Printmaterial

Printmaterial is a term used in the printing and publishing industries to denote the physical materials that are processed or transformed to create printed products. It covers substrates such as paper and cardboard, plastic films, textiles, and other printable materials, as well as inks, toners, coatings, adhesives, and finishing layers used in various printing technologies. The choice of printmaterial depends on the intended product, printing method, durability requirements, and environmental considerations.

Substrates vary in weight, thickness, brightness, opacity, and surface finish. Common paper grades include offset paper, coated papers, and papers with recycled content, while packaging often uses glossy or satin-coated boards, or films like PET or PLA. Inks differ by printing method: offset inks for sheet-fed presses; liquid inks for flexography or gravure; digital inks and toners for inkjet and laser printers. Finishing materials such as coatings, varnishes, laminates, and metallic foils are used to improve durability, appearance, or special effects. Adhesives and binding materials complete the set of printmaterials used in bookbinding, packaging, and labeling.

Properties and selection revolve around compatibility with the chosen printing process, together with desired aesthetics and performance. Important criteria include weight, brightness, whiteness, gloss, opacity, and color stability, as well as environmental attributes like recycled content and certifications. Standards from color management to material performance guide specification and quality control.

Environmental and regulatory considerations are increasingly central. Many printmaterials carry certifications for sustainable sourcing (eg, FSC or PEFC), recyclability, and low environmental impact. Responsible handling of inks and waste, along with compliance with regional restrictions on substances, shapes procurement and disposal practices.