What is Woodfree Paper?

Woodfree paper refers to papers created from chemical pulp rather than mechanical pulp¹. Chemical pulp is made of pulpwood, which involves the extraction of cellulose from wood by dissolving the lignin that binds the cellulose fibers together². This results in a paper that is free from lignin, making it durable and resistant to yellowing over time.

Woodfree paper comes in both coated and uncoated version. While this is
the case, woodfree is more commonly associated with uncoated paper.

 

Characteristics of Uncoated Woodfree Paper

Eco-friendly Vibe: The uncoated finish of woodfree paper gives off a more natural look to the target audiences.

Printability Across Various Processes: Woodfree paper proves its versatility in the printing world by seamlessly adapting to different printing processes. Whether it’s offset printing, digital printing or inkjet printing, this paper variety performs consistently.

Archival Quality for Enduring Prints: Woodfree paper often boasts archival quality, resisting yellowing and deterioration over time. This characteristic is particularly crucial for books, educational materials, and any content that aims for long term storage.

  

Applications of Uncoated Woodfree Paper

1. Office Stationery

Woodfree paper is widely used for everyday office stationery such as letterheads, envelopes and notebooks. Its writable surface and durability make it perfect for jotting down notes, ideas, and daily tasks.

2. Printing Documents

Everyday printing needs, including invoices, documents, reports, and presentations, can be efficiently met with woodfree paper. Its high printability ensures crisp and clear text, making it ideal for corporate communication.

3. Educational Materials

From textbooks to workbooks, woodfree paper is a staple in educational materials. Its archival quality ensures that educational content remains readable and intact for an extended period of time.

4. Art Sketching

Artists often choose woodfree paper for sketching and drawing due to its high opacity and writable surface.

5. Personal Print Projects

Whether it’s printing party invitations, DIY project instructions, or family newsletters, woodfree paper caters to a variety of personal print projects. Its versatility nature and ability to handle different printing processes make it a reliable choice for creative endeavours at home.

In these day-to-day applications, woodfree paper seamlessly integrates into various aspects of our lives, offering a balance between functionality and print quality. As one of the major paper suppliers in Singapore, OVOL Singapore offers a diverse selection of woodfree paper to ensure that we have options that meet your specific project needs. Connect with us through to explore!

#paperstillmatters #printinspirestrust #smallstepsbigimpacts

1. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/woodfree-paper-market#:~:text=Woodfree%20paper%2C%20also%20known%20as,from%20cellulose%20fibers%20amid%20processing.
2. https://www3.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch10/final/c10s02.pdf

Understanding Artcard

Artcard is a coated card that is known for its glossy or matt finish. It is commonly used for products like creative cards, marketing collaterals, and packaging materials. The coating on artcard enhances colour vibrancy and gives a shiny, premium appearance to printed materials.

 

Characteristics of Artcard

Thickness and Durability: Artcard is known for its thickness, making it resilient and capable of holding up well to various product applications.

Smooth Surface: Artcard often features a smooth surface that allows for precise detailing and a professional finish.

Enhanced Colour Reproduction: Artcard is designed to showcase vibrant and vivid colours, making it an ideal choice for those who want their creations to pop.

 

Applications of Artcard

1. Fine Art Prints

Artcard is an excellent choice for creating fine art prints. Its thickness and smooth texture add a lively dimension to prints, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

2. Creative Cards

The sturdiness of artcard makes it an ideal material for crafting high-quality cards, such as greeting cards, invitation cards, postcards, educational flashcards and poker cards. The smooth surface ensures vibrant visual, while the thickness adds longevity to the cards.

3. Promotional Materials

Whether it’s posters, catalogues, or promotional prints, artcard can elevate the quality of promotional materials, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression.

4. Art Journals

Artists often prefer artcard for their journals due to its durability and ability to handle various artistic mediums, from pencils to markers.

5. Book Covers

Artcard’s sturdiness makes it suitable for book covers, providing durability and a polished appearance. This is particularly advantageous for special edition books and high-quality publications

6. Packaging Inserts

Enhance the unboxing experience by incorporating artcard inserts into product packaging. This can include personalised messages, care instructions, or promotional material.

7. Product Tags and Label

Artcard is an excellent choice for product tags and labels. Its printing capabilities allow for detailed branding, and its thickness adds a premium feel to the overall presentation.

8. Food Packaging

Its sturdiness ensures that it can protect the contents, and the smooth surface allows for high-quality printing of branding elements, nutritional information, and imagery.

 

As one of the biggest paper suppliers in Singapore, OVOL Singapore offers a diverse selection of artcard to ensure that we have options that meet your specific project needs. Chat with us to learn more!

#paperstillmatters #printinspirestrust #smallstepsbigimpacts

Taking a closer look at the eco-friendly dance between paper and digital world, ‘Green Balance’ invites us to think about how these choices affect the environment. In this article, let’s explore the environmental impact of both, trying to understand how our media habits fit into the bigger picture of sustainability.

Print’s Green Evolution

Contrary to the prevailing notion that digital is “greener”, the print industry has made significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint. Between 1990 and 2019, carbon emissions in the paper sector decreased by an impressive 48%¹.

Notably, the paper, pulp and print sector is now among the lowest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases, accounting for 0.8% of European emissions². A remarkable 71.4% recycling rate for European paper and paperboard in 2022 also further demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainability³.

The Environmental Impact of Digitalisation

On the other side, digital convenience comes with its own set of environmental challenges. The carbon footprint of a standard email, calculated by environmental expert Mike Berners-Lee, reaches up to 26g of CO₂, escalating to 50g with attachments⁴. Digitalisation’s substantial 4% share in greenhouse gas emissions⁵ raises questions about the environmental benefits of a fully digital approach when compared to 0.8%² contributed by print and paper sector.

Striking A Balance

In the quest for a sustainable and eco-conscious future, the emphasis shifts toward striking a balance between the benefits of digital communication and the environmentally conscious practices of the print industry. Instead of avoiding either print or digital altogether, where print is required, we should focus on responsible practices, such as using papers which are sourced from certified sustainably managed forests when printing is necessary.

If you are looking  for sustainably-sourced printing materials, click here or contact us for a quick introduction session!

1. Cepi, Energy & Climate 2021
2. European Environment Agency, Annual European Union Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2018, 2020
3. https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/cepi-europe-paper-recycling-2021-summary/
4. 2021, The Carbon Footprint Of Everything, Mike Berners-Lee 
5. https://www.ey.com/en_ch/decarbonization/how-digitization-acts-as-a-driver-of-decarbonization
6. https://theroundup.org/global-e-waste-statistics/

#paperstillmatters #printinspirestrust #sustainability #smallstepsbigimpact

When it comes to printing stickers, selecting the right material plays an important part in achieving the desired look and performance. Two commonly found options for paper stickers are Mirrorkote and Woodfree sticker, which each has its own attributes. In this article, we’ll explore each characteristic of Mirrorkote and Woodfree stickers to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Mirrorkote Stickers

Mirrorkote is a glossy coated paper sticker that is often chosen for its shine and reflective surface. Here are some key characteristics of mirrorkote stickers:

1. High Gloss Finish: Mirrorkote sticker has a high-gloss finish that gives stickers a vibrant and reflective appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for stickers where a glossy, eye-catching look is desired.
2. Sharp Printing: The glossy surface of mirrorkote sticker allows for sharper and more vivid printing of colours, text, and images. This makes it suitable for stickers with intricate details.
3. Excellent for Product Labels: The glossy finish and vibrant printing make Mirrorkote paper stickers a popular choice for product labels, packaging, and promotional materials.

Woodfree Stickers

Woodfree stickers, also locally known as paper sticker, is a type of sticker that does not have a coating. Here are some characteristics of woodfree stickers:

1. Natural Look and Feel: Woodfree stickers have a natural paper texture with non-reflective appearance. They are ideal for projects where a more subdued or organic look is desired.
2. Writable Surface: Unlike mirrorkote, woodfree sticker is easy to write on, making it suitable for stickers that need to be personalised.
3. Eco-Friendly Option: Woodfree paper is often considered more of an environmentally friendly option as it does not have an extra layer of coating like mirrorkote does.

When deciding between Mirrorkote and Woodfree stickers, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. At OVOL Singapore, we offer both Mirrorkote and Woodfree sticker options, and we’re here to help you. Our extensive selection ensures that you can choose the perfect sticker material to achieve the desired results for your projects. Contact us here to learn more!

In today’s competitive market, where consumers are bombarded with choices, it is imperative to have a captivating food packaging on the shelf. A good packaging not only protects the contents but also communicates the brand’s identity and entices customers to make a purchase. Here are essential tips for designing food packaging that stands out on the shelf and leaves a lasting impression.

1. The Power of Colour:

Colour is a powerful tool in food packaging design. It can evoke emotions and influence purchasing decisions. Consider the following when selecting colours:

• Branding: Ensure the colours align with your brand identity.
• Appetite Appeal: Warm colours like red and yellow tends to stimulate appetite, while greens often conveys healthier and fresher food¹.

2. Thoughtful Design:

A well-thought-out design can tell a story and make your product memorable. Consider these design elements:

• Visual Hierarchy: Arrange information logically, with the most important elements prominently displayed.
• Whitespace: Don’t overcrowd the packaging; whitespace can make the design look clean and elegant.

3. Storytelling and Transparency:

Engage consumers by telling the story behind your product:

• Product Origins: Share information about where the ingredients are sourced or the product is made.
• Transparency: Include nutritional information, ingredients, and any certifications prominently.

4. Coating for Safety:

Safety is paramount in food packaging. Ensure your packaging materials and coatings are food-safe:

• Barrier Coatings: Use coatings that protect against moisture and contaminants to maintain product freshness and safety.
• FDA Approval: Ensure that all coatings and materials comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and safe for direct contact with food.

5. Sturdiness and Durability:

Your food packaging must withstand handling, transportation, and storage. Consider these factors:

• Material Selection: Choose sturdy and durable materials that protect the product from damage.
• Functional Design: Ensure that the packaging is easy to open and reseal if necessary.

OVOL Singapore currently offers a range of food packaging boards that can be used to create durable food containers. One of the most popular options is the PE Food Board, a polyethylene-coated white board specifically engineered to endure temperatures ranging from -18 to 100 degrees Celsius. This board features exceptional sturdiness while ensuring the consumer safety, being FDA Certified for safe direct contact with food items. Feel free to contact us here to learn more!

1. https://foodmatterslive.com/article/the-psychology-behind-the-relationship-between-food-and-colour/