How is Paper Made?

Most people use paper daily. They print documents, take notes and mail letters. But have you ever wondered how paper is magically transformed from tree to paper product – and how long we’ve been using it?

The fact is this: the tradition of using paper is really old. Use of the material is traced back to ancient Egyptian civilizations. Of course, what they used was slightly different than today’s paper products. The ancient material was harvested from the steam of Papyrus, which is a plant located in the Nile Basin.

Today, the paper process starts with trees harvested from the forest – but what does the process involve?  

The Process Unveiled

It’s no secret that paper comes from trees. In fact, 95 percent of raw material used in papermaking is extracted from trees. During the production process, the main ingredients are wood, water and energy.

The process starts in the forest. Trees are harvested and timber is transported to the paper making facility. Logs are disintegrated into tiny pieces to create pulp. This process is highly efficient, with at least 90 percent of wood converted to a pulp material.

Water is used to capture the pulp, which is then used to form large sheets. The large sheets go through a drying process, which removes even more of the pulp. After this process is complete, different types of paper are formed.

The Future of Paper

Paper has come a long way since harvesting the Papyrus plant in accident Egypt. And it’s likely the papermaking process will go through some change in the future. To start, manufactures may transition to using more environmentally friendly alternatives to expanded plastic packaging made out of paper, such as paper foam. The new material is biodegradable and can be recycled.

Also, with concerns about synthetic coatings, paper may shift to using zein, which is a type of corn protein for paper coatings in high grease applications, like popcorn bags.

Tyvek and Teslin may also be used in printing media, because it’s more durable than paper.

What changes do you think are on the horizon for paper making? Please share by leaving a comment below.

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Select the Right Paper…The First Time Around

You’re getting ready to launch a project. The plans are made, the graphics are selected – and the text is written. Now it’s time for one last important detail: the materials. What paper should you select, coated or uncoated? Will standard paper work well, or do you need something thicker?

The right decision won’t just save time, it will save money. Fortunately, with a few tips you can get it right the first time around.

Coated or Uncoated?

Coated paper reflects more light, which affects how your project looks and feels. Coated paper creates a finished look, but makes reading longer text difficult. Coated paper is also often viewed as a too thin, lower-quality paper, much like magazine paper.
In contrast, uncoated paper that has texture to distinguish itself from copy paper is easier to read from as well as being considered a more versatile choice for social and business uses.

Use coated paper to highlight photography, illustrations or other images that need to “pop.”

Uncoated paper has more texture to it and is useful for books, magazines and projects that require longer reading.

 

Paper Weight

What about paper weight? Should you use a lighter paper or a thicker paper? Here’s a basic guideline. A paper weight of 20-24# Text Wove/Kraft is a standard paper weight, while 60-100# can be used in both Text (meaning regular paper) and Cover (meaning cardstock) versions. For poster types of projects, a paper weight of 24-28# is best.

For projects that require a thicker paper, like business cards, a paperweight of 80-100# Cover is standard and creates a professional look.

 

Opacity and Brightness

Opacity describes the amount of light that transmits through the paper. If you plan to print on both sides with a booklet or brochure, opt for complete opacity. This means no light passes through. On the flip side, if you’re not printing double sided, you have the flexibility of using a lower opacity, which allows more light to pass through.

Brightness is another factor. The majority of papers reflect about 60-90% of light. The brightness of paper can affect your audience’s ability to ready your message – so, take this into consideration when planning your project.

Other Considerations

With so many choices, it might be difficult to decide which option is right. Sound familiar? If so, partner with a company that has a free sample program. APEC offers a program that allows you to order up to five samples, assisting with making the right choice the first time.

What’s your favorite type of paper? Please share by leaving a comment below.

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It’s a Digital World…How Direct Mail Still Stands Out

The digital world is alive and well. And to some, direct mail might seem outdated. After all, with so many digital marketing options available – who really needs direct mail? If this sounds familiar, watch out - because direct mail is still thriving.

In fact, direct mail transcends many demographics, with younger consumers ages 18 to 34 years old preferring to learn about offers through postal mail rather than online sources, according to Forbes Magazine. A survey conducted by Target Marketing magazine also found that direct mail delivers the highest ROI for customer acquisition for B2C marketers.

Does this sound surprising? If so, we’ve lifted the veil on why direct marketing is still successful in the digital age.

Direct mail is targeted. Mass advertising, which includes TV, print, radio and email campaigns, is expensive. However, direct mail provides an opportunity to focus on a niche group of prospects who are most likely to purchase your products or services.

This medium allows personalization. Unlike other forms of media, direct mail allows you to speak directly to consumers – by addressing them by name. When customers feel like you understand how to solve their problems, they’re more likely to respond.

Direct mail provides flexibility. When you send direct mail, you have many options. Send a letter, a postcard – or the many other formats available.

Provides a tangible message. Online marketing isn’t tangible. A simple “click” can delete your message entirely. However, direct mail places the message into your customer’s hands, which encourages interaction.

Measure results easily. Direct mail allows you to easily track the success of your marketing campaign. With the ability to track results, you can make changes to maximize your impact and every marketing dollar spent.

Simple and cost effective. With direct mail, you don’t need a high level of computer skills. A professional mail piece and basic tracking method is all that’s needed.

Do you think direct mail stands out in the digital world? Please share by leaving a comment below.

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Are you Making Invitation Etiquette Mistakes?

Your special event is creeping closer. Invitations are already purchased. But as you sit down to address them, you think about something very important: timing. An invitation sent too soon might be forgotten. Yet, an invitation sent without enough notice might translate to low attendance.

So, what’s the magic formula?

It’s simple. Follow the invitation etiquette used for years, allowing you to get it “just right.”

Formal Parties

What’s on your calendar this year? If it involves a formal party, you’ll want to give your guests some notice. For example, an anniversary party invitation is sent about 3 to 6 weeks in advance, while a Christmas or cocktail party invitation is sent 4 weeks in advance.

But what about turkey day – when should you send those invites? Etiquette recommends about 2 to 8 weeks before the event. For special summer events, like graduation, give your attendees 8 weeks of notice. Also, wedding invitations should be sent about 8 weeks before the event, allowing attendees to make travel plans.  

Casual Parties

When you’re having a causal party, do you really need to follow invitation etiquette? Maybe. Giving your attendees some notice will ensure they can attend.

Plan to send invites up to 2 weeks before your party. For an informal dinner, give your guests a little more time – up to 3 weeks if possible.

Details on RSVPs

The tradition of RSVPs is designed for you - the party host. So, don’t forget to use them. On your invitation, include directions on how you’d like your guest to RSVP. For example, request responses through email, phone or by mailing back a response card.

Ideally, an invited guest will RSVP with a “yes” or a “no” by the required date. But what happens if you’re missing RSVPs? For an informal event – it might not be a big deal. But if you’re planning a wedding or large event, call your guests. This allows for better planning. After all, you’ll have pay vendors that charge by headcount, like caters, so an accurate count is important.

Have you learned something surprising about invitation etiquette recently? If so, please share by leaving a comment below!

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Shipping Food? Think Twice Before you Pack it
Do you ship food products – or receive these items periodically through the mail? If so, you’ve likely wondered about food safety and envelopes. Over the past several years, a variety of plastic products have come under fire, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) which raised safety and health concerns.

Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration provides some guidance on “food-safe” envelopes. Using an FDA approved envelope ensures your contents are safe and fresh throughout the entire shipping process.

Showcase your Items, Safely
Imagine this. If you were to travel inside an envelope, you’d be exposed to many elements – even in a reasonably safe shipping process. This might include spikes and drops in temperature. Sound fun? Probably not.

That’s why the material you select should be safe and approved for shipping food. It must hold up to the elements. Not leak harmful substances into your items. And preserve quality and freshness.

The FDA has approved specific envelopes for shipping, including clear products that are perfect for items like chocolate, cookies, snacks and candies. But, how can you be sure the envelopes you select meet these strict standards?

The Right Envelopes
A high-quality option is the Clear-Pak Peel and Seal envelopes. These envelopes are FDA approved and food safe. They’re crystal clear and available in over 300 different sizes. The peel and seal closure make it simple for you to seal your items.

APEC offers this type of product, with a design that provides easy opening, excellent sealing, stiffness and transparency.

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Do you ship food products through mail? If so, please share your favorite tip by leaving a comment below.