How is paper made? The process from A to Z

Welcome to the world of paper, where every sheet tells a story In this article, you will discover the fascinating process of making paper, from forests to offices, from its ancient origins to modern techniques, to the vital impact of recycling on our environment.

The origins and history of paper

Paper was originally made in China around the 2nd century BC from plant fibres such as papyrus and bamboo. In the mid-13th century, paper arrived in France, where the manufacturing process was revolutionised by the first paper mills.

With the introduction of wood pulp, paper underwent a major evolution. It became a symbol of progress and cultural exchange around the world, testifying to human ingenuity with every fold and turned page!

The modern paper-making process

Making paper as we know it today involves a number of different steps, from the preparation of the raw material to the various finished products. And each step counts towards obtaining a quality product.

Preparation and processing of the raw material

It all starts with the careful selection of trees: usually these are fast-growing species such as eucalyptus, which provide short fibres that give the paper softness and strength.

The harvested wood is cut into small pieces. These chips are then boiled at high temperature in a chemical solution to release the cellulose fibres and produce a brown paper pulp, also known as kraft pulp. To remove unwanted impurities and dyes, this pulp is then bleached without chlorine (in line with ECF and TCF standards) and refined to improve quality and fineness.

The main steps in paper processing

Turning pulp into paper involves several essential steps to make a quality product:

• Forming the paper sheet: The pulp is poured onto a moving wire that carries it through the paper machine, where it is evenly distributed to form a thin layer of fibre.
• Pressing: The pulp suspension is then pressed through a series of press rollers, compressing the fibres and improving the strength and homogeneity of the paper sheet.
• Drying: The sheet of paper is then exposed to heat to remove any residual moisture.
• Calendering: It is then pressed between heavy smooth rollers to give it a smoother, more even surface.
• Additional treatment: Depending on the needs of the final product, special coatings can be applied to the sheet of paper to adjust and improve printability, water resistance or gloss.
  

The diversity of paper types and their specific applications

From newsprint to cardboard, each paper type is designed to meet specific needs in terms of strength, texture and printability:

• Newsprint: Generally thin and inexpensive, perfect for printing newspapers and magazines.
• Coated paper: With a smooth, glossy surface, this is ideal for printing magazines, brochures and advertising material.
• Cardboard: Thicker and stiffer, used to make high-quality cards, book covers, packaging and advertising material.
• Kraft paper: Known for its strength and durability, this paper is often used for kraft packaging, kraft paper bags and kraft mailbags.
• Recycled paper: Made from recycled fibres, it helps protect the environment and has a wide range of applications, from printing to hygiene products.
• Silk paper: Very fine and lightweight, it is used for gift wrapping, decorative arts and crafts.
• Printing paper: Versatile and available in different thicknesses and finishes, such as white paper. It is used for printing documents, reports, letters and more.
• Hygienic paper: Designed for everyday use, it offers essential comfort and softness.

Note: Classification codes (numbers, letters) are used to distinguish different types of paper based on their composition, thickness, strength, weight, etc. For example, the code "A4" refers to a standard size office paper.

Paper recycling: an ecological challenge

The excessive consumption of natural resources and the waste generated by the paper industry have a significant impact on ecosystems. Therefore, paper recycling is a sustainable solution to reduce our ecological footprint.

How is old paper reborn?

It all starts with the collection of waste paper (sorted by type and quality) from households, businesses and sorting centres using separate sorting bins. Once collected, it is shredded and ground into small fibres, creating a raw material called "recycled paper pulp".

This pulp is washed and treated to remove ink, glue and other contaminants, creating clean, high-quality paper pulp. The pulp is mixed with water to form a homogeneous suspension and refined to improve quality and texture. This is followed by the same process as conventional paper pulp to make a new sheet of recycled paper, ready for use!

The importance of recycling for the environment

Recycling paper means reducing the use of trees, thus preserving forests that play a vital role in regulating the climate, maintaining biodiversity and providing habitats for many animal species.

The paper recycling process uses fewer chemicals, less water and less energy than producing new paper. Ideal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, preventing pollution and being 'on the right side' of the environment!

At Bruneau, we are aware that it is now essential to be more responsible with this precious material. Therefore, the papers we offer are carefully selected!