Paper: part and parcel of the agriculture industry

Despite the everyday use of electronic communication and other technologies, society is far from becoming paperless. Wood-based paper products are woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paper is used in printing, writing and stationery, food packaging, packaging of other goods and medicine, for hygiene and insulation purposes, money, and even in jewellery and construction.

- Magda du Toit

In today’s environmentally conscious world and in line with consumer preferences, choosing a sustainable packaging option is extremely important. The anti-plastic drive has created a growing market for other sustainable packaging options. Paper and paper-based packaging are, therefore, expected to replace some of the less sustainable materials such as plastic.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for paper has increased. This is due possibly to a shift in buying trends, such as online shopping, and the move from plastic to paper packaging are the main reasons for the higher demand. But with many companies labelling their products and packaging ‘recycled’, ‘green’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ it is easy for consumers to assume these are the best options. Purchasing products made from, or packed in, recycled paper containers sounds like a wonderful possibility and leaves the consumer with a good feeling. There is, however, more than meets the eye when deciding which option to use for packaging.

PAPER CHARACTERISTICS

Any type of paper has certain inherent characteristics. This needs to be taken into consideration when deciding which paper to use.

The end-use of a paper product will determine the pulp recipe and manufacturing process. Each type of paper has a certain weight, thickness, transparency, appearance and durability. Paper used for newspapers, for instance, will be different to those used for a magazine, notebook or food wrapper. The paper we use for stationery will also be different to serviette, toilet or tissue paper.