Papierbladen

Papierbladen (Dutch for paper sheets) are sheets of paper intended for writing, printing, or drawing. They vary in size, weight, and finish according to use.

Most paper is made from a slurry of plant fibers, primarily wood pulp, sometimes with recycled fibers or non-wood fibers. After pulping, the fibers are formed into sheets on a moving screen, pressed to remove water, and dried. The surface may be coated or calendered to alter brightness and smoothness. Weight is expressed in grams per square meter (gsm). Common office papers are around 80 gsm, while thicker drawing papers range from 120–300 gsm, and card stock can exceed 300 gsm.

Sizes follow international standards (ISO 216), with A4 (210 × 297 mm) as the most widely used sheet size. Paper products may also be sold as larger or smaller sheets for craft or art supplies. Finishes include uncoated, coated (matte, satin, glossy), and textures suitable for ink, pencil, marker, or watercolor.

Applications and uses include writing, printing and copying, drawing and painting, packaging, and crafts. The choice of papierblad depends on brightness, opacity, texture, and durability. Office paper emphasizes smoothness and whiteness; artists might prefer heavier or textured papers.

Environmental considerations involve responsible sourcing (certifications such as FSC), recycling of post-consumer waste, and reductions in energy and chemical use in production.