Welcome to our new website!

Design Reprographic Supplies Ltd

what-kind-of-trees-are-used-to-make-paper (1)

What Kind Of Trees Are Used To Make Paper?

Discover various types of trees that are commonly used in the paper-making process.

Posted by Stef Cowie

When we think of paper, we often overlook the fact that it comes from trees. Paper is an essential part of our daily lives, used for writing, printing, packaging, and so much more.

Softwood Trees

Softwood trees are the primary source for paper production due to their long fibres, which provide strength and durability to the final product. The most commonly used softwood trees include:

Pine

Pine trees, such as the Scots pine and the white pine, are widely used in the paper industry. Their straight and sturdy fibres make them ideal for producing quality paper.

pine-trees
Scots pine

scots-pine
White pine

white-pine
Spruce

The spruce tree is another popular choice for paper-making. Its strong and flexible fibres contribute to the production of high-quality paper.

spruce-tree
Sitka spruce

Sitka_tree
Norway spruce

Norway spruce
Fir Trees

Fir have long been used in the production of paper due to their resilient fibres. They are particularly favoured for producing fine writing paper.

fir-tree
Balsam fir

Balsam fir
Douglas fir

Douglas_fir_cone

 

Hardwood Trees

While softwood trees dominate the paper-making industry, hardwood trees are also utilized to a lesser extent. Hardwood trees have shorter fibres but offer other desirable qualities. Some commonly used hardwood trees for paper production include:

– Birch

Birch trees are known for their smooth and thin bark, which can be easily separated from the wood. This characteristic makes them suitable for producing high-quality paper products

birch-tree

– Silver birch

silver-birch
– Yellow birch

yellow-birch
– Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and are widely cultivated for paper production due to their fast growth and high fibre content

eucalyptus-tree

– Blue gum

Eucalyptus_blue-gum
– Lemon-scented gum

Lemon-scented gum-tree
Poplar

Poplar trees are valued for their rapid growth, making them an excellent choice for sustainable paper production. Their fibres are relatively short but can be mixed with other longer fibres for improved paper strength.

– White poplar

White poplar-trees

– Lombardy poplar

lombardy-poplar-tree

Transitioning to Sustainable Sources

As the world becomes increasingly conscious of environmental issues, the paper industry is shifting toward more sustainable practices. This includes a focus on using recycled paper and exploring alternative fibre sources such as agricultural residues and non-wood plants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a diverse range of trees is used in the paper-making process. Softwood trees like pine, spruce, and fir dominate due to their long and strong fibres, while hardwood trees like birch, eucalyptus, and poplar contribute their unique qualities.

As the demand for paper continues to grow, the industry needs to adopt sustainable practices to preserve our precious forests.

We don't sell trees but we do sell quality paper

Check out our large range of wide-format paper, which includes various types and sizes. From art paper, plotter paper to canvas fabric, we have got you covered.

More like this

Sign In / Sign Up

We use cookies