The Life of Paper: From Forests to Print Marketing
It’s alive! Or at least, it once was. Love it or hate it, paper plays a crucial role in our world. From paper bags and notepads to packaging, building materials, and everyday items like paper towels and toilet paper, paper is everywhere. While paper often gets a bad rap, the case for using paper is stronger than you might think.
The Environmental Impact of Paper vs. Plastic
The main ingredient in paper is trees, and while we should always be mindful of preserving forests, the environmental benefits of paper are compelling. Consider the lifecycle of a paper bag versus a plastic bag. It takes 10-20 years to grow a tree for paper, but millions of years to create crude oil for plastic. What’s more, paper biodegrades in less than a week, while plastic bags can take centuries to break down. Trees are renewable resources, and with responsible forest management, paper production can be sustainable. On the other hand, once oil is gone, it’s gone—there’s only about 100 years of oil left on Earth.
While there are alternative materials to paper and plastic, for marketing materials, high-quality paper remains one of the most effective and eco-friendly choices for print collateral, including brochures, direct mail, and more.
Sustainable Paper Sourcing: Responsible Forest Management
Thanks to organizations like the Rainforest Alliance and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), forests around the world are being managed to protect their health and increase their size. Sustainable forestry practices in the U.S. have resulted in a 30-million-acre increase in forest cover over the last 15 years. Meanwhile, forest cover in South America has decreased by about 150 million acres in the same period. While FSC’s ability to prevent deforestation is improving, challenges remain, especially in developing countries where socioeconomic factors can complicate efforts. That’s why it’s essential to choose a print provider that sources paper responsibly, ensuring ethical harvesting practices and high-quality, eco-friendly materials.
The Fascinating Process of Paper Production
The production of paper is an efficient and fascinating process. First, trees are harvested, debarked, and turned into chips at a pulp mill. The bark is used as fuel to power the mill. These wood chips are then mixed with natural acids and heated in a pressurized vessel called a digester. This cooking process separates the lignin, a substance that binds plant fibers together, from the fiber itself. The resulting pulp is bright white, and the leftover lignin (called black liquor) is used to help fuel the mill.
Next, the pulp is dried, baled, and sent to a paper mill where it’s mixed with water and formed into a web through large cylinders. As the pulp is pressed between cylinders, water is removed, and the paper begins to take shape. Depending on the desired finish, the paper is either coated for a glossy or matte surface or left uncoated for a more textured feel.
Choosing the Right Paper for Your Print Project
When selecting paper for your print materials, there are four key factors to consider:
Paper Color: While white is the most common color, uncoated stocks come in a variety of shades, including natural, crème, and vibrant colors like fluorescent orange. Specialty papers like metallic and pearlescent sheets can
Paper Type: Paper is divided into two categories—coated and uncoated. Coated stocks have a smooth surface that prevents ink from soaking in, resulting in brighter colors and sharper images. Common coated stocks include gloss, silk, satin, dull, and matte. Uncoated paper absorbs ink, creating softer colors and making it ideal for reading, writing, and stationery.
Paper Weight: Paper weight refers to the thickness of the paper, often measured in pounds. Common weights range from 60lb text to 100lb cover, with heavier weights providing a more substantial feel.
Paper Finish: Paper finish impacts the texture of the paper. This is especially important when choosing uncoated paper. Finishes include smooth, vellum, felt, linen, and even canvas textures.