Lesson No. 5 - "Paper - an ecological material with many faces"
Surely we can all agree with the premise that paper products are an element constantly used in our daily life. Whether we are currently working, studying or taking care of home and children, we come into contact with this material every day and in every place. Although it is most often used to create memos, advertising brochures and packaging, there are many more possible uses for it. It is time to increase our knowledge of paper, how it is made, and its great importance for us and our planet.
How eco-friendly paper differs from traditional paper - basic information
Before we move on to discuss the range of possibilities and advantages of the properties of paper, we need to answer one, but extremely important question - how does eco-friendly paper differ from traditional paper?
- First of all, classic paper from a specialized point of view is a fibrous mass, which consists of cellulose, a polysaccharide present in plants. It is obtained during the grinding and milling of pine logs. In addition to these, other raw materials can be used in production, including straw, flax, reeds and hemp. The paper also includes so-called non-fibrous substances, namely: potato starch, kaolin, gypsum, talc, chalk and dyes.
- Eco paper is a product most often obtained by recycling waste paper, during which it is separated into fibers, cleaned and re-pressed.
The 250 ml black dispersion paper cup is a perfect example of a practical product in an eco-friendly style.
What is better to choose - recycled paper or the traditionally produced one?
Since the market offers us so many different product variants - which one will be the best choice for us? Before we make a final decision, it's worth getting some information about the available products beforehand. By reaching for ecological papers, you are sure that with this small gesture you are contributing to improving the quality of the environment. How is this possible? It's simple! The process of their creation and disposal are completely safe for our environment. Even the bleaching is done without the use of chlorine - as you can see for yourself, no stage is accidental.
The situation is completely different with the traditional manufacturing process - the use of wood causes huge areas of forest to constantly disappear from our earth, and what's worse - pulping and bleaching are accompanied by chemicals and bleach.
Take care of the atmosphere in your establishment and reach for colorful Christmas mug with a capacity of 350 ml - even more pleasure with a delicious drink!
Properties of paper, or key features for the user
Paper, just like other plastics, has certain properties on which not only the way it is used, but also its appearance and usability largely depends. Among the key ones are:
- whiteness level - the final color results from the type of raw materials used, the addition of any brightening agents, as well as the degree of cleanliness;
- oil absorbency - the acceptance of paint;
- the printability of the paper, or lack thereof;
- density - the quotient of the grammage to the thickness of the material
- smoothness and thickness;
- uniformity - consistent finish;
- opacity;
- resistance - exhibiting resistance to deterioration due to time or crushing;
- gloss;
- resistance to breakage;
- moisture content.
Depending on the properties of the paper, we are able to specify its seven classes, which indicate its quality and thus, depending on which one we are dealing with - the purpose of the paper can be quite different.
At any outdoor event where hot or cold dishes are served, there can be no lack of appropriate tableware - deep kraft paper traywith dimensions of 18 cm x 13 cm x 3 cm will do a great job, and what is important, after use it will decompose even in a home composter!
Paper products vs. preserves - what is the difference?
Speaking of paper products, it is important to keep in mind that we are able to specify two types of them - paper products and paper preserves. Is the difference only in nomenclature? Well, no, to make it easier for you to understand, we have prepared a brief explanation.
- Paper products - are characterized by the form of a ribbon or sheet, and most often plant fibers are used for their manufacture. These include tissue paper, paper, cardboard and cardboard.
- Paper products - are made from paper products that have undergone further chemical processing, such as stapling, gluing or coating.
Recycled and FSC-certified paper - characteristics
The search for alternatives to plastic is extremely important for the future of our planet. Deciding on environmentally friendly actions, we actually care not only for the environment, but also for ourselves and our loved ones. For this reason, it is worth knowing which products are best to go for.
Alternative and safe products are at your fingertips, and recycled or FSC-certified paper is commonly used. The former, as the name suggests, is obtained by reprocessing paper waste (it is possible to use it up to five times). FSC certification is, in a sense, the "gold standard" for wood. It means that it is drawn from specially managed forests. This solution is socially beneficial, safe and environmentally friendly, in addition to being cost-effective. In this way, compliance with the highest environmental and social standards is confirmed.
It is worth teaching children healthy habits from an early age - for this reason, instead of packing a meal for school in a plastic bag, bet on an alternative and ecological solution, which is a 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 7.5 cm paper packaging for sandwiches.
A number of ideas for using paper - an ecological alternative
The community's awareness of environmental protection is constantly increasing, and thanks to this, the use of not only renewable energy sources, but also environmentally safe materials is also increasing. Ways to use paper are plentiful - in addition to the traditional ones, i.e. using it as a place to take notes or print out particular materials, it is also used to produce an assortment of everyday items. An ideal place where paper supplies do a good job is a catering establishment - we are talking about products such as:
- paper cups - single-ply, multi-ply, embossed and corrugated;
- trays and plates;
- containers;
- bags;
- street food packaging, as well as those dedicated to sweet baked goods or dishes;
- food packaging paper.
Looking at this list, you can see at a glance how many products we are able to replace with another, natural version - while still enjoying their usefulness. SlowPack has a range of practical and environmentally friendly packaging.
White wrapping paper with newspaper print, measuring 35 x 25 cm will help you pack anything you want in an original and aesthetic way - it is fully resistant to grease, and therefore very durable.
Why reach for eco-friendly paper?
Benefits of eco solutions Whenever we are faced with a choice, we wonder which of the available options is better for us. Such a dilemma accompanies us many times when we make purchases both online and stationary. Therefore, if you are faced with products that have eco paper or simply recyclable in their composition and those made of plastic - you should choose the first option without a second thought. There are plenty of advantages of using natural products, one of which is the guarantee of safety. This means that you don't have to worry about yourself or your loved ones when using them - unlike plastic, they don't produce any harmful substances.
In addition, in such a simple way you too can contribute to reducing the amount of plastic from circulation - you don't have to decide on anything excessive, you just need to change your current habits. If you, too, want to take the first step towards implementing environmentally friendly measures into your life, be sure to check out our full offer. There are plenty of suggestions waiting there for you to start with - eco-friendly wholesale SlowPack.
