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About paper

Learn about the world of paper, its technical characteristics and ecological certifications.

Paper characteristics

Learn all about paper, its ecological characteristics and its behaviour in printing.

The waters of paper

The term "paper water" refers to the direction of the fibres in the paper during the production process. Paper can have different fibre directions, depending on how it is made. The fibres may be horizontal, vertical or have some other inclination. The direction of the fibres affects the properties of the paper. For example, paper with fibres that are denser on the vertical axis may have greater strength, while paper with horizontal fibres may have better printing ability. This direction is an important factor affecting the quality and usefulness of the paper.

The weight of paper and its difference with thickness

Printing paper weight refers to the weight of paper per square metre (usually reported as grams per square metre). In contrast, the thickness of the paper refers to the thickness of the single sheet of paper, usually measured in units such as micrometers (microns). Weight gives an idea of the density of the paper, while thickness refers to the physical thickening of the material. Usually the weight of the paper increases with increasing thickness but there are exceptions depending on the composition and structure of the paper.

Dimensions of the cards

The papers are available in various sizes, making them suitable for different applications. Common dimensions include 70×100, 61×86, 50×70. In addition there are more special factory cut dimensions either 33×48 (with a slight millimetre deviation depending on the need), 30.5×43, A3 (29.7×42) and A4 (21×29.7) The unit of measurement is always centimetres (cm).

The various surfaces

There are several paper surfaces that meet various requirements and allow users to choose the right one for their printing needs. The most common surface is smooth, which provides excellent imaging for printing text and graphics. There is additionally the matte surface which offers good colour reproduction and is less prone to light reflection. Another option is the glossy surface, which gives a strong glow to the colours, making it suitable for photographic printing. Finally, the satin surface lies between matte and glossy. Offering balanced colour rendering and fade resistance. Finally, there are the embossed surfaces that give a three-dimensional texture to the print leaving a nice impression on the user.

The coating

The coating of the printing papers is made as a very important factor that affects the quality and result of the prints. Coatings can be coated or uncoated. Uncoated papers provide a matt surface and are often used for prints that need to be easily writable, such as books. Coated papers are coated with a smooth material that provides better colour reproduction, detail and durability. They are commonly used for more professional prints such as photographs, magazines, and promotional materials. The coating allows the paper to produce high quality prints with vibrant colors and excellent detail.

Hydrography

Watermarking on paper is an object that ensures quality as well as certification. Watermarking can be used on all documents (which can be watermarked) and especially on letters and invitations. The process of watermarking is carried out by special rollers that enter the printing machines and engrave a pattern on the paper that becomes visible to the user only when the paper is placed against the light.

Ecological characteristics

ECF

Elementary Chlorine Free

The ECF mark guarantees the low content of derived organic chlorine. It emphasises that the pulp used was bleached using ecological processes.
COTTON

Cotton

The Cotton trademark indicates the high cotton fibre content. Very few papers have this certification.
SRF

Selected Recycled Fibres

The label certifies the use of recycled pulp fibres from selected materials to ensure high quality raw materials that are free from impurities and mechanical residues.
WMF

Well Managed Forest

This label certifies that the paper comes from integrated and sustainable forestry processes, where logging is controlled and replanting policies are established.
EKO ENERGY

Eco Energy

ECOenergy is an international eco-certificate for energy. The paper production plant is compliant with strict environmental criteria and funds new renewable energy projects.
PCW

post-consumer waste

The paper is produced from selected waste paper after consumption. The fibres are carefully processed to achieve the performance of virgin pulp.
HMA

Heavy Metal Absence

This mark certifies the compliance of production with CE94/62 (heavy metal concentrations in packaging). The directive specifies the maximum concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, mercury and lead).
BABOO

Bamboo

This mark certifies that the paper is produced with fast-growing, renewable materials and the colouring is done with natural pigments. The bamboo plant used for the production of the paper adheres to a series of responsible import procedures and is certified by an independent body.
PH_NEUTRAL

pH Neutral

This mark indicates the neutral position of the paper, generally identified by the use of acid in the production process. The pH is calculated from an aqueous extract of the paper.
LONG LIFE ISO

Long Life ISO 9706

ISO 9706 certifies the high strength of the papers by emphasizing the minimum content of substances such as calcium carbonate and specifies the maximum and minimum pH values. The certification applies to unprinted papers.
ACID FREE

Acid Free

This mark certifies the production of paper with minimal use of grain, resulting in a lower pH. Papers bearing this certification are suitable for long-term preservation in good condition, with particular application to works of art and important documents.
NON WOOD NEW

Non Wood Vegetable Annual Fibers

This mark certifies the production of paper with fibres that do not come from wood but from selected plant tissues such as grass, textile fibres, leaves or fruit fibres.

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Printing and processing

Offset

Offset printing is a popular printing technique widely used in the printing industry. In this process, the printing medium, usually a lithographic matrix, transfers the design to an intermediate rubber cylinder. The term 'offset' comes from the fact that the image is first transferred to the intermediate roller and then to the paper, rather than being printed directly from the die to the paper. This process produces high-quality prints with vibrant colors and detail, and is the preferred choice for large batches of prints such as books, magazines, posters and more.

Digital printing

Digital printing is a modern printing method, where digital printing technologies are used instead of traditional lithographic plates. This process allows for fast and flexible print production, as it can print directly from digital files without the need for complex preparations. This technology is ideal for small print runs, custom prints and quick deliveries. In addition, digital printing allows for high-quality prints with excellent color reproduction and detail.

HP Indigo printing

Printing with HP Indigo technology represents an advanced method of high-quality digital printing. This line of HP Indigo printers uses electrophotographic technology to transfer ink to the paper. The distinguishing feature of HP Indigo printing is its formidable ability to offer high color reproduction and detail, despite the fact that it is based on digital printing technology. Moreover, it is widely used for professional printing such as brochures, catalogs, book covers and custom printing.

Thermotype

Thermal printing uses thermal energy to print on paper and is distinguished by its durability. In this process, the paper is placed under the thermal printer, and the "ink" is usually in the form of a riban (a special ink film that melts with heat). When the thermal printer applies heat to the ribbon, it melts and is transferred to the paper, creating the desired design. Thermoprinting is mainly used to print labels, cards, posters and other types of prints, using gold, bright metallic and silver inks.

Screen printing

Screen printing is a printing technique used to create embossed designs or text on paper. In this process, special silk cloth trays are used which are pre-printed with the desired design and the parts that will not be printed are insulated with paraffin wax. These press the paper, creating an embossed design on it. Screen printing is used on "difficult" printable papers such as very thick cardboard, very glossy papers, synthetics and pvc.

Classical typography

Classical typography refers to a printing method that uses typographic elements made of metal or other materials. In this process, fonts and designs are engraved upside down on the printing elements, and then ink is applied to the engraved surfaces. The printing elements are then pressed against the paper to transfer the ink. The classic printing press offers precision and print quality it produces and is mainly used for monochrome printing of invitations, cards, book covers etc.

Calculate the amount of your paper

With the paper calculator you can calculate the right amount of paper you need to order. Easily convert print dimension to factory size sheets, as well as pounds to sheets or vice versa.

Explore creations printed on our papers

A gallery of crafts created with our impressive papers.

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