sources & origins

Question 1

step 1

Answer 1

Paper is sourced from cut down trees, then the trees are debarked and chipped into tiny pieces.

Question 2

step 2

Answer 2

The chips are then boiled in a chemical solution to remove lignin, into pulp. It converts the wood into individual cellulose fibres.

Question 3

step 3

Answer 3

Bleach is added for white paper, dye is added for colour.

Question 4

step 4

Answer 4

The liquid is beaten with other chemicals (called sizing) which limits the absorbency. Certain papers will be sized more or less than others e.g kitchen rolls won’t have been sized as much.

Question 5

step 5

Answer 5

The pulp is then fed onto a mesh conveyor belt which drains most of the liquid away. It then moves through a series of rollers which squeeze out the rest and dry it.

Question 6

step 6

Answer 6

The final set of rollers are calender rollers which apply surface finishes e.g satin, matte, glossy.

Question 7

step 7

Answer 7

It is then rolled onto giant, industrial sized rolls, ready to be shipped out and put to use.