How is Paper Made from Trees: A Complete Guide to Different Types of Paper and Uses?

How is Paper Made from Trees: Paper is an integral part of our daily lives. It is used everywhere – in schools, colleges, offices, and homes. Our early education begins with books made of paper, and whenever we need to write something with a pen or pencil, paper is our go-to choice. Not only that, paper is also used for covering things, making carry bags, and much more.

But have you ever wondered how this versatile material is made? In this article, we will explore the entire process of paper-making, from the types of trees used to the different types of paper produced.

What is Paper?

Paper is a material made of thin sheets that are used for writing, drawing, or covering objects. Wood pulp, wheat bran or straw, pieces of cloth, or other fibrous materials serve as the raw materials for making paper.

How is Paper Made from Trees?

The primary ingredient used to make paper is cellulose, which is found in the wood of trees and plants. Cellulose fibers are joined together to create a thin layer, forming paper.

The quality of paper depends on the purity of cellulose. Pure cellulose can be found in cotton, but it is expensive and mostly used for making clothes. To make paper, cellulose obtained from trees and plants is used.

The process of making paper involves several steps:

• Selection of Trees: Trees with high amounts of fibers in their wood are chosen for paper production.
• Cutting Wood into Pieces: The selected trees are cut into round pieces, and the bark is removed before being sent to the factory.
• Preparing Pulp: There are two methods for preparing pulp – mechanical and chemical.

• Mechanical Pulping Method: This method does not require chemicals. It involves using grinding stones for round pieces of wood or refiners for small pieces to separate the fibers. The resulting paper is softer and has more opacity, making it suitable for newspapers and magazines.
• Chemical Pulping Method: This is the most commonly used method. It involves softening small pieces of wood by cooking them in steam, removing trapped air, and combining with an alkaline solution. The fibers are then boiled and cleaned, resulting in high-quality paper.

• Beating: The prepared pulp goes through a pounding and squeezing process. Various filler materials like chalk, clay, or chemicals are added to enhance properties such as opacity. Sizing agents like starch are included to control ink absorption.
• Manufacturing of Paper from Pulp: The pulp is fed into a large automated machine, where it undergoes several stages to form a long layer of paper. This paper is then cut into smaller pieces to produce items like magazines, notebooks, and newspapers.

Which Types of Trees Are Used?

Paper is primarily made from softwood or hardwood trees. Softwood coniferous trees, such as pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, and larch, provide around 85% of the wood pulp used to make paper. Softwood fibers have a longer length, resulting in stronger paper. Hardwood trees like oak, maple, and birch are also used.

How much Paper is Produced from One Tree?

On average, it takes 12 to 17 trees to produce one ton of high-quality paper. Coated papers, used for high-quality printing and magazines, require more pulp, which means 15 trees are needed for one ton of magazine paper. For newspaper production, 12 trees are planted to produce one ton of paper.

What Are the Different Types of Paper?

Paper comes in various types based on thickness, finishing, and size. Here are some common types use of paper:

1. Acid-free paper: Paper that does not contain acid, preserving the quality of the paper over time.
2. Archival paper: High-quality paper designed for long-term preservation of documents.
3. Artist’s paper: Paper specifically used by artists for drawing, painting, and other artistic activities.
4. Blotting paper: Absorbent paper used to soak up excess ink or liquid.
5. Book paper: Paper used for printing books, typically with a smooth surface.
6. Box covering and lining paper: Paper used for covering and lining boxes or other containers.
7. Business card & business form paper: Paper used for printing business cards and forms for various business purposes.
8. Calculator & cash register paper: Paper used in calculators and cash registers to print receipts.
9. Chart paper: Large sheets of paper used for creating charts or graphs.
10. Copy & copier paper: Standard paper used for making copies through photocopiers or printers.
11. Drinking cup paper: Paper used for manufacturing disposable drinking cups.
12. Envelope paper: Paper used for making envelopes to hold letters or documents.
13. Examination table paper: Disposable paper used to cover examination tables in medical settings.
14. Filter paper: Porous paper used for filtering or separating solids from liquids.
15. Food paper: Paper used for packaging or wrapping food items.
16. Greeting card paper: Specialized paper used for creating greeting cards.
17. Kraft paper: Sturdy brown paper usually made from wood pulp.
18. Litmus paper: Treated paper used in chemistry to test the acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
19. Loose leaf filler paper: Paper with holes to be used in binders or folders.
20. Manila paper: Strong, durable paper often used for drawing or construction projects.
21. Newsprint paper: Type of low-cost paper used for printing newspapers.
22. Parchment paper: Translucent paper with non-stick properties used for baking or cooking.
23. Photographic paper: Light-sensitive paper used for printing photographs.
24. Printing paper: Paper used for various printing purposes, such as brochures or flyers.
25. Post-consumer recycled paper: Paper made from recycled materials, typically used for sustainability purposes.
26. Sandpaper: Rough paper coated with abrasive material used for smoothing or polishing surfaces.
27. Shoe paper: Specialized paper used for shoe manufacturing or packaging.
28. Tobacco paper: Thin paper used for rolling cigarettes or cigars.
29. Toilet paper: Soft paper used for personal hygiene purposes in bathrooms.
30. Typewriter paper: Sturdy paper specifically designed for use with typewriters.
31. Wallpaper: Decorative paper used for covering and beautifying interior walls.
32. Waxed paper: Paper coated with a thin layer of wax to provide resistance to moisture.
33. Wrapping paper: Paper used for wrapping gifts or packages.
34. Paper money: Also known as banknotes or currency, is a widely accepted form of payment issued by governments or central banks.
35. Stamp paper is an official document used in India to pay stamp duty, a tax levied by the state government on various legal and financial transactions. It serves as a proof of payment and validates the document for legal purposes.
36. Paper Speaker: A paper speaker is a type of speaker made using paper materials. When an electrical signal passes through it, the speaker vibrates the diaphragm, creating sound waves. These speakers are commonly used in low-power audio devices like greeting cards and toys.
37. Bond Paper: Strong and durable paper used in letterheads, reports, and envelopes.
38. Tracing Paper: Transparent paper used for architectural and engineering drawings.
39. Wax Paper: Used for food wrapping and as a light diffuser in photography.
40. Sandpaper: Consists of several layers of paper or cloth with an abrasive compound for smoothing or roughening surfaces.

Paper Industry in India

India’s paper industry is agriculture-based and ranks 15th globally. The main paper manufacturing states in India are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Assam.

History of Paper

Paper was invented in 105 AD by a Chinese man named Cai Lun, who used scraps of old clothes, fishing nets, and tree bark. The Chinese kept this technique a secret until the 6th century when it was introduced to Japan. The Arabs discovered the secret in 750 AD and established paper mills in Uzbekistan. Paper reached Europe before the 11th century, and further advancements were made in Italy, including mechanized sawing, gelatin pasting, and watermarking.

Paper manufacturing in India began in 1832, followed by significant development after independence in 1947. (How is food paper made in a factory? Importance of Food Papers)

Conclusion

Paper is a versatile and essential material that plays a significant role in our lives. From its humble beginnings and secret formulas to its diverse applications and environmental impact, understanding the process of paper-making gives us a deeper appreciation for this everyday commodity.