Did you get the paper you ordered?

(This article is from the September issue of Cylinders)

Although some paper characteristics like color, weight, and finish are easy to discern, trying to determine how a paper was made is a lot more challenging, even for a trained paper expert. But why is this important?

Imagine this. You just received a copy of your new winter catalog and it looks great. After a few days you notice that the snow scene on the cover is no longer white, it's yellow, and so are the models' smiles. Hey, these catalogs were supposed to last an entire season. What’s going on?

Chances are good the paper used for your catalog contains mechanical pulp, often referred to as groundwood. Unlike chemically processed pulp, mechanical pulping leaves behind a substance called lignin. Lignin is the natural glue that holds wood fibers together and is the primary cause of paper discoloration. The more mechanical pulp your paper contains, the faster it will yellow. Two great examples of papers that are made with mechanical pulp are newspapers and telephone directories. Leave either one of these out in the sun for a few days and they'll quickly change colors.

While papers made with mechanical pulp are fine for newspapers, telephone books, and other low-quality printed materials, they're not very good for most catalogs, brochures, annual reports, and any publication that requires a longer shelf life, better quality, and more strength.

So how can you tell if your catalog contains mechanical pulp? Easy.

For a limited time we're giving away a free Frank Parsons Groundwood Test Kit. Each kit comes with a special groundwood indicator pen and sample sheets of two of our most popular papers—one made with chemical pulp (freesheet) and the other made with mechanical pulp (groundwood). To get your free test kit, click the link below. Hurry, supplies are limited. Only one test kit is permitted per company.

[Order a FREE Groundwood Test Kit]

For more information on the differences between papers made with chemical and mechanical pulp, please contact your Frank Parsons America national accounts representative.