Wood-free paper

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Not to be confused with Tree-free paper.

Wood-free paper[edit]

Wood-free paper is paper created exclusively from chemical pulp rather than mechanical pulp.[1] Chemical pulp is normally made from pulpwood, but is not considered wood as most of the lignin is removed and separated from the cellulose fibers during processing, whereas mechanical pulp retains most of its wood components and can therefore still be described as wood.[2][3] Wood-free paper is not as susceptible to yellowing as paper containing mechanical pulp. Wood-free paper offers several environmental and economic benefits, including reduced deforestation, decreased energy consumption, and improved waste management.[4]

Chemical pulp is normally made from pulpwood, but is not considered wood as most of the lignin is removed and separated from the cellulose fibers during processing, whereas mechanical pulp retains most of its wood components and can therefore still be described as wood.[5] Wood-free paper is not as susceptible to yellowing as paper containing mechanical pulp.[6]

Wood-free paper is made from a variety of raw materials, including:

  • Tissue pulp: This is the most common type of wood-free paper. It is made from wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals to remove the lignin.
  • Balsa pulp: This is a type of wood pulp that is made from balsa trees. It is very strong and lightweight, making it ideal for use in envelopes and other lightweight applications.
  • Coniferous pulp: This is a type of wood pulp that is made from coniferous trees, such as pine and fir. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in writing and printing papers.
  • Non-wood pulp: This is a type of pulp that is made from non-wood materials, such as cotton, hemp, and linen. It is often used in high-quality papers, such as those used for art and photography.

Wood-free paper has a number of advantages over paper that contains mechanical pulp. It is:

  • More resistant to yellowing: This is because the lignin, which is the main cause of paper yellowing, has been removed from the pulp.
  • Stronger: This is because the cellulose fibers in wood-free paper are longer and more uniform than the fibers in mechanical pulp.
  • More durable: This is because wood-free paper is less likely to tear or crease.
  • Smoother: This is because the surface of wood-free paper is smoother than the surface of paper that contains mechanical pulp.

Wood-free paper is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Writing and printing papers: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for writing and printing. It is available in a variety of weights and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of applications.
  • Envelopes: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for envelopes. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of occasions.
  • Art and photography papers: Wood-free paper is the most common type of paper used for art and photography. It is available in a variety of weights and finishes, making it ideal for a variety of projects.
  • Other applications: Wood-free paper is also used in a variety of other applications, such as packaging, labels, and currency.

Importance of wood-free paper in promoting sustainability and reducing deforestation[edit]

Non-wood paper, commonly referred to as tree-free paper or wood-free paper, is essential for encouraging sustainability and minimizing deforestation.[7] Wood-free paper offers substantial environmental advantages over conventional wood pulp since it uses alternative fibers and ingredients.[8] With the help of pertinent citations, this section will provide a thorough explanation of the significance of wood-free paper in promoting sustainability and preventing deforestation.


Types of wood-free papers[edit]

Wood-free papers come in two varieties: uncoated and coated. Uncoated is typically used for printing and writing, but also used in some packaging applications, whereas coated is used for things such as packaging and labels.[9]

Advantages and benefits of wood-free paper[edit]

  1. Conservation of Forests: One of the key advantages of wood-free paper is its ability to reduce the demand for wood pulp derived from trees. This conservation of forests helps in preserving valuable ecosystems and biodiversity. Wood-free paper production significantly contributes to the conservation of forests by reducing deforestation and protecting natural habitats.[8][10]
  2. Harder to Warp: Another key advantage of wood-free paper is its lesser likelihood to warp or curl.[11]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ He, Zhibin; Hui, Lanfeng; Liu, Zhong; Ni, Yonghao; Zhou, Yajun (2010-04-01). "Impact of High-Yield Pulp Substitution on the Brightness Stability of Uncoated Wood-Free Paper". March 2010. 9 (3): 15–20. doi:10.32964/tj9.3.15. ISSN 0734-1415.
  2. ^ "Print lingo explained: Woodfree paper". Warners Midlands Plc. 2016-05-10. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  3. ^ Papers, Peters (2020-03-12). "Know your paper terms: Wood-free paper". Peters Papers. Retrieved 2022-12-10.
  4. ^ Dewan, Ashraf (2013). "Floods in a Megacity". Springer Geography. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-5875-9. ISSN 2194-315X.
  5. ^ Bajpai, Pratima (2015), "The Control of Microbiological Problems∗∗Some excerpts taken from Bajpai P (2012). Biotechnology for Pulp and Paper Processing with kind permission from Springer Science1Business Media.", Pulp and Paper Industry, Elsevier, pp. 103–195, retrieved 2023-06-06
  6. ^ Bajpai, Pratima (2018), "Brief Description of the Pulp and Papermaking Process", Biotechnology for Pulp and Paper Processing, Singapore: Springer Singapore, pp. 9–26, ISBN 978-981-10-7852-1, retrieved 2023-06-06
  7. ^ "Finishing". Basics Design: Print and Finish: 62–115. 2014. doi:10.5040/9781350039636.ch-003.
  8. ^ a b "About Zed Books", The New Maids, Zed Books, 2011, retrieved 2023-06-07
  9. ^ "Woodfree Paper - Adazing". Adazing. There are two main types of woodfree paper: uncoated and coated. Uncoated woodfree paper is typically used for printing and writing. It is also used in some packaging applications. Coated woodfree paper is used for packaging, labels, and other applications where a more durable paper is needed.
  10. ^ Marchak, M. P. (1995). Logging the globe. McGill-Queen's Press-MQUP.
  11. ^ "Woodfree Paper - Adazing". Adazing. [Woodfree paper] is also less likely to warp or curl.
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