How Paper is Made

TURNING WOOD INTO PULP
Pulp is the byproduct of mechanically or chemically treating wood chips to break them down into fibrous material that makes up the paper. Early in our company history, we manufactured our own pulp by mechanically grinding chunks of wood until a groundwood pulp was formed. As the need for whiter, brighter and stronger paper increased, the pulping process evolved to include bleaching and adding sulfites to provide a cleaner pulp. The demand for coated paper continued to increase and, eventually, the mill closed the groundwood mill and obtained higher quality pulp from other sources.

STOCK PREPARATION
The make-up of a particular grade of paper is determined by the stock preparation. A combination of hardwood (deciduous trees such as aspen or maple) and softwood pulps (evergreen trees like fir or hemlock), mixed in different proportions, can determine a sheet's strength and smoothness. The result of good stock preparation is a consistent and uniform furnish.

MAKING PAPER
Following stock preparation, the furnish is then sent to the paper machine. Click here to see a detailed diagram of the paper making process.