Papir

Papir is a thin sheet material made primarily from cellulose fibers, typically derived from wood pulp but also from cotton, hemp, or recycled paper. It is produced by dispersing fibers in water, forming a sheet, and pressing and drying it to remove most of the water. The result is a flexible, relatively strong sheet that can be written on, printed, or used for packaging.

Papir originated in China during the early centuries CE and spread along trade routes to the Islamic world and Europe. By the medieval period papermaking was established in Muslim and European centers, and the invention of mechanized paper machines in the 19th century enabled mass production. The development of chemical pulping and coatings in the 20th century further broadened properties and applications.

Raw material selection, pulping (mechanical, chemical such as kraft or sulfite, or recycled fiber), refining, and sheet forming on a continuous paper machine determine the final qualities. Properties include brightness, whiteness, opacity, tensile strength, absorbency, and surface smoothness. Grammage (grams per square meter) and caliper measure thickness.

Common categories include writing and printing papers, newsprint, packaging papers, and tissue. Specialty papers—coated, glossy, laid, or filter papers—satisfy specific requirements. Paperboard is a thicker variant used for cartons and folders. Recycled content and certifications influence selection.

Papir is widely recycled; de-inking is used for printed papers. Recycling saves virgin fiber, energy, and water, though production and disposal have environmental impacts, including emissions and water use. Sustainable forestry, recyclability, and certifications aim to reduce adverse effects.