between board sheets.
• What is the typical use of folding boxboard?

  Cereal boxes
• Papers and boards are excellent for commercial packaging due to their excellent print quality and relatively low production costs
• Match the material with its description:

  Bond paper ↔️ Strong, high-quality printer paper

  Heat transfer paper ↔️ Good for colour images, dye stays on top

  Foil-lined board ↔️ Good moisture barrier, strong
• What type of printing is heat transfer paper typically used for?

  Sublimation printing
• Foil-lined board is commonly used in food packaging because it provides a good moisture barrier.
• Tetra Pak packaging consists of six layers, including paper-based board, polyethylene, and aluminium foil
• Why is Tetra Pak packaging considered effective for food storage?

  It protects against light, air, and moisture