* Wood Pulp: The primary ingredient is wood pulp, a fibrous material obtained from trees.
* Bleached Pulp: To achieve the desired white color and brightness, the pulp is bleached using various methods, often with chlorine-based chemicals. Some manufacturers use alternative, more environmentally friendly bleaching processes.
* Other Additives: High-quality paper may include additional additives for improved qualities:
* Fillers: Materials like kaolin clay or calcium carbonate are added to increase paper's opacity, smoothness, and printability.
* Sizing Agents: These substances, often starch-based, control ink absorption and prevent feathering.
* Resins: Resins enhance the paper's strength and durability.
Factors Influencing Quality:
* Fiber Length and Strength: Longer, stronger fibers result in a smoother, more durable paper.
* Pulp Source: Different tree species produce pulp with varying qualities.
* Production Process: The manufacturing process, including bleaching techniques, affects paper quality.
* Paper Weight: Higher grammage (weight) indicates a thicker, more substantial paper.
Examples of High-Quality Office Paper:
* Laser Printer Paper: Typically bright white and designed for high-resolution printing.
* Copier Paper: Similar to laser printer paper but may have a slightly different surface texture.
* Bond Paper: A heavier, more durable paper often used for official documents and stationery.
Remember that "high-quality" is relative and depends on the specific use case. Choose the paper type that best suits your printing needs and budget.