History Of Paper

 

Paper is a fundamental part of documentation and communication in society. The earliest paper-like material was papyrus, made from reeds in Ancient Egypt as far back as 3000 BCE. Paper as we know it traces its origins to 2nd century CE China. Paper at this time was made from fibers like hemp, rice straw, and bamboo. The process involved pulping the raw material by steeping it in water, then pounding it into a paste on a screen or mold to drain. This basic process is still followed today in paper production.

Papermaking spread to Korea and Japan over the next several centuries, then slowly to Europe. Early European paper was made from linen and cotton rags, as well as other fibrous plants. Paper production grew with the invention of the wooden printing press and rise in literacy. By the 1800s, industrialization helped paper mills grow in capacity and efficiency. Innovations like the paper machine increased output. Today more than 400 billion pounds of paper are produced globally each year.

Paper Production

Modern paper is primarily made from wood pulp from logs or recycled materials like newsprint. The paper all starts as a diluted pulp mixed with 99% water. This pulp goes through cleaning and screening processes to remove impurities. It is then sent through a headbox onto a wire mesh conveyor belt. As the fiber travels down the belt, water starts to drain to create a wet paper sheet. The sheet goes through mechanical presses to remove more water and begin the bonding of fibers. The pressed paper then travels through a series of heated drums to completely dry the paper. Calendaring rollers make the paper smooth. The final paper is wound into rolls, slit, cut into various sizes, and packaged.

Paper Types

There are thousands of varieties of paper available. Major grades include printing/writing paper like office paper, book paper, newsprint, tissues, paperboard for packaging, construction paper, and more. Paper is categorized by weight (grams per square meter), texture/finish of the surface, size of the sheet, moisture content, and other qualities that affect its intended purpose. For example, drawing paper is made with higher quality pulps and less acids for better longevity of artwork. Printmaking paper must be durable to pass through the printing press without fraying. Laboratory filter paper has very precise porosity. Paper can also be coated, laminated and treated to change its state.